Monday, November 8, 2010
How to Make the Work-to-Home Transition Smooth
Being a working mom means working two full-time jobs. Many in this situation find it challenging to switch gears or transition between the two. Sometimes you can't draw the line between your two roles and then you can't enjoy whatever role you may be in. In many cases, family time is the one that ends up suffering the most. You come home from work and are still in "work mode" and it takes a long time before the transition happens and then no one is happy. What can you do to switch gears? Here are some great tips to help you make the work-to-home transition:
Start the transition when you are closing the door to your office. When the work day is done, start preparing for the next phase of the day. As you physically close your office door, you are also mentally closing the door of thinking about work. Start envisioning what you look forward to about coming home...hugs from your children, a delicious family dinner, or a nice warm bath. Use the time you have before reaching your home to start unwinding. Find what works for you during your journey home whether it's enjoying some silence, listening to music or a quick chat with a friend.
Switch "uniforms." For most, our work attire is completely different from what we wear at home. When you get home change right away. Put away the work clothes and put on something that feels homey.
Come up with a family tradition for transition. As a family, discuss what you can do together to ease into the evening. Many times, mothers rush home from work, rush to get the dinner ready, rush to get homework done, and then before you know it you have had no relaxing and fun family time. Why not spend a few minutes of quality time with your family before you jump into the stuff that takes work. For example, take a walk around the neighbor, play a game, or have story time. Whatever it may be, make it yours and enjoy it!
Simplify. Cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping are all tasks that are part of life, but can be so time consuming and stressful for a working mom. Can you Simplify these tasks? Would having help to get dinner ready or the laundry taken care of allow you more time to relax from your work day and spend time with your family? If you knew you could come home without a list of other "jobs" to do at home, coming home from work would be a pleasant experience instead of a stressful one.
Contact us for more practical ideas to help make your transition from work to home a smooth one!
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