Do you ever feel like you are in the center ring at the circus, and everyone is watching you try to juggle? This is a good visual of how we all try to balance work and home life. If you don’t know how to juggle, you are going to drop the ball many times. When you have too many things pulling you in all different directions whether it may be work, kids’ extracurricular activities, chores at home or just life in general it can be overwhelming.
You can have balance of your work and home life, but you first must know how to begin. Finding time for yourself, creating a happy home life, and succeeding at work are not impossible if you learn to set limits, periodically say no, and forgo expectations of perfection in yourself and others. When you are asked to take on a task or volunteer for an organization, prioritize by not saying yes to all requests and learning to say no kindly but firmly.
As REALTORS®, we are constantly juggling our schedules with showings, listing appointments, client phone calls, emails and lots of paperwork. We truly work 24/7. Well, almost! Our workday begins with good intentions and one change can alter the entire day. How can you balance when things are so crazy? There are a few tips to follow and not just for our profession.
Take care of yourself. Eat right, get plenty of sleep, exercise and have some mental health time for yourself. Lack of sleep can affect our health and mental state so set a routine and try to stick to it. Get up early if you need to have some quiet time before the rest of the house rises.
Surround yourself with compassionate friends who understand your demanding schedule and won’t criticize your juggling act. If you cannot attend that dinner or social event, hopefully they understand when work or home is a priority. Send a quick text letting them know you are thinking of them and ask to reschedule.
Listen, ladies and gents our homes don’t need to be in perfect order. Southern living magazine is not coming to take pictures, so it is ok if you don’t fold that laundry tonight or run the vacuum to suck up the dog hair. Unless your house is on the market for sale and you have showings, then maybe light a candle and hide the laundry. In all seriousness, we need to learn to relax and enjoy some time doing things we love. Make memories.
Organization is the key word in all of this. Organize your time, your personal space, your home and work and things will run more smoothly. Ask your family to help when things are busy and return the favor when they need you.
Just remember to take time for yourself, enjoy those around you and be kind to others. You have no idea what may be going on in their lives. Maybe they haven’t mastered the juggling act yet.
Have a fantastic first week of May! Remember to do good things!
Stephanie Lemley, 2021 MBOR President
