“How to manage work-life balance for women” is a common challenge, especially those who are breadwinners and mothers. Finding the right balance between personal and professional commitments is crucial to staying on top of your responsibilities. Women have been blessed with the important roles of motherhood and homemaking, but it’s essential to recognize that household management should be a shared effort between both men and women.
In today’s world, women entrepreneurs are making significant contributions to large multinational organizations while also caring for their families. It’s worth noting that mothers are spending more time in the workforce than ever before, while also dedicating more time to childcare. This constant juggling of commitments and responsibilities can be overwhelming at times. Unfortunately, the struggles women face in balancing family and work often go unnoticed, especially when they require strong support from caregivers, friends, or loved ones during challenging times.
Gender-Specific Hidden Hurdles
Both men and women should be equally valued and respected. However, despite our efforts to achieve balance, misogyny still exists in patriarchal environments, and women encounter numerous hidden hurdles, including:
1. Chauvinism
Cultural attitudes and stigmas continue to create absurd and frustrating challenges for women, negatively impacting their mental and emotional well-being.
2. Bedevilment
The extent of bedevilment, such as sexual harassment in the workplace, has been brought to light through various digital movements and hashtags, highlighting the need for change.
3. Unequal Work Status
Research shows that women often have to work more than their assigned tasks due to gender biases. Moreover, the salary gap between men and women persists, with men typically earning higher wages.
4. Lack of Affordable Care
Many workplaces do not provide adequate support for maternity or postpartum absence, resulting in career gaps for female employees. Unpaid leaves further add to the financial burden, impacting future earnings and savings.
Strategies for How to Manage Work-Life Balance for Women
To achieve a better work-life balance, consider implementing the following proactive steps that allow you to take a break, recharge, and maintain equilibrium in your personal and professional life:
1. Start Fresh
Before embarking on a positive and healthier journey, take a moment to pause and declutter your mind. Your mental well-being plays a crucial role in shaping your overall life. Use this time to recharge and prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.
2. Prioritize “Me” Time
Make sure to dedicate time to self-love and self-care. Stay hydrated, snack on healthy foods, engage in activities you enjoy, such as going for a walk, swimming, or meditating. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift you and provide constant support.
Read also: Tips to Live a JOYFull Life
3. Journaling
Maintaining a journal or using a desk calendar is a classic yet effective way to manage your work-life balance. It helps you schedule tasks, from household chores to attending business meetings and social events.
4. Plan for Seasonal Breaks & Holidays
Anticipate an increase in workload before seasonal breaks and holidays. For example, if you’re a school teacher and Christmas holidays are approaching, you may find yourself with unfinished tasks. Planning ahead and managing your workload effectively will help you handle both personal and professional responsibilities efficiently.
5. Share the Workload
Collaborating with like-minded colleagues is a blessing in the workplace. Delegating tasks is key to managing work-life balance. When urgent situations arise, reach out to your colleagues and share some of the responsibilities.
6. Learn to Say No
Building professional networks is important, but it’s equally crucial to decline invitations to meetings or events that make you uncomfortable or don’t align with your priorities. Keep track of the time you spend on unnecessary luncheons, conferences, or ceremonies. You’ll be surprised by the amount of time you can save for other important tasks or even a power nap.
In conclusion, achieving work-life balance as a woman becomes easier when you focus less on attaining perfection. Remember that not all strategies work for everyone. What you truly need is consistency, discipline, and moderation to strike a balance between your personal and professional life in the best possible way.
Read also: Cultivating Awareness for Mental Health & Resilience