Forcing balance . . . it doesn´t sound like a very balanced balance, does it? Unfortunately, working from home often means that it´s hard to stop after working hours. Your desk is right there . . . work is waiting to be done . . . it just makes sense to do that instead of watching TV or doing dishes once the kids are in bed, right?

All work and no play can actually be very bad for you. We all need down time and many work at home moms just don´t get any. Being a mom is hard enough. You tend to lose bits of yourself as you transition into the role of caregiver and parent. Maybe you used to paint before your children came along. Or perhaps you´d love to take up crochet, but just don´t have the time. Every mom struggles with maintaining her own identity and when you add working at home on top of that, it just becomes harder to remember the relaxed you!

Forcing yourself to have time to do things that you used to enjoy is important. It will help you be a better mom AND a better businesswoman. You´ll be happier and won´t resent the time given over to other pursuits if you know that you´ll have a chance to do something you want to do, too.

So, how do you force yourself to be balanced? It depends on what you´re missing, really. For myself, I turn off the computer at 7:30 and go watch television or a movie with my husband . . . while I craft or embroider or even sand a chair for painting. The temptation to write just one more article is still there, but since the computer is off, it´s a little more difficult. You can also ask your husband or kids to remind you to step away from work, or even make a point of just leaving the house so you won´t be able to do anything. I personally like to watch television or movies because it helps keep my mind off of what I could be doing.

How do you force yourself to be balanced?

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