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Work, Home, and Everything in Between: How to Balance Expectations as a Woman

Writer's picture: Jessicah Walker Herche, PhD, HSPPJessicah Walker Herche, PhD, HSPP

You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of balancing work and family as a woman. It can feel like walking a tightrope. The stress and guilt of not giving enough time to either can be crushing, let alone carving out time to take good care of yourself. Although some believe "you can have it all," it's more likely this sentiment has set women up to feel like they are not doing enough and not doing it all well enough. It's possible to move toward having more balance, but understanding what balance looks and feels like is probably a moving target, depending on the season of life y



ou find yourself in. It's worth exploring, though, whether there are shifts that can be made so that as you ride the waves of life, you feel more sturdy and are able to adapt more quickly and flexibly to the demands of life.


Strategies for Moving Toward Work-Life Balance as a Woman

Juggling work and home responsibilities can be overwhelming. It can be helpful, when possible, to embrace flexible work arrangements and learn to delegate tasks at home and work. Let’s explore further.


Communicate With Your Employer

Open dialogue with your manager, HR, and leadership is key. Be honest about your situation. If you need to drop your kids off at school, making you late, see if they offer flexible hours. It can hard to ask for what you need, and you wont know if flexible hours is an option unless you ask. Most employers want to retain talented staff and will work with you to find solutions that benefit everyone.


Prioritize Tasks

As a working woman, juggling responsibilities can feel overwhelming. To strike a balance, ask yourself: What’s non-negotiable? Which tasks need perfection and focus, and which can be “good enough?” Identify your top commitments at work and home. By prioritizing ruthlessly, you’ll focus on what truly matters, reducing stress and boosting productivity in both spheres of your life.


Delegate

You can throw out your Wonder Woman costume.


You are only one person, and every person has their limits, which may look different from others' limits. And that's okay. If you have less capacity than you want, own that.

Accepting your limitations and learning how to work within your capacity is key. Embrace the power of delegation. Identify tasks others can handle and distribute them among coworkers, your spouse, or family members. By lightening your load, you’ll avoid burnout and create space for what truly matters. Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a smart strategy for maintaining balance and sanity.


Minimize Distractions

As a working woman, every minute counts. Did you know workplace distractions can eat up over three hours daily? To boost focus and productivity, it’s crucial to manage interruptions. Keep chatty coworkers at bay, limit casual internet surfing, and set specific time blocks for emails and phone use. By tackling these time-sucks head-on, you’ll reclaim valuable hours for both work and home life. This will also help to create a little bit of margin in your life for deep breathing or a moment of mindful awareness.


Prioritize Self-Care

In the whirlwind of juggling work and home, remember you. Carve out time for activities that bring joy and relaxation. If you are a mother of little kids, it can be helpful to figure out activities that feel rejuvenating for you while with the kids. For example, going on a hike in the woods or taking a walk with the kids in the stroller. And it's okay to "do nothing" in a rare free moment, to allow your mind and body to catch up. Spa days are nice if you can find childcare, but if that is not an option, that's okay too. Soaking in the tub after the kids are asleep or asking your partner for a foot massage at the end of the day can feel really good too. By recharging your batteries, you’ll be better equipped to show up for life’s demands.


Separate Work and Home Life

Learn to say “no” to tasks that don’t align with your priorities. It’s crucial for successfully juggling personal and professional life. Set clear boundaries to give your all to both aspects. When you’re home, leave work behind. Don’t check emails or discuss business while spending time with family. Create a distinct separation between your work and personal spheres, if possible.


Balancing work and home life as a woman isn’t easy, but there are shifts that can be made and strategies that can be executed to create a little more ease and a little less stress. If you are struggling to find balance in your life and if you find you are experiencing more anxiety or depression connected to this struggle, it may be helpful to reach out for support. We would be honored to support you through this season. Contact us today or schedule your first session with us now.


 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional psychological care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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