Helpful Advice for Working Mothers

Working Mothers Told to Forget the Work-Life Balance

A recent ‘Families in Australia’ report found working mothers feel rushed and pressured. And while working mums (and dads) have been encouraged to strive for work-life balance, it’s possible this could be part of the problem. In trying to balance all the demands made on their time, working mothers feel even more stressed. Stress is caused by a perceived lack of control but if you are able to calm your mind and feel more in control, you get more done. The aspiration, therefore, needs to be seeking a calm mind.

How often have you played with your children but your head is whirring with work? You might be there physically but mentally, you’re miles away. This lack of presence contributes to feelings of stress and guilt and also reduces your effectiveness. If you try to do five things at once, you end up doing none very well.

The issue is learning how to focus your attention. One option, developed by Sandy MacGregor and Laurence Toltz, is called the Peaceful Place System. It combines self-talk meditation with clear goal setting strategies. By bringing the mind into a calm state, it allows focus. When practiced regularly, this calm state can be accessed in 30 seconds. It means you can juggle more balls more effectively.

A busy GP who uses the program says, "I was so stressed by my heavy workload and the health problems of my patients that when I arrived home each day, I had to go to my study and have two scotches to help me unwind before being able to play with my young children. After a few weeks of going to my Peaceful Place for a short time between seeing patients, I am now able to go home and play with my children as soon as I arrive. I no longer need a few drinks to unwind and let go off the stress of the day. The habit of automatically relaxing and releasing stress many times throughout the day has vastly improved my personal, family and professional life and with less stress I am more productive and able to get home earlier to my family."

If you can learn how to train your mind to cut off interfering or distracting thoughts, you can achieve greater depth and connection in your every day life. It’s a skill that’s easy to learn and brings calm and harmony into busy homes. You can’t control the demands of your children but you can control how you react to them. Mind calming techniques could be the ideal solution for you.

For more information visit www.yourpeacefulplace.com.au