Entrepreneurial mothers face many challenges in their day-to-day lives, especially now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be overwhelming, especially when they must juggle business and find ways to earn money while tackling familial responsibilities. There is a lot of pressure to do well in both aspects to support the family financially, emotionally, and otherwise. There are only so many hours in a day, and it may seem like it is never enough even while working remotely, so what can you do to manage that balance between work and your family life?

 

  1. Set Realistic Expectations

You cannot do everything, and you need to stop putting that sort of pressure on yourself. You do not need to chase perfection. You only have two hands and two feet. If you have more than one child, then you know that you cannot do everything all at once.

You do not need to guarantee that all of the dishes are spotless, all of the clothes are folded, and that all of the lunches are gourmet meals. You are only human, and you need to remember that. Take care of yourself as well, making sure you exercise and get enough sleep. It is important more than ever to look after your health and the health of those around you.

 

  1. Build a Support System

They say that to lead a positive life, you have to avoid negative thoughts and even negative people. If you tend to agree to that, then you know that you have to evaluate the people you surround yourself with everyday.

For work and personal life, it is important to work with a team that complements you. This team may be your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, or friends.

For work, surround yourself with people with diverse skill sets. Hire specialists that allow you to manage rather than micromanage and hire people you can and that will get the job done.

For your personal life, have a network of family and friends that you can rely on whenever you need help with chores around the house or even emotional support. The current situation can take a toll on your mental health. Feelings of anxiety are prevalent due to the uncertainties brought about by the situation. Surrounding yourself with the right people will make balancing your work and personal life a lot easier. Remember that an ounce of positivity brings a day of sunshine.

 

  1. Manage your time wisely

The most valuable resource for anyone is time. The best way to maximize this is by preparing an organized schedule, a plan that you can follow accordingly. There is already enough for you to think about, so try your best to jot down a schedule that you can refer to as you go about your day. In relation to this, do not be afraid to say no every now and then.

Find the right balance, which can be helped by planning ahead to ensure that you give ample attention to both sides of your life. You can find side hustles to augment your income such as doing freelance writing jobs online, or even doing graphic design work so you can have opportunities to enjoy the trappings of life.

Remember that the day does not have to be filled with just work. Set aside some time for yourself.

 

  1. Do not forget what you do this for

At the end of the day, do not forget what all this is for. You have a family that loves you and depends on you, so do not neglect them. If work starts being overwhelming, take a break or ask for help. Often, the first thing to take a hit when we become too focused on our responsibilities at work is our personal relationships. When that happens, take a step back, inhale deeply, and remember what all the hard work is for.

 

The current situation we are in is a reality we all have to face, and adjusting to the new normal is challenging. Stress cannot be avoided, but it can be managed. Though the responsibilities of being both an entrepreneur and mother seem numerous and never-ending, setting realistic expectations, being organized with your time and effort, having the right support, and remembering what is important can help you succeed in both those aspects of your life.

 

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels