We all have a lot going on in their lives. Add going back to school to the mix and it can feel overwhelming. Here are a few ways to help balance it all.
Prioritize Family Time
Juggling a job, family, and schoolwork is tough. That’s why it’s important to set aside some time for your academic endeavors and to unwind and be present with your family and friends. Every Wednesday could be pizza night or Friday could be devoted to watching a movie.
Something as simple as having a consistent family dinner can have profound effects on a child’s development. A Canadian study that appeared in the “Journal of Adolescent Health,” found that sitting for regular family dinners was beneficial to adolescents’ mental health.
“More frequent family dinners related to fewer emotional and behavioral problems, greater emotional well-being, more trusting and helpful behaviors towards others, and higher life satisfaction,” said the study’s co-author Frank Elgar.
Indeed, it’s in your best interest to make time for regular family dinners, even if your homework for that business course is calling. Not only could this time benefit your children’s mental health, but your own as well.
Take Time for Yourself
While it might seem impossible with everything else you have going on, taking time for yourself is essential to maintaining a sense of balance. Can you take 30 minutes to go to the gym? Take a little bit extra time in the shower. Stop by the mall on the way home just to browse and walk around.
At the very least, take a deep breath every once in a while so you can come back to your responsibilities refreshed and ready to take on it all. It’s better to take 30 minutes now than several days if you get sick from over-extending yourself!
