Like most of the world, we are officially back to work. With many of us working from home for over a year, going back may have been a stressful prospect. One thing the pandemic taught us was to slow down and recognize what’s most important. Those fortunate enough to work from home realized the importance of proper work-life balance. The hustle and bustle of working 40-plus hours a week is no longer the ideal.
However the pandemic affected your life at work and home, making a few changes can help reduce stress and anxiety and smooth life’s transitions.
SET BOUNDARIES
As women, we typically carry the weight of the world. We are trying to maintain a household, raise children and be the best we can at work. This often causes us to avoid saying “no” when we clearly should, lest we look weak.
By setting boundaries, you allow yourself more opportunity to say “yes” to the things that really matter.
ASK FOR HELP
One of the hardest things for me to do is ask for help. But on the occasions that I have, I realized that people were happy to assist. We get so caught up in trying to do everything ourselves that we don’t even realize we have a tribe around us that’s willing to come to our aid when needed. If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed, ask for help. As the old saying goes, “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” No one will never know you’re struggling if you don’t tell them.
PLAN AHEAD
Planning ahead and being organized can be a major timesaver, as well as a stress reducer. Something as simple as meal planning and prepping can relieve some of the pressure of rushing from work to get home and decide what to cook for dinner. This also will free more time to spend with your loved ones. Another great tip is to keep a calendar or agenda for the week. That way, there are no surprises regarding what tasks you may have. You also will avoid overscheduling yourself.
Lastly, remember it’s completely normal to experience some type of stress. The key is how you manage it.
Ariel Chamberlain is mom and lifestyle blogger based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Connect with her via Instagram (@thelemonsoflife1, her blog (www.thelemonsoflife.com) or by email at arielc@thelemonsoflife.com.
