Stress and guilt seem to go hand-in-hand. As a working parent, there seems to be plenty of both to go around! Learn to reduce them both using these 5 simple tips.
Stress and guilt seem to go hand-in-hand. As a working parent, there seems to be plenty of both to go around! Below are a couple of quick tips that can greatly reduce feelings of stress and guilt creating greater life harmony.
1. Consciously choose what you want to do
When you say “Yes” to one thing, you are automatically saying “No” to something else. Think about that the next time a request comes your way and be conscious about what it is you’ll need to say “No” to in order to say yes.
2. Let go of the need to conform to the expectations of others
A dear friend of mine recently said that turning 40 was liberating in that she no longer felt the need to please anyone! Why wait until you’re 40 (or 50 or 60 etc.) to begin making decisions that are in the best interest of you and your family?
3. Create a balanced view for your life
Take into account your season of life. Are you currently a corporate climber or business owner growing your business? Do you have young children? Older children (seasoned parents say kids need you MORE in the teen years than you think they will)? Are you an empty nester? Take these things into consideration as you create your vision for a balanced life. Ensure your own expectations match up with the reality of your life situation.
4. Say Yes to the RIGHT things
It’s not about saying no to everything but evaluating your response to make the best decision for you AND the requester. If saying yes to a request is going to add a level of excitement, energy or fulfillment to your life (even if it means taking away some of that precious time), it’s likely something you’ll want to accept. In contrast, saying yes to a request that will create feelings of resentment, being used, and drains on your energy aren’t in your best interest or that of the requester.
5. Care for your body, mind and spirit
I know, it SOUNDS selfish, but in reality if you aren’t at your best, how can you GIVE your best? Do something for your body, mind, and spirit on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis and watch your energy increase! This leads to a happier person/parent/spouse/employee and benefits everyone!
Are you having enough fun?
It is a little known fact that fun is one of the secrets to sustainable success! The ability to have fun in every situation enables you to be more successful and more relaxed whether it is at home or at work. Oh sure, I can hear what you’re thinking. Things like, “I couldn’t have fun at work, it would be unprofessional”, or “If I’m having fun I’m not being the best _____ (fill in the blank: spouse / executive / business owner / mother) I should be and I feel guilty about that”, and my favorite “I’m so busy, I don’t have TIME for fun”. Well, here are three reasons why I believe you must make time for fun and why it’s NOT a luxury item:
Get More Done with a “To-Don’t” List
Somehow in our culture, “being busy” has been elevated to a status symbol. However, busy does not equal productive! It’s easy to be unceasingly busy with the never ending to-do list. As one thing is checked off, three more are added on. But too often clients complain they just aren’t getting what they want accomplished or they aren’t hitting their goals. They are “busy” going nowhere.
Can You Take a Baby Step?
3 Keys to getting and staying in action
