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Overwhelmed by trying to do it all? A few small changes could make all the difference
While stress can affect everyone, research shows women are 50 per cent more likely to be affected. And the struggle of trying to find the right work life balance can play a big role.
While there are no easy solutions, author Anna George says there are some simple adjustments you can do to make a difference.
“Even small changes can really have a big impact,” explains the Melbourne-based novelist, whose experience as a working mum raising two boys (aged 13 and 15) with her hubby helped provide inspiration for her new book, Tipping – about a mum struggling to find the right balance. Here, George shares her tips and tweaks …
Research shows women still take on around 75 per cent of household responsibilities. But George says talking things through constructively with your other half can make a big difference. “I think one of the first things you need to do is acknowledge where you’re at, what’s happening and ask is that working,” she says. “Then you think about what are some options for how you can mix things up and change it.”
DO SOME SMART DELEGATING
Splitting tasks can be easier if you work to your strengths. “At one point my husband and I agreed he would become the cook,” George says. “He makes dinners every night. He loves cooking and he’s a better cook than I am.”
FIND FLEXIBILITY
From working from home to flex-time, the pandemic has taught us there are many alternatives to the traditional work week. So, if you think that might suit you and your work may be open to it, now could be the time to negotiate. “I think it depends on people’s jobs and situations,” George says. “But for some people that’s really worked.”
CREATE BOUNDARIES
While working from home definitely has its perks, there are things to consider if you’re going in for the long haul. “Different people I’ve spoken to during this past year have said they’re working more than ever,” George says. “There’s no delineation of when work starts and stops.” To separate her working day, George takes a walk at 5.30pm. “I can clear my head and have that time to wind down after being at the desk and then with the family,” she explains.
MASTER THE MICROBREAK
It may seem counterintuitive, but studies show that people who take regular microbreaks through the day are often more productive. It might mean doing a quick stretch, watching a funny video, or stepping away from your desk to make a cuppa. “Even little naps can be really effective because it helps you to be more productive again when you come back to your work,” George says. “And reading a novel can do that as well – you can have a little 15-minute break and read [for] that sort of effect.”
FIND YOUR PASSION
While stress is often a part of work that we can’t avoid, having a career that you feel passionate about can make all the difference. George’s light bulb moment came after she’d embarked on a high-powered career with a large law firm – only to realise it wasn’t for her. “I didn’t fit,” she says. “The culture wasn’t right for me.” Making the switch to part-time work allowed George to pursue her true calling as an author. “I left after only a couple of years because I wanted to write,” she says.
AVOID THE PERFECTION TRAP
Whether it’s finding the right balance with your career, household duties or simply getting the kids to remember to do their chores, George says it’s important to remember that everything is a work in progress. “It’s easy to be overwhelmed,” George explains. “You strike balances, and then somehow I think there’s a drift, and then you need to realign and get back to where you were again.”