Beauty & Banter: De-Stress Your Life, 4 Ways to Manage Your Time

As a mom of a four year old with another on the way, I sometimes get anxiety about having a career as well as juggling my other responsiblities with my family. It sometimes leaves me feeling like I have to be everything to everyone, and I am left with no time for myself and drained at the end of the day. These tips for managing my time and life have helped me so much, that I thought I would share. 

1. Schedule Your Day-One of the ways that I know I can get to everything I need to do in one day is to schedule my day. Now…I know that it doesn’t sounds fun, but its necessary when trying to juggle children, errands, appointments, social activities, meals, play dates, and my own personal goals. It is nice to just know what to expect for the day and the upcoming week, and when I can add something unexpected into my day.

2. Make Time For Yourself-This you may be asking “How?” Well, it goes along with the above. If I want to have time for myself, then I need to schedule time for myself. For example: If I set a goal for myself to work out four days a week and I know that I have a window of time after I drop my son off at preschool; then I have to schedule that time for myself to take care of me. I am a much happier person after I have a workout and for me that is how I choose to spend “my time”. Schedule in what your want your time to be and enjoy!

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “NO”-Sometimes I just want to relax and hang out with my 4-year-old son instead of driving to the next activity or play date. There is always going to be time to have play dates at the park and trips to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. Knowing when to say “no” for my sanity and well-being is crucial when trying to de-stress my life. Simplicity is the key and it is important to remember that when managing your time and life. 

4. Let Go of the Guilt-Do you ever feel like you just can’t keep up with the other mommies or career women? Between the ever-present Facebook statuses of what projects friends are working on, or who is traveling to this place, etc. It can leave you feeling like you are not doing enough. Relax! One thing I have learned is that I can’t be supermom or super woman. It is imperative to be content with being a good mom, wife, and professional even when we feel like the rest of the world is doing a 110%. When we feel like we can’t keep up or fulfill those unrealistic goals, then we, as women feel guilty for being unable to be superwomen and take care of everything and everyone. It is an unfair perception and unrealistic expectation that society and women put on each other. Letting go of the guilt and accepting the fact that we can be good at what we do and not the best will set you free and you will feel less stress and pressure.