As a working mom, it can be challenging to balance your home life and your work, but balancing the two is essential for your health. Unfortunately, it is common for work to take priority over your home life. Wanting to be successful may seem like you are pushing everything else in your life to the back burner; however, creating a balanced work and home life is critical for not only your emotional, physical, and mental well-being but for your career as well. The good news is that it is possible to have a fulfilling career and a calm, happy family life. Here are a few tips on how to strike a healthy balance between work and home.

Reconsider Your Work Schedule and Flexibility

It is important for your physical and mental health to set realistic yet fair boundaries regarding what you can and cannot do at home and work. Talk with your manager and coworkers to clearly communicate the hours you will be available and that, unless there is an urgent need, you most likely will not be working overtime on specific days.

Unlike during the 1960s when executives spent less than 10 hours in meetings, studies have shown that more recently it is common for executives to spend about 23 hours during the workweek in meetings. For this reason, it is important to set boundaries. If you are currently working more hours on the job than you can emotionally and physically deal with, take the time to determine what hours work the best for you and clearly let your supervisor know the changes you need to make.

Prioritize Your Health

Finding time for you is a critical factor in maintaining your inner peace and balancing the craziness of home and work life. Moms typically have a habit of putting the needs of others first, but if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you’re not going to be able to take care of others.

Your health should be the first priority, because if you aren’t in good physical and mental health, not only will you suffer, but so will your work and home life. It’s essential that you eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. Also, consider finding the time for activities that allow you to recharge and relax, such as reading, yoga, meditation, or simply pampering yourself.

Take Time for Yourself

Although your family and work are important, it is also essential that you schedule time for yourself. You need to relax in order to recharge. Simply indulging in a small, simple activity can help to keep you healthy, both mentally and physically. Most people consider massage a luxury, but research has shown that about 88% of those who get a massage find it to also be effective at reducing or relieving pain. So, if you find yourself having constant backaches or headaches from the stress of daily life, consider scheduling a massage once a month.

Unplug and Utilize Vacation Time

So, what does vacation have to do with balancing home and work life? Everything! Vacation is just as important as sleep. Not taking the time to unplug and disconnect from your hectic work life can have an impact on your general resilience, reflex time, and your ability to fight off infection.

Vacation deprivation can make you cranky and physically ill. You have vacation time, so it’s important to use it. It’s common for people to think that they are doing others a favor by continuing to work even though they are on the edge of exhaustion, but the truth is, you are only hurting yourself, your coworkers, and your family. When you are rested, your mind will be clearer and your energy will be rebooted.

Improve Your Home to Make it More Enjoyable

One of the easiest ways to relax is to surround yourself with comfort. Research conducted by the National Association of Realtors has shown that 81% of homeowners report enjoying their home more and have wanted to be home more after completing a home project, such as the basement. Consider revamping a space in your home that you can call your own. For instance, if you don’t have a basement, maybe an area in the garage or in a spare bedroom can be remodeled to become your comfort area.

One of the most important things to do is to let go of the “mom guilt.” Whatever the reason is to work outside the home, it doesn’t mean that you’re neglecting your home life. Focus on the positive things that your work is providing for your family and be confident in the fact that you are making the best choice for you and your family.