Some links in this post may or may not be affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link I will earn a commission which supports this site.
Moms Can Blog at Home and Keep the Sanity – 6 Easy Tips!
Congratulations, you’ve decided to go from Corporate Rat Race to Domestic Rug-rat Race on top of a full-time blogger. Now, you just want to make sure you can keep as much sanity as possible, right? I don’t blame you. I was nervous at first as well, even though it turns out it was for naught.
I did a lot of research ahead of time, set out with a plan before I punched out for the last time in the corporate world, which helped. So, I am going to share some of the information that helped me hold onto as much sanity as possible.
It’s important to know that it’s normal to lose a bit of it once in a while. The key in maintaining it overall is getting it back under control quickly. So, read on to learn how to keep, or get back the sanity.
1. Dedicated Office Space
One of the first things you should consider is having a dedicated office space before you start blogging at home. Make it a permanent space, rather than working from the dining room table between meals, or the couch between the kids.
If you can’t devote an entire room, find an area in the house that you can corner off for work space. You might consider putting up a privacy screen, just as a reminder that it’s a work space.
The reason having a dedicated space is so important, is that it is a symbol to the family that you are working, when you are sitting at your desk…and not playing.
2. Activities for the Kids
Plan some activities for the kids to do while you are working. Of course this will depend on their ages, but often times you can find activities to keep them happy and busy for a while. All day? No, not even on our best days. But, if you can occupy their minds with some fun activities, it will allow you a little extra time to focus on work.
For older kids, they can probably do well with iPods and eReaders, especially if they like to read, and research on the computer. In fact, it could be their reward after a couple weeks of allowing you to work, with minimal interruptions.
If you run out of activity ideas, just do a search online to find some that your kids would enjoy.
3. Take Five
More like 15 or 20, about 2-3 times throughout the day. It’s very important that we take care of ourselves, especially as moms. We can’t call in sick, no matter how sick we are, from our motherly duties. So, taking breaks throughout the day is on my daily ‘to do list’.
As we sit idle, our muscles tighten up. And, if we don’t take the time to stretch them out, they will be more sore, weak, and even tired than they would with proper breaks. It can even lead to long term damage if we sit in poor conditions, for long durations.
Another perk to taking a few breaks is that you can spend some time with the kids, which is why most of us started a career at home, right?
Here are some ideas for taking breaks and staying productive at the same time:
*Play with the kids
*Start dinner
*Take a walk
*Read
This is just a few ideas where you can take a break, yet get something done at the same time.
4. Plan Meals Ahead of Time
I like to sit down on a Saturday morning to plan the weekly menu. This has 2 benefits. First, you can save time by not having to think about it at the last minute, as well as have the items on hand, ahead of time.
The second benefit is that you can also save money. Look at what is on sale at your local market, and plan the menu accordingly. It will also save time and money by not having to run to the market multiple times per week.
5. Play Dates
Schedule some play dates for the kids. You can exchange these dates with other moms, and actually get a break during the week when it’s time for the kids to go to the other mom’s home.
Kids will also love this because it’s a nice break from the home routine, leaving them rejuvenated as well.
6. Time Out for Grown-ups
Perhaps the duty we most often neglect is spending some time on ourselves. I love my family, and my work. But, if I don’t take some time to do something for me, those areas are going to end up suffering. We can only give so much before your mind, body, and spirit starts to drain. So, it’s necessary to replenish all 3, so we can continue giving our best to the most important areas in our life.
Some of the things that I enjoy doing to decompress and rejuvenate are read, listen to a favorite CD, or an invigorating workout.
And, there’s no excuse. Today’s technology makes it even easier to give ourselves that much needed time out. For example, you can read or listen to music just about anywhere with an eReader, or an iPod. If you aren’t sure which piece is best for you, do some online research.
All of the above tips will help to save your sanity. Having it all is not only possible, but worth the effort, when properly…and in balance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Escaped from the Rat Race, Lei Chidester pursued her passion in Internet Marketing. She is also the Editor of eReader Guide where she shares in-depth reviews and comparisons of top-rated ereaders on the market.
