AAUW Dialog

Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health, because if we’re scurrying to and from appointments and errands, we don’t have a lot of time to take care of ourselves. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own “to do” list.

—Michelle Obama

As I walk through the streets of D.C. each morning on my daily commute, I pass working women on their Blackberries, reading through proposals and juggling Starbucks cups with their yoga mats. These women usually have sneakers or flip flops on with high heels poking out of their work bags, and the sight makes me smile every time. It makes me wonder what the story is behind these women. Each is beginning a new day, tackling new obstacles, and working toward personal and professional goals.

I live among extraordinary women; the local ABC affiliate offers weekly tributes to working women in the Washington, D.C., area and gives a glimpse of their inspiring stories. Hearing about the passion they have for their careers makes me wonder how they achieve that little thing called work-life balance.

According to the stress relief coach section of the women’s health facts website, “[Two] out of [five] employees report an increase in errors in their workplaces due to stress,” and “[Six] of 10 workers say that job pressures interfere with their family or personal life.”

There are times when I think I have my life priorities in order, but then I look at my daily tasks and realize how neglectful I am of my personal needs. My jam-packed schedule even impairs my ability to be a thoughtful friend and care for others.

I have always wondered whether achieving work-life balance is even possible. Whether it be getting adequate sleep, exercising, having a solid breakfast, making effective and realistic to-do lists, or scheduling in “me” time, I always admire women who can accomplish this daunting task. Web MD offers “5 Tips for Better Work-Life Balance,” and what attracted me to them is the simple, practical approach Sherry Rauh takes to managing life’s daily stressors. Specifically she says, “You would probably think twice before skipping out on work, a parent-teacher conference, or a doctor’s appointment. Your private time deserves the same respect.”

All too often, we create additional stress by constantly staying on e-mail or making ourselves accessible at all hours of the day. If we could take a little bit of time each day to re-energize it could lead to “greater satisfaction in both work life and personal life, greater productivity, and more creativity.” Now who doesn’t want that?

I wrote this blog as a tribute to all those women on the go each and everyday — don’t forget to intentionally and actively make time for yourself. You’re an inspiration to us all.