Kathy Hanrahan: Mommy balancing act

I often feel like I'm one of those people who spin plates on sticks. I feel like I have about 10 of those plates spinning and I'm trying to keep them all going. Each plate represents something in my life - my job, my kids, my husband, self-care, other family members, cooking, paying bills, etc.

Sometimes I feel like I'm barely keeping the plates upright. I feel like certain ones are starting to wobble, so I take a breath and try to reset my priorities. I think I have to be OK with some of the plates hitting the ground sometimes. I can't be a perfect mom, wife, parent, employee, daughter, etc. all the time. There are going to be times that one plate is going to drop off a little because I have to focus on another duty. It's OK to be focused on one thing as opposed to multi-tasking.

It's so much easier said then done.

I start every week with a list. It's this all encompassing list of work and home duties that I want to get done for the week. Sometimes that list contains way too many things and I know it will take the entire week to complete my tasks. But for some weird reason, I find myself trying to complete the list by mid-week so I can start on NEXT WEEK'S list! I guess I'm an overachiever? Workaholic? I'm not sure which but I know I have to find a way to slow down and just take things as they come.

During the pandemic, I started doing yoga and meditation. It really helped me just reset my mind and body. I haven't been able to do that nearly enough in the past couple months, but I am determined to get back to a regular routine. My lower back is screaming at me from sitting at my desk too much and at very least, I could use some additional stretching with my favorite Peloton yoga instructor Denis Morton.

How do you slow down and take care of yourself? How do you divide your time?