When talking about seasons, there are two meanings to consider. We can refer to the weather or to the changing seasons in our lives — welcoming a new baby, moving to a new city, or trying a new hobby.
The change of seasons is met with the hustle and pressure to have it all together and to make it look effortless. If you ever feel like finding balance in it all is too much to handle, know you’re not alone.
What’s the Problem?
As moms, we do our best to optimize every day to make the most memories, while also staying sane. Building balance in any season won’t be as hard as you think — and the good news is, you don’t have to have it all figured out before you get started.
So, in weather or in life, let’s commit to building balance in any season. Let’s say “no” to the do more/be more mantra and simplify our day-to-day to balance the full load. These three strategies for setting rhythms can serve as a start to prioritizing balance in your life.
You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just need to begin. Setting rhythms and finding balance won’t just be good for you as the mom, it’ll be great for the whole family — so, let’s go!
3 Ways to Build Balance
1. Meal Rotations
If you’re like me, the daily grind of mealtime is often overwhelming. The amount of decisions that need to be made to make a meal is comical — from selecting the meal, grocery shopping, prep time, the list goes on and on. The decision fatigue alone can be enough to drive you mad.
Put an end to the madness and try a weekly meal rotation instead! A meal rotation is just how it sounds — picking your family’s favorite meals and putting them on a weekly rotation. You can plan out every single day, or have a couple that stay the same.
For example:
- Monday: Meatloaf
- Tuesday: Tacos
- Wednesday: Leftovers
- Thursday: Hot dish
- Friday: Pizza
- Weekend: Fridge fun (leftovers – clearing out the fridge for the week ahead)
Creating a meal rotation of food you know your family loves allows you to shop on the weekend and be ready for the week to come. Remove the guesswork and get back to enjoying mealtime together.
And don’t forget, it’s acceptable to add “drive thru” to your meal rotation.
2. Giant Calendar
Ever feel like you are constantly repeating plans to your kids or your partner? Like there is so much information in your head that even you can’t keep it straight?
Let’s take that information and put it somewhere else instead. A giant family calendar does just that. Having a large monthly calendar displayed in a high-traffic area of your home allows everyone to see what’s going on and what commitments are coming up.
The calendar could include (but is not limited to) weekly repeating events, meetings, work, meals, etc. You get to make it unique to your family. The best part is it’s a great way to ensure communication is happening between everyone when it comes to the day-to-day family happenings.
I prefer a whiteboard style calendar, but print versions or chalkboard styles are also available. Find what works for you!
3. Realistic Family Bucket List
We all want to have fun and make memories in every season of life, but it can be daunting with all the options available.
Again, simplify things. As a family, pick two to three activities that fill everyone’s cup with joy.
When creating your list, think of these steps. First, don’t start from scratch. There are numerous resources available that outline area opportunities for family fun — start here! Second, don’t attempt to do it all. Pick two to three things to do as a family and have fun crossing each item off the list once it’s accomplished.
Finding balance: the key is to simply start.
Finally, the most important thing to remember in building balance in any season is to start. And it’s ok to start small.
Pick one strategy to take some of the stress off. One rhythm that allows you space for what brings you joy. Don’t forget, these are three ideas have helped me build balance, try one or feel free to explore what will work for you! Have fun creating rhythms and building balance for your family.
