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Work-Life Balance. It’s what I encourage both my doula and coaching clients to strive for, but admittedly, I could use some help in that department myself. I love what I do and consider my work my passion. It’s difficult for me at times to create boundaries around my work when I lose myself in it.

However, after having experienced two bouts of illness over the last two months, my body has made it abundantly clear that it is time for me to really walk my talk. That being said, I intend to include more posts about work-life balance on the Savvy Doula Business Blog as a way to keep this topic fresh in my mind and to help keep me accountable to myself and my family.

Over the next few days, I’d like to talk about creating specific work hours and making the most of that time. I’ll present a couple of questions each day for you to think about how and when you work best. I want you to be as productive as possible when you’re at work so you can enjoy life more when you’re away from the office. For the home business owner, time management is critical for maintaining peace of mind and peace within your family.

Based on your goals and aspirations, how many hours would you like to work each week?

Take into account time needed in your office to work on administrative tasks, time taken for interviews, client visits, workshops and networking. How many births would you like to attend each month, and how much time aside from the birth will be required per client? You should also consider other responsibilities and obligations that you have, as well as the minimum amount of time you’d like to have with your family. Remember there are only 24 hours in a day, and a chunk of that is required for basic self-care like sleeping and eating.

What days of the week and what times of day will be best for you to engage in work activities?

I like to do as much as possible while my kids are at school. I do my best to limit evening activities to one per week, and weekend activities to twice per month. It doesn’t always happen this way, but it helps me to limit myself so I don’t commit to too many activities and overburden my family by being gone too often. What would be ideal for you?

When answering these questions, it really helps to consider your values regarding your self-care and your family. When you are clear about nurturing yourself and your family BEFORE you consider how much time you’ll dedicate to work, it’s easier to say "no" to people and things that call for your attention.

In my next post, I’ll have a few more questions for you to think about.

Tags: business while raising kids, doula business tips, Time Management, wahm, work life balance

Other Savvy Posts You May Enjoy:

1. Time Management Strategies for Work-Life Balance, Part II
2. Day 7 of Reorganize Your Doula Biz for ‘09 – Incorporating the Big Rocks Into Your Life
3. Day 21 of Reorganize Your Doula Biz for ‘09 – Where Do You Fall Short and What To Do About It
4. Day 6 of Reorganize Your Doula Biz for ‘09 – What’s Working and Not Working For You?
5. Day 3 of Reorganize Your Doula Biz for ‘09 – How balanced are the various areas of your life?