Struggling to find a routine can be one of the hardest parts about beginning a work at home career. It can feel impossible.
I know when I first started out and my kids were younger – I thought I would go bonkers.
I was trying squeeze work in during nap time and during their favorite shows like Barney and
Blues Clues. Everything was left open-ended – nothing got completed in one sitting!
Then…when they were in bed….it would be back to work – because it was quiet. Of course…this
sets you up on a vicious cycle of erratic sleep hours and being tired all the time. That’s not good for anyone. Trust me…I did it for so many years that I think it messed with my hormones. Be careful how much you try and avoid Mother Nature and your body. It can come back and bite you.
However – once you do figure out some kind of schedule – you’ll be rewarded with both your sanity and a sense of accomplishment.
My advice if you’re just starting out or still struggling with finding time to “work” – START SMALL.
I know that does n’t sound like great advice – especially when you’re trying to carve out a career for yourself. And makes even less sense when you’re trying to earn some kind of an income – but I promise – if you try and do too much in too little time, with too little rest – you’ll burn out. You’ll feel like crap and be the worst parent ever. YOU WILL NOT GET IT ALL DONE TODAY AND IT’S OK. That is my mantra. To this very day – I tell myself that over and over.
Your family comes first. A clean, organized house, healthy meals and time to play and relax….and SLEEP are more important than anything else. My Mom always says, “If you don’t have your health – you don’t have anything.” And she is right! If you’ve not experienced a health issue – it can bring your life and your family’s life to a screeching halt. That’s why I said earlier – do not mess with Mother Nature. Your body has natural rhythms. Don’t fight them.
Wind down in the evenings. Do this without staring at a computer or TV screen. The light they emit can disrupt your body’s ability to fall asleep. Take a hot bath after the kids are in bed, read a book….magazine….or even meditate for a few minutes. I used to roll my eyes at this type of advice. I just wanted to smack the person that would convey such useless blah blah. But then I decided to try it. Wish I had heeded the advice LONG ago.
Create a schedule during the day. If you’re getting to bed early enough – get up early….sneak in a cup of coffee and a little reading. I find that just casually glancing around at the morning paper can help me feel like I’m in touch with the world and it gives me ideas for stories, inspiration and of course – I love the Word Scamble!
Eat a healthy breakfast – and then work on that schedule. Having a routine for you and your kids will make it less stressful for all of you. Taking breaks – that are both fun and accomplish something can be helpful. For instance…lunch time is ALWAYS A TIME FOR ME AND MY KIDS.
Of course…not during school….but in the summer – we eat lunch together (as well as dinner, every night thoughout the year!). This is an opportunity not only for us to eat, but a chance to connect, relax….maybe sit outside in the sun, read together.
My kids are 14 (15 in two months) and 8. So yes, they are both in school now. That makes a world of difference. But just like today…..here I sit – with my laptop at the Madison County pool typing this article. My daughter is swimming….she’s having a good time, learning – and I’m taking advantage of her “busy” time – by squeezing in a little work myself! That way tonight….when it’s time to post a new blog post — I’m not stressed. Here it is! My laptop has been one of the very best investments I’ve ever made. I don’t have an internet connection right now while I type this….but I can still get work accomplished! And hey…laptops can be nabbed for under $400!! SO worth it.
So don’t fret about your new (or not so new) work at home career. It doesn’t have to be chaos and pull your hair out madness. Setting up a routine and sticking to it will help set the wheels in motion for a happy home for work and family.
Author: Kelly Land lives in Weaverville, NC ( near Asheville ) with her husband, two kids, two cats and dog. She owns the popular, award winning work at home website, www.MoneyMakingMommy.com. She loves writing, gardening, playing guitar and seeking out the “real†deal in life – and then pushing her opinion (in a nice way) about it on others….hence, her blog www.HomeBasedBusinessMom.com.
