BACK TO THE GRIND

January can be a challenging month.  Especially the first full working week.  We return to either to our various jobs, either outside or inside of our homes and the kids return to school.  After a month of Christmas parties, carol servies and numerous 'days off', it's not always easy to get back 'into the swing of things' as our bodies and minds are still in holiday mode.  
So, how do you create work/life balance as we leave the intensity of December and return to the normality of a working January with all the frost and cold?

What steps do we need to take in order to ensure that your re-introduction into the 9-5 working day as hassle free as possible?

Plan.  

1) Get yourself a diary.

Don't be tempted to have several diaries.  Stick to one diary.  If possible, buy diary that is especially designed for women, or better still buy yourself a page a day diary, one that can fit into your handbag.  Even, if you are a techie, a diary is always useful.  

2) Write ALL appointments in a diary.

Don't be tempted to write information down on 'scrappy' bits of paper.  Make sure that you take time to write down all appointments, for yourself, and your family.  

3) Plan all the meals for the next two weeks.

Spend some time planning all the meals for the next two weeks.  That includes, breakfast, lunch and dinner.  If you work inside the home, ensure that you plan lunch for yourself too. 
Planning meals will prevent wastage, take pressure off you before meal times and save you time and money.

4) Iron a week ahead.

The one thing that can really stress you out in the mornings is discovering that the ironing isn't done and you rush around desperately trying to 'not' burn the said garment.  

5) Travel 

Over the weekend, check on the travel situation in your local area.  Everyone will be returning to work, school and university in the next week.  Check that the buses, trains and planes are on schedule a day ahead.  Make sure that you are aware of any road closures if you travel by car.  

6) Weatherwise

If you travel by public transport, check on the weather for the next week.  Make sure that you and the family have appropriate winter shoes and boots for the weather.  If you travel by car, ensure that you have deicer in order to quickly defrost the car in the morning.

7) Early to bed, early to rise.

On Sunday evening try to get an early night so that you can get up early in the morning, refreshed and ready to go.  This will help if there are any unforeseen hiccups in the morning.

8) Prepare food supplies the night before.

Spend a few minutes the night before preparing sandwiches for lunch, fresh fruit for breakfast and any food ingredients for dinner the next day.  Make sure that all of these are put in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Wow!!!  That seems a lot to do over the next few days, but as a contemporary homemaker, you will find that you work inside and outside of the home needs to be planned in order for you to maintain a level of calm.

Imagine you have the next few days to get it all done...

Tip of the day

You may feel overwhelmed by the long list of tasks you have to do over the weekend, but just imagine how relaxed you will feel when it's all done.