Stress Reducing Tips for Working Moms

More and more mothers are returning to the workforce when their kids come of school age. Some moms never stopped working and have had to learn to juggle home and career. Here are some tips to help working moms to lighten the stress load.

Working moms are those mothers that work outside the home and inside the home. While working moms outside the home may work more hours than the moms that work inside the home, the home-working moms must divide their time between care for the children and their clients. For both, these two worlds provide pressures that can lead to a stressful life.

Working moms have the social interaction that comes with a job in the workplace. They talk with other adults and get away from home for a few hours a day. While work does offer the adult interaction they need, it also introduces a new stressor into the mix.

Work-at-home moms are struggling to find their identity at the same time that they are raising the kids. The spouse still works outside of the home which means that most of the household needs are met by mom as she juggles her business. The new business, while bringing fulfillment, can be another source of stress.

For both types of moms, one tip for stress relief is to exercise. Exercise prepares the body for anything, including attacks from stress. Mornings are usually best for moms because they can get their physical activity out of the way. Mom can also exercise with their kids. Put the baby in a stroller and walk or jog around the neighborhood. Play games with the kids to work up a sweat.

Enlist the help of other family members. Spouses and older kids are not mind readers. If you want help with the chores, ask for it. Give the kids a list of chores to do. Make a chart and tape it to the refrigerator if you need to. Ask your spouse to watch the kids for a few hours when he gets home so that you can have time to yourself.

Hire out for certain jobs. Have a maid service come in and clean for you. It may only be once or twice a month, but any time at all is a big weight off your shoulders. Hire a neighborhood kid to cut the lawn. On the days when your business workload is heaviest, why not use a mom’s helper. She will occupy the kids while you conduct meetings, run errands, and do other business related things. The person you hire should be someone you trust who is good with kids.

Leave work at work or in the home office. Whatever pressures you have with clients or coworkers, decide to deal with it during work hours. Dragging this baggage into your home life does nothing good for you or your family. Worrying all night when the problem will still exist the next day is futile.

Return to work on a part-time basis. Working full time may be stressing you too much. The financial side may take a slight hit, but you will make up for it with peace of mind. Talk to your spouse and share your concerns before making a decision together.
Working moms have added stress from their jobs, whether they work at home or in a work environment. Easing that stress is crucial to keeping the family life in harmony.

Source: Busy Moms Online