Resolution 4: Find Balance

Work, life, family, exercise, romance…(did we say romance?)

We know, good luck with all that. The elusive “B” word, balance, the very quest for which can add anxiety (or worse, another item on our to-do list). 

Truly, finding balance in life is a constant learning process. And according to Jessica Cherniak, mom of four and seasoned doula, awareness is the key first step.

Take the balance test every once in a while and learn how to avoid potential pitfalls.

1. Do you think selfish is a dirty word?

Remember the first rule you learned when flying with children: oxygen for parents first, then for the children, in case of emergency. You are no help to your family until you take care of yourself first. Let Calgon take you away, walk the dog, visit your local nail spa, practice yoga or take belly dancing classes. Commit to some ‘Me’ time and have fun with it.

2.  Do you run on adrenaline most of the time?

Multi-tasking is a skill mastered by mothers, but it does not wear well on our bodies, apparently. We release a stress hormone while multi-tasking called adrenaline which is hazardous to our health in excess. We know it sounds crazy, but try doing one thing at a time for a change. The kids will appreciate your undivided attention and you might enjoy theirs!

3. Is your beloved becoming a stranger?

Is your beloved getting sidelined? After you schedule your ‘me’ time, find some ‘us’ time to connect, communicate and have fun doing some of the things you used to do before the kids came along. 

4. Are you only wearing your mom hat?

Remember who YOU are. You wear many hats, not just the one that says mother. Remember to be a friend, sister, daughter and an individual. Organize a (guilt-free) wine-tasting night out with your girlfriends. Take YOUR mom to a spa. Develop interests of your own. Your kids will be really impressed when mom learns how to snowboard. 

Resolve to find more balance—after all, if mom isn’t happy, nobody is in the long run.
 
(And by the way, we do agree that the laundry cannot wait no matter how many times the experts tell you it can! Get some help with that department, so you aren’t stuck with the pile yourself.)

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