Tips for Coping with the Added Responsibilities at Home (4 Editable Schedules)

Change. Stress. The unknown.

Life as we know it for many of us has halted. For some of us we have to care for our kids, help home school them, and work from home. Some of us have to do this and can’t work either, anxiously waiting what politicians will do to alleviate/ease our worry and tremendous financial burden we suddenly find ourselves in.

We were worry about loved ones. We think about others and how we want to help, but are unsure how. Loneliness creeps in and we miss personal connections.

So how can we manage it all? How do we cope?

Try some of these ideas. We got this Upper Valley community!

Have an End to Your Work Day

If you’re like me and working from home, I’ve found having an end to my work day has been really helpful. Schedule your day just like you would if you were at work: 9-5, 7-3:30, 8-4. Whatever. Give yourself an end to your day or you’ll find yourself like me this week, constantly checking and replying to email and never mentally shutting off, feeling like you worked all day and only gave half yourself to your family.

I created a times to periodically check emails throughout the day. I stop work when I start making dinner.

Chunk your Time

Create a schedule. For me I have two little ones so my chunks are really small (15-30 min.). Older kids might need (30 min. – 1 hr.) sections. Even if you don’t have kids chunking out your day is helpful: chores, reading, meeting, emails, tv break, project, craft, outside time etc.

To make your own schedule, start with meal times. Decide your essential daily tasks like dishes, checking emails, online meetings etc. Determine when they make the most sense to do. Pick 1 household activity to do you’ll feel good about. Make some time for yourself in your day.

Make sure you’re flexible with yourself and honoring your own needs.

Here are 4 different types of schedules. Feel free to download and change to meet your needs.

Toddler-Parent-Schedule Half hr blocks