Hi friends. We are excited to share, Parents Working Remotely Are Using These Strategies to Stay Calm and Balanced by Sara Bailey this week. Thank you Sara for providing this great post for us!! We really enjoyed it and appreciate the time you took for us!!
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PARENTS WORKING REMOTELY ARE USING THESE STRATEGIES
TO STAY CALM AND BALANCED
Photo credit Alexander Dummer
Much of the U.S. labor force is now working remotely full-time. This sudden shift in what the average workday looks like has posed a variety of challenges for many. One commonly experienced challenge is working from home while caring for young children.
For parents of babies and toddlers, remote work can feel unfeasible. Between the constant distractions, interruptions, and feelings of guilt, achieving a work-life balance is more demanding than ever before.
Although there will always be difficulties associated with parenting young children and working from home, Living 4 You Boutique shares key strategies that parents are using to stay calm and balanced in the new daily norm.
Ask for help
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of toddlers and infants were cared for by someone other than a parent at some point during the day. Now, with varying restrictions across the nation, some parents have decided to balance part/full-time child care and full-time remote employment.
While this goal is admirable, it is almost impossible to sustain for the long-term. Rather than always facing the pressures and demands of work and parenting, ask for help when you need it. There is absolutely no shame in finding ways to lighten your daily load. Asking for help will look different for everyone, and may include arranging a new child care schedule, or hiring someone to complete specific household tasks (e.g., cleaning, lawn care).
Establish work-life boundaries
In nearly every area of life, setting healthy boundaries is a must to maintain peace and balance. This is especially true when it comes to your work and home life.
Even if it seems doable, resist the urge to interweave your parenting duties and your work duties during the day. Although this may not be possible 100% of the time, it is best to set boundaries wherever you can.
What does this look like? Setting boundaries can include establishing firm (and separate) times for work and family, only working in one area of your home, or not answering calls or emails outside of your home “office.”
Improve career prospects
Going back to school while working from home may seem like an impossible task, but it’s definitely doable if you enter an online program. These programs allow you to work at your own pace so you can handle your parenting responsibilities while you learn. With an online degree, you may be able to improve your career prospects and earning power. There are many degree possibilities, including business, nursing, and teaching degrees.
Take care of your physical health
When stressful situations arise, it is incredibly easy to leave your positive health habits behind. However, in addition to helping you stay well, taking care of your physical health can make you both a better parent and a better employee.
In a report published by the American Psychological Association, exercise alone has been shown to “relieve stress, reduce depression and improve cognitive function. ”Eating a nutrient-packed diet can also deliver some of the same results.
To keep in top physical shape, start adding workouts to your weekly schedule. Treat your workout “appointments” with just as much care and commitment as you would an important work meeting. Also, take vitamins and simplify healthy eating by preparing your meals in advance.
Take care of your mental health
Attending to your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. This is even more necessary if you currently face an anxiety disorder, postpartum depression, PTSD, or any other mental health condition. For those who have (or suspect) a mental health condition, be sure to first seek out the advice of qualified medical professionals. A combination of therapy and prescribed medication is often the most effective approach.
On top of seeking professional assistance, there are at-home techniques that you can use to better care for your mental health. Using a meditation app, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, and indulging in your favorite activities are all exceptional choices.
Despite the day-to-day challenges, finding calm and balance while working from home with young children is possible. Since every situation is unique, use these suggestions as general guidance. Adapt them to fit your preferences, time, and needs so that you can reap the full benefits.
Take a look at some other articles by Sara Bailey we think you will love:
Resources to Help Women Take the Business World by Storm
Enjoyable Activities to Help you Relax and Manage Stress
Author Bio:
Sara Bailey
Sara Bailey hopes that by sharing her journey of grief she can provide insight and hope for others who experience loss. She created TheWidow.net as a way to share her unexpected journey of losing her husband and learning to be the best parent (and person) she can be while nurturing her grief.
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