The current global pandemic definitely has me in my feelings. At any given moment, I have feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, confusion, frustration as a result of this “new normal.” Like many of you, I’m balancing a corporate job, homeschooling my two kids, and constantly cleaning my home. Gone are the days of enjoying a family meal at a local restaurant, hiring a cleaning service to help keep the home clean, or enjoying some relaxation on a family vacation. Emotions are running high for me and my husband as well as our kids. One emotion that has hit me the hardest is the guilt I feel.
We are definitely blessed to have a home, food, and paying jobs during this time. I’m truly grateful for this because there are plenty of people that do not. My guilt is not associated with these blessings. Guess what my feelings of guilt are related to? Yep, you guessed mama! The mom guilt has set in big time!
I thought being a working mom was a hard job, but working from home full-time and homeschooling my kids at the same time is extremely challenging. It’s a balancing act where it seems like there is no winner. If I’m on conference calls all day, my kids are self-taught with the TV or a tablet. If I spend the day teaching the kids and doing activities with the kids, I’m up late at night working to make up for it. The constant back and forth is exhausting.
As someone who believes in wellness and positivity, I believe things will get better. Plus, there is no time like the present to be well and positive during this trying time. Here are a few ways I am able to maintain my peace and sanity.
Set boundaries
I’ve learned I need to set boundaries for both work and family. Setting designated work hours and schooling hours is key. I block off certain times of the day where I spend time with the kids for school time as well as enrichment activities. Since I’m busy, my work calendar is updated with these time blocks to let my teammates know I am not available. When it is time for me to have a conference call, I let my kids know I have an upcoming call and request them to have library time. This doesn’t always work as my daughter loves to join the calls, but it is what it is.
Do your best
These are unprecedented times. It’s not beneficial to hold myself to some high standard of being the #1 mom and #1 employee at the same time. I aim to do the best I can everyday. If I decline an extra development webinar, I will be okay. Sometimes my best can handle the balancing act and other days there is no balance. Either way, I accept that I am doing the best I can.
Establish a routine
In our house, we tend to follow a routine with set times for meals and bedtimes (for the kids). With all of the changes, we have relaxed some of the time, but the kids generally maintain the same type of schedule. You would think we keep schedules for the kids, but really it is for us. I know when they go to bed, my free time sets in. So off to bed on time kiddos! Having my own schedule is helpful too. I usually stick to the same morning routine of prayer and gratitude, light stretching, and morning coffee. These extra moments to myself help me stay grounded.
Like most people, I wish I knew when all of this would be over. It’s definitely taking a toll on me mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally. However, as long as I can keep my feelings in check, I will be okay.
