How to Master Work-Life Flow: A Working Mother's Guide to Thriving During School Holidays

Unlocking the Power of Work-Life Flow: A Working Professional and Mother's Journey

As a working mother, I understand how challenging it can be to balance work and family responsibilities, especially during school holidays. However, I've discovered that by incorporating the 8 principles of work-life flow into my routine, I can work productively while still enjoying quality time with my children.

The key to a harmonious and fulfilling life lies in being intentional about how I structure my day. I know I'm most productive in the mornings and need exercise to feel my best, so I wake up an hour before my family to fit in a workout. I then prepare breakfast for my kids and focus on my work for the next four hours while they play. After lunch, we enjoy afternoon activities together. Once they're in bed, I may work a few more hours or spend time with my partner. I especially have to be intentional about spending time with my husband, as it's easier to take self-sufficient adults for granted.

To maintain this balance, I've found it crucial to have a schedule, even with flexible working hours.

Here are the 8 principles I follow to unlock the power of work-life flow:

1. Set clear daily goals: Plan each day in advance, including both work tasks and family activities.

2. Monitor progress and provide feedback: Adjust your approach throughout the day to stay on track with your goals. Ask your family for help to keep you in check when your work is eating into family time.

3. Engage in challenging yet enjoyable activities: Find creative ways to keep your children entertained while accomplishing your work.

4. Focus on the task: Remove distractions to work efficiently and have more time with your children.

5. Immerse yourself in each activity: Let go of worries about work or home responsibilities, and focus on the present moment.

6. Maintain control over your life and actions: Make decisions that benefit your work and family life, and clearly communicate your needs to your family.

7. Let go of self-consciousness: Don't worry about others' opinions of your work or parenting abilities; focus on doing your best and enjoying time with your family.

8. Adapt to your experience of time: When you're in the present moment, and your mind isn't preoccupied with unrelated thoughts, you'll find you have enough time and enjoy it. Time becomes your ally, and you don't feel rushed. Embrace the understanding that some days will be more challenging than others, and use the other seven principles to transform your experience.

Incorporating these 8 principles has enabled me to unlock the power of work-life flow, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life. By setting clear goals, monitoring progress, engaging in enjoyable activities, focusing on the present moment, maintaining control, letting go of self-consciousness, and adapting to my experience of time, I've found a way to work productively and spend quality time with my children during school holidays.

I'd love to hear about your experiences! Please share in the comments how you've managed to harmonise your work and family life during holidays or any strategies you've found helpful. We can learn from each other and create a supportive community of working parents.

Let's make your success healthy and happy with Work-Life Flow!

Dr. Masi