A Whole Heart: 6 Ways to Balance Work & Family and Stress Less

It takes heart to be a dad.  It also takes a lot of hard work, which can lead to stress.  Making sure your family is happy and healthy means making sure you are able to balance work and family and manage your stress level.  Here are six tips to help you do that:

Balancing Work and Family

Make Career Decisions as a Family
When making career decisions, incorporate your family's schedule and needs into the process.  Consider the impact the decision will have on your stress level and how this will ultimately impact your family.

Create Family Time at Work
Whether it’s a call to your children’s mother checking in at lunch, or a text message to your child to see how school went, make sure to stay connected even when you are work.  Knowing that you are thinking about them during the day will mean a lot to them and give you a brief break from the everyday routine.

Make Plans Away from Work
If work requires an exhausting schedule during the week, make plans with your family when you know you will have time off. Let your family know your plans and stick to them.  This will help them understand that as a dad you value your time with them as much as work.   
 

Stress Less

Exercise and Eat Better
Implementing regular repetitive exercise such as running or biking will make sure there is time where your mind can relax and help decrease stress.  Avoiding large amounts of caffeine that could make you feel irritable and carbohydrates that could contribute to higher cortisol levels will make a big difference in how your body responds to stress.

Connect with your Spouse
A healthy relationship with your child’s mother is necessary in decreasing your stress level.  Setting time aside to spend with your spouse will help you understand where she is coming from, and will help you to feel connected and work together as a team.

Parent as a Team
Parenting is easier, when you take a team approach.  Knowing that you have someone to help out with discipline, caretaking, and general responsibilities will alleviate stress and help your household run more smoothly.