The third step towards work life balance is accepting support

The very last step towards achieving work life balance on your terms is recognizing and accepting support from others. Some of us do this well, some of us THINK we do this well, and others struggle with this. 

Let’s first breakdown the 7 levels of support

1. Family & friends (your people) 
2. Work: your boss, HR 
3. Childcare: daycare, grandparent, partner, babysitter 
4. Online: YouTube, Facebook / groups, Instagram 
5. Your community: resources, opportunities, shelters, food pantries, police officer, fire station etc. 
6. To elevate/ gain clarity: coach or mentor 
7. Deeper support: therapist to work through past trauma, depression etc. 

Sometimes when we hear the word support, we forget that there are so many different types of support to consider depending on what you need right now. 

For example, childcare is often a constant support needed because they are the ones watching your kids. But for my family support also meant government support when my mom barely had any money to give us dinner. So different circumstances and situations account for different uses of your support team.

I encourage you to look through the list and see who a part of your support team and what purpose is being served.

Note: I’d also have you think about people who would consider you a part of their support team.

Why is having a support team important?

When we talk about balance in our lives, it’s typically connected with having peace of mind as a busy mom. It includes not having to worry about certain things more than you need to. And support will do just that for you when needed. They will be a shoulder to cry on when you are having a hard time and the ones to communicate with, so you don’t worry as much when working.

• If you find yourself constantly in bed and having a hard time getting out of it – perhaps a therapist would be great to consider. 

• If you have been working nonstop and need a break perhaps a girl trip with your friends is needed. 

• Maybe you need to find clarity on what to do next in your life because you feel disoriented then maybe a coach is needed.

PS. If that is the case for you check out my program here as I am a life balance and clarity coach for working moms and would love to help you find greater purpose and an understanding of what you need in order to get there.

But essentially support helps you feel at peace and adds harmony to your life which is the ultimate goal. 

My SIP 3 step framework for incorporating support in your daily life

1. Support dump: make a list of all the different support people in your life and how they best support you. Then create that same list but of people who would consider you a part of their support network.

2. Identify who you consider as part of your team. There are different seasons of life and sometimes we don’t always need the same exact thing – that is okay.

3. Planning time: create a plan on when, how and why you need 2-3 groups/ people. Think about ways that you can also be supportive and communicative.

Bonus: reach out to people, thank them for helping you in x way. Go out for lunch, chat and foster these relationships. They really support you so much in motherhood as a working parent. 

Don’t forget your support team

Overall, leaning on your support people goes such a long way. We can’t do this thing of parenting and working without help from somewhere – we will go crazy. I know pride can take a big place in you avoiding reaching out for support especially if you feel you will be a ‘burden’ to someone else.

But you need to first give people a shot and you need to do it because your kids depend on it.

If you haven’t already, go check out some of my other posts connected to work life balance:

• The first step towards balance: self-care
• The second step towards balance: productivity habits

>>> Did this post resonate with you? Tell me, who is a part of your support team?

Thank you!