A Balanced Life

by Teal Graham

There are few things in life more important than planning your meals for yourself and your family. It is key to your health and to your financial well being. A well planned meal schedule will not only improve your health but will definitely help your family budget and your savings account. 

When you are a busy mom there seems to be a million things on your to do list. It often seems like there is never enough time for yourself between caring for the kids, the housework, essential shopping, and cleaning. 

Lately it seems like we are constantly cleaning and sterilizing everything in and around our homes. It is a never ending list of things to do. Many of us try as we might to straighten those high traffic areas that seem to never stay clean. There is no easy short solution to cleaning but there are steps that we can take to minimize the day to day that comes with managing your home. 

1. Rest and meditation
Part of being the caretaker of a busy home is getting a good handle on self care. It is important that you are getting adequate rest so that when you are presented with a certain task you can give it your full attention. Remembering your spiritual health is very important as well so take time when it is quiet and meditate and pray. So if  you find peace in going for walks and you have small children gear them up and put them into the stroller and hit the pavement. 

2. Food Planning
When you have a busy home it is important that you plan your meals. Making a menu in advance is a time saver because there is no last minute decision making. When you plan out all your family meals you save time and money and you know that the food that you are providing for your family is good for them and they will enjoy it. 
Be sure to stock up on essential items regularly so that they are always on hand. Be sure to add items such as crackers, granola, cereal bars, and fruit snacks as well as canned fruit in juice when fresh fruit is not available to your shopping list. Quick lunch items such as soups and salads are a good way of incorporating something nutritious into everyone’s diet that can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

3. Exercise
Exercise is important to the body. It is also a good way for busy minds to quiet down. Finding time to workout can be difficult however you can get creative and incorporate exercise into cleaning like lunge vacuuming and counter top planks . I know that for some of you working out is difficult when the kids are at home so try putting on a family favorite song that gets everyone moving for 15 to 30 minutes. When we engage in exercise we gain a sense of peace and calm that allows for clear thought. 

4. Cleaning
Your home is where you and your family find solitude from the outside world and keeping it clean has become a very important priority. However, when cleaning your home stock up on your favorite tried and true brands. Try not to stress about cleaning every corner of your home. Center your focus with daily cleaning on the common areas. You can devote more time to deep cleaning other areas of your home by designating a day to deep clean those areas.

5. Laundry
When it comes to laundry most of us have one day that we have labeled wash day however by the time we get all the washing and drying done many are too tired to put away anything. Instead of washing every single dirty item on the same day break the days up and give each person there own hamper. When the hamper is full you wash on that day. 
Allowing older children to help you with the washing of their own clothes is a great way for them to take more responsibility around the home. It is also a nice time to evaluate if anything needs replacing or mending.
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There is so much that a busy home requires, time, love, money, care, and most importantly peace to make it a home. Your peace and the peace of each individual in your family is essential to a balanced home. We hope that you find these tips helpful in achieving a peaceful balance and invite you to visit us for more tips on the home and family in the future.