4 Work-Life Balance Hacks to Help Dads Do It All

We all know parenting in today’s climate isn’t easy. Between school closures and mandatory stay-home orders, busy working dads are managing work and family challenges they never thought they’d encounter.

Incorporating teaching and parenting into their professional pursuits is not an easy task, and many working fathers are finding it difficult not to spread themselves too thin.

Now that working remotely has become the “new normal,” a few red flags can arise for a work from home dad or mom.

And although you get to spend more time with your family, there can be benefits from boundaries.

Let’s talk about some of the conflicts fathers face while trying to find the right work-life balance.

Lack of schedules for themselves and their children

Let’s face it; many parents feel a sigh of relief after a busy morning when their kids finally run off to school. And that’s okay!

There are benefits to time with and away from little ones to help them learn the value of routines, schedules, and tasks!

That being said, to maintain work-life balance schedules are just as important for parents. It helps limit distractions, laziness, and helps them get stuff done.

The self-imposed structure is tough in an at-home work environment full of distractions.

Separating personal life from work life

Before we all were restricted to our homes, it was easier to find work-life balance. But, now the ability to literally “leave work at the office” is no longer an option when your home is your new work environment.

Many fathers find it difficult to separate personal life from work as boundaries blend and prioritize tangle.

Constant distractions

To find work-life balance, many fathers try to “do it all” by bouncing back and forth from parent to employee, limiting productivity.

This juggling act will only make you feel more conflicted about how to balance work and family life as you would be distracted from your tasks at hand.

To make your life easier, here are 4 dad-approved strategies for keeping your work-life balance intact.

There are many different ways to increase productivity when working remotely; however, we want to focus on strategies geared at helping dads be their best selves during and outside of work.

Keep reading for the top dad-approved strategies for work-life balance.

1. Incorporate self-care

Before you roll, your eyes hear us out!

Self-care is not solely for women and includes more than just face masks and spa treatments.

Self-care is all about creating a wellness routine that is routed in rejuvenation and promotes healthy habits.

Whether that looks like incorporating an exercise routine into your day, opting for meditation, or working on your side hustle, there’s always time to cultivate your mental health and treat yourself.

If your first thought is that you don’t have the time, consider waking up an hour earlier than the rest of your family.

Although the initial adjustment might be a rude awakening to your work-life balance, the cumulative effect of an extra hour of engaging in an activity you enjoy and planning every morning will do you well.

Look to a successful dad like Dwayne Johnson, who conquers a busy schedule by waking up at 4 am to complete his daily workout!

The more time you spend on mapping out your day, the more accomplished you’ll feel.

2. Ask for help

We’re not talking about all the time, but rather than draining yourself, why not work smarter?

Let’s talk logistics—your employer is most likely prioritizing your efficiency of output. Ask your coworkers or boss for help when you need it.

It’s a strength, not a weakness, to know when you need assistance. Delegate tasks whenever possible if you have too much on your plate and track how many hours you are working.

If the hours your putting in are running hot, it might be time to have a conversation on scalability.

3. Optimize time off the clock

If you’re like many fathers who feel like they roll right from working to… well more working than you’re not alone.

Chores and those dad to-dos can take up most of your free time if you aren’t increasing your efficiency just like you would at work. Why not delegate one day as laundry day instead of doing loads here and there?

Time tracking isn’t just for project management and can be incorporated into tasks you and your children do.

Maximizing your productivity tactics can make you a happier person and will benefit your family as well.

Also watch: How to actually work. When you are working from home.

4. Reduce stress while working from home

We get it; we can’t all be zen buddhas while finding the right work-life balance. If stress does arise (and we know it’s not if but when), there are some strategies you can try to lower it in and around you. Explore our tactics below to maximize productivity and your sanity!

• Go for a walk: You might have heard this a million times, but it rings true. Getting outside and taking breaks increases your serotonin levels and helps you lower stress. Just a 10-minute walk can help you think clearer and might double as a fun activity to spend with your kids. 
• Get moving: Think about all the meetings, conversations, and opportunities for mobility you previously had in a workday. Employees are not supposed to stay stagnant all day long, and changing up your work routine (think office to kitchen table) can be the change in scenery you need to finish the day strong or break up the day.
• Connect with other dads: If you’re the only father at your company, no problem! Find a group in or outside of your company to chat dad-talk with and exchange struggles and hacks. You just need this type of support to get through this time of uncertainty we are in.

We all know that although the stressors of balancing fatherhood and business are not easy, you’re doing everything you can to be the best dad for your family.

We’re here to tell you that your efforts do not go unnoticed and to be a little easier on yourself.

We’re on your team and hope these strategies have given you some inspiration to do it all!

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Stacy Walden

Stacy Walden is a writer from sunny San Diego and enjoys covering topics on parenting, productivity and wellness. When shes not writing she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.