For many women, the experience of working is often accompanied by an added burden; the pressure to take on domestic duties, care for children, and maintain a household.
This unacknowledged phenomenon is referred to as “Women’s Work Syndrome,” which is defined as the unpaid work that women do on top of their regular jobs.
This kind of workload can be incredibly challenging and can lead to extreme burnout, both physical and emotional. However, with a few tweaks to your daily routines, you can overcome this curse and create a better work-life balance.
Tip #1: Learn to Delegate
One of the most significant challenges working women face is the belief that they must do it all. The truth is, you don’t. Learning how to delegate tasks is an essential tool for breaking free from Women’s Work Syndrome.
Start by delegating household chores to other family members or outsourcing tasks through services like a housekeeping or meal delivery service. As an added bonus, delegating will also create a sense of ownership and responsibility in other family members.
Tip #2: Set Realistic Expectations
As working women, we often expect a lot from ourselves and those around us. We assume that we can juggle it all without sacrificing our mental and physical health. But, unrealistic expectations often lead us towards disappointment and frustration.
Setting achievable goals, realistic scheduling, and lower your expectations can help you take a step forward and move away from the curse of Women’s Work Syndrome.
Tip #3: Practice Self-Care
To maintain a work-life balance, it’s essential to put yourself first. This means investing time in self-care and discovering activities that bring you genuine joy and relaxation.
Whether it’s a weekly workout class, an evening spent curled up with a book, or chatting with your close friends, practicing self-care will make you feel invigorated and renewed. It also sets a positive example for others in your life.
Tip #4: Simplify Your Life
Simplifying your life doesn’t mean downsizing your life or living a more frugal life. Instead, it means removing unnecessary stressors. Commit to minimalism where possible.
This might mean a more detailed approach to your schedule, decluttering your home, or minimizing your social obligations. Simplifying your life can lead to a clearer and focused mind that helps you maintain a better work-life balance.
Tip #5: Learn to Say No
Saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad person. It’s important to set boundaries with your work and personal life to avoid overcommitting yourself. It’s okay to decline invitations sometimes if it impacts your work-life balance.
Saying “no” gives you clarity, which helps with self-improvement. When you put yourself first and set boundaries, you will live a balanced life that promotes well-being, something that all women aspire to achieve.
Tip #6: Practice Time Management
Time management is essential to maintain a better work-life balance. Efficient time management allows you to complete necessary tasks without compromising your time with family and friends.
Prioritize your most urgent tasks and try to avoid procrastination at all costs. Proper time management can save you a lot of time and simplify your life.
Tip #7: Seek Out Mentorship
Mentorship can be a valuable tool for career and personal growth. Seeking out mentorship from those in your industry, social circles can provide you with valuable insights, tips and strategies for navigating the pressures of women’s work culture.
Mentorship can also give you positive role models to look up to, with examples to follow that you may find helpful as you stay focused on your aspirations.
Tip #8: Embrace Technology
Electronic devices may often seem like they’re taking over our lives and stressing us out more. However, technology can be a helpful tool in simplifying your life and improving your work-life balance.
For example, online grocery ordering can save you time that you can spend with family or friends, while apps like meditation to keep you calm and focused. Don’t be afraid of trying new technologies, and look for opportunities to integrate them into your routine.