Achieving a better work/life balance has long been a common goal for working women of all ages and levels of success. Having said this, for some, it can be an extremely difficult balance to accomplish given these modern times of constant connectivity and increased competition that we live in.

While working hard to become successful is commendable, it’s important to realize that there is a tipping point when work related endeavors can become less productive and more of a frustration. If you’re a mom who finds it challenging to juggle life at home with the kids and your work life, the following are five practical tips that may help you to achieve the perfect work/life balanc. Let’s start with the importance of ‘me’ time…

1. Always Schedule some ‘me’ Time

Me’ time can mean different things to different people; for some it may be time spent with family and for others it may mean moments of solitude. Whichever way you prefer to spend your down time, always making sure to set some time aside for non business related tasks provides a lot of benefits. From getting some much needed rest and recharging your batteries to spending some quality time with friends and loved ones, ‘me’ time can actually help you to become more productive while working.

2. Use Technology to work Smarter, not Harder

One of the biggest causes of an upset to work/life balance is technology. Smart devices and cloud computing mean you can take your work anywhere with you, providing a constant reminder of the stresses of your job. In the same way that you can access work related emails and tasks from anywhere, technology can make it easier to shut everything off and get away from the stresses of work. Scheduling tasks on autopilot and monitoring staff via HR software are just two of the ways that you can use technology to work smarter, and not harder.

3. Leave Work Stuff where it Belongs

The two tips above can only truly be achieved once you conquer the urge to take work home or ‘’just quickly check something.’’ Leaving work at work is important not only so as to not invade your personal space and home life, but also because you’re most probably going to be more productive when you’re in your work environment anyway.

4. No one is Perfect

Be it at home or at work, being able to delegate tasks and responsibilities is an important trait, as is accepting that others may not necessarily do things as well as you. Learn to let those who are part of your team at home and at work get on with certain tasks so that you can find time to rest, disconnect, or concentrate on other elements of your home or business life.

5. Just Say No

Whether you are a self-employed entrepreneur, or you have a very demanding boss, it is important to be able to just say “no” to work sometimes. Being sensible and only taking on what you can will prevent your work from completely taking over your life and commanding all other aspects of it.

The issue of having a perfect work/life balance is one that millions of working moms all over the world wrestle with on a daily basis. If, like millions of other moms, you’re looking to achieve a healthy balance that will lead to a happier and more fulfilled you, the five aforementioned tips are something that you should give some serious consideration to.

Motherhood changed me a lot. And one of the most prominent change is that I became more authoritative. “Kapag sinabi ko, sinabi ko at kailangang sundin nyo,” ring a bell?

That’s how I am to my kids, that’s how I build my authority over them. And sometimes it’s hard to shake that authority off. I tend to be “motherlike” even when I talk to my mother. In fact, I was hard on her the past few months. We don’t agree on so many things, specially parenting related and I have to tendency to “correct” her. I realized though, that motherhood does not changed the fact that I am still a daughter, her daughter.

I remember when we were kids, Mother’s Day is like Christmas. It’s a very exciting event for us, we felt like it’s our chance to serve her. I want to remember that feelings. That kind of excitement, that kind of eagerness to please her.

But it’s hard, really hard. I do not know what pleases her anymore? I think most of you can relate on how our moms would always tell, “gagastos ka pa” or “mapapagod ka pa.” Eh we want to spend for them, we want to let them know that we’re still their little daughters who only wants to make them happy.

I realized though, it’s really not what she needs from me, gifts may give smile to her but it is the little things that can really make her happy. So this Mother’s Day, I promised to be more kind her and be her daughter again.

I promise to listen to her, even though she’ll be telling the same stories over and over again. If I have time for other things, I will have time for her stories.

I promise to agree with her, our views may be different but there’s no use arguing with her. She’ll always be my mother and as they say, mother knows best. I will try my very best not to question her authority.

I promise to always assure her that I will always be at her back.

I promise to hug her more and more and tell her how much I love her.

I promise to make her feel important and to make her feel that I still need her even though I already have kids of my own.

—————-

Sometimes I question the need to celebrate Mother’s Day… but I am thankful now for a celebration like this. It made me think, it made me stop and appreciate my mother more.