As I am waiting at the Denver airport during a way-too-long layover, I’ve been reflecting on the craziness that has been the last three months of my life. I started a new job in May and while I love my new gig and being back at work, it has been an adjustment. The training process requires a bit of travel and some long days. Add that to an already busy summer filled with weddings, birthday parties, and family obligations and it has been the perfect recipe for burnout.
I keep reminding myself, however, that I’ve been here before. I’m a professional working mom and there are a few key things to help keep my sanity during busy times:
- Taking time to plan my week. My husband and I have a large monthly calendar, and a dry-erase weekly calendar with everything that is going on. It helps us coordinate activities with our son, as well as plan meals to keep us from having frozen pizza every other day. I admittedly could be better at filling out the weekly calendar, but when I do the week just seems to go more smoothly.
- Relaxing self-expectations. I always want to do it all: cook healthy meals, train for another race, have a perfectly clean house. Sometimes that’s not going to happen and that’s okay. I’ve found that by allowing a little leeway (and also letting my husband help with some of these tasks) my mental health is overall better.
- Taking time for myself. Everyone needs time to relax and unwind. Sometimes I need to be my own advocate for getting some “me” time, whether that is going for an evening walk by myself or binging some of my favorite shows.
That is my short but sweet list. For all the working moms (and dads) out there, keep doing what you are doing. It’s not easy, but remember you are being a good parent for not only providing for your family but setting a good example for your little ones.
Hopefully as the training for my new job settles down, I can get more regular with the blogging again. And here I will leave you with my travel buddy, given to me by my 4-year-old so I wouldn’t be lonely traveling by myself:
