How to Manage Stress While Running a business and Parenting.
After a year of building a business for myself, I still haven’t exactly mastered the art of dividing my time between family life and work. Some days feel manageable, but other? Not so much. Even though I have tips and strategies that I do use, I often struggle to implement them consistently. My mind tends to wonder, what I like to call my “squirrel” mentality, and when I try to focus on multiple things, or even thinking about all the things I have to so in the day, I get overwhelmed and eventually just crash. I’ll be stuck on the couch, under a blanket watching Lifetime movies, and then later regret not having done anything all day. The struggle is REAL.
On top of that I homeschool my boys, and do co-op once a week. Even though we’re enrolled in a charter school, I still feel the need to guide and support them throughout the day. Especially because they’re boys! They will try to get around not completing schoolwork any way possible! Balancing business responsibilities, homeschooling, and family life can definitely feel like too much for one person to manage.
But over time, I’ve found ways to make it a little easier, ways that help me manage stress, stay productive, and still enjoy moments with my kids. And no, It’s not drinking wine during the day 😂 although it might feel tempting.
Prioritize, But don’t beat yourself up
I try to identify the top 3 things I need to get done each day, both business and family tasks. Some days I manage them perfectly, some days I don’t. And thats’s ok. The goal is to have some structure without puttng unnecessary pressure on myself.
Set Boundaries Between Work and Home
I have a workspace in my home, it’s called my bed, or my work table in the kitchen 😂 I wish I had a nice bedroom size office, but I Make do with what I have, and honestly I love sitting in my bed doing computer work. I try to create small routines to transition from “work mode” to “family mode” even if just 10-15 minutes of tidying up small things and taking a few deep breaths before switching focus.
Mindfulness & Quick Stress-Relief Techniques
I am definitely guilty of letting my mind wander, hello, “squirrel” syndrome! Deep breathing, or even stepping outside for some fresh air can reset my brain. Even just 2-5 minutes makes a difference when I start feeling overwhelmed.
Accept Help & Delegate When Possible
Running a business and homeschooling at the same time is a lot for one person, add the rest of the house chores and cooking on top of that, it’s downright exhausting. I try to accept help when I can whether it’s letting the boys take responsibility for small chores, asking a friend or family member for support, or outsourcing tasks for my business. Even one small task delegated or automated each week can reduce stress dramatically.
Self-Care Isn’t an Option
I’ve learned the hard way that sleep, nutrition, and short breaks aren’t indulgences, they’re necessary. When I skip them, I crash, my focus worsens, and I’m moody, I get annoyed easily, and I feel resentful. Even a 10 minute walk outside or a quick. cup of tea or coffee alone can recharge me enough to keep going.
In the end finding balance between business and family life isn’t about perfection, it’s about experimenting, adjusting, and showing yourself grace. I still struggle daily, and my “squirrel mind” often wins, but having strategies in place, even if I don’t use them perfectly, keeps me moving forward. The key is to keep trying, keep learning, and laugh at yourself a little along the way.