| Why it's important
It's easy for your children to take up your every waking minute. But unless you look after yourself, you can exhaust all your reserves of energy and enthusiasm. Make time for the people and activities that help you feel positive, energetic and self-confident.
Warning signs
If these ring a bell, it's time to take more care of yourself:
- Are your meals often the children's leftovers?
- Is your main social event the parents' evening at school?
- Is running around after the children the only decent exercise you get?
Make time for yourself
It can be difficult, but make time for yourself and relax. Don't see this as a special treat but as something you deserve on a regular basis.
So whether it's a walk on your own, a meal out or a get together with a good friend, find a couple of hours for it.
Juggling work and home
Balancing your job with your home life can be tough and there's nothing worse than worrying about your childcare arrangements while you're at work. You could also:
- Find out about family-friendly practices in your workplace. Up to 60 per cent of employers say they let their staff vary their hours and nearly half offer stress counselling.
- Take a few minutes at the end of the day to share the ups and downs of your day with your partner or a friend - but don't spend the whole evening thinking about work.
- Make the most of time off. Do something together as a family at the weekends.
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