There was a time last season when a typical Friday looked something like this: I'd be at my husband's football game until 11 PM, cheer for my daughter's 9 AM volleyball match the next morning, and then spend the afternoon prepping for an Open House (because my profession is Admissions). I'm pretty sure I set a record for the most matcha lattes consumed in 24 hours!
By Sunday evening, I was just trying to remember what day it was and if I had any clean clothes left. Balancing work, family, and football is hectic but never lacks excitement
Heading into my third season, I've figured out that managing it all boils down to three things: flexibility, boundaries, and self-care.
Embracing Flexibility: A day in my life can sometimes feel like a mad dash. Mornings are a caffeine-fueled blur as I juggle my daughter's school drop-off, a quick meeting with my boss or colleagues, and a chat with my husband about the team's social media needs.
Afternoons are a whirlwind of errands, practice sessions, and a whole lot of driving. Evenings? That's family time, dinner, and maybe a moment to catch my breath. Through it all, I've learned that flexibility is key. Even though I'm a die-hard planner (I plan every hour, day, week, and month like it's my full-time job), I've come to accept that no amount of planning can prevent change.
Instead of stressing over every little moment, I've learned to roll with the changes and enjoy the spontaneity that comes with juggling multiple roles.
One great tip for embracing flexibility in your busy schedule is to build buffer times in between your activities. Give yourself extra time for unexpected delays or changes. If nothing goes awry, you get a few extra minutes to breathe, scroll Instagram, or chat with a friend. Embrace the busyness and (attempt to) find joy in the unpredictable ride!
Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing: Setting boundaries has been a game-changer for keeping my work-life balance in check. I've learned to set clear lines between work, family, and football by creating firm boundaries.
For instance, I make it a point to stop checking work emails after dinner so family time remains sacred. During football season, I allocate specific hours for attending events and creating the team's social media content, and I stick to them, keeping them separate from other responsibilities.
To prioritize effectively, I focus on what truly matters each day. I start by identifying my top three priorities and tackle those first. This keeps me on track and ensures that the most crucial tasks get the attention they need.
A tool that's become my best friend is my digital calendar. I use Google Calendar to schedule all my commitments, set reminders, and block out time for personal and family activities. I recently added a Skylight Calendar hanging in the dining room for everyone to see. This visual aid helps me manage my time better and keeps everything running smoothly.
Setting boundaries and using organizational tools makes juggling all aspects of life a lot less overwhelming.
Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout: Self-care is vital for avoiding burnout and keeping your well-being intact amid a packed schedule. It's all too easy to let self-care slide while managing work, family, and coaching, but taking time for yourself is essential to stay healthy and recharged.
For me, self-care includes savoring a hot cup of loose-leaf tea, diving into a good romance novel, or going for a run. These little moments help me decompress and return to my daily duties with a refreshed mindset. To fit self-care into a busy routine, start with simple activities. Schedule a few minutes each day for a quick walk, a small treat, or a favorite hobby. Even short breaks can make a huge difference in maintaining your well-being and avoiding burnout.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's a crucial part of managing a busy life with grace and dignity.
Balancing work, family, and football requires a good dose of flexibility, clear boundaries, and dedicated self-care. Embrace the busyness with a positive mindset, set firm limits to protect your time, and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.
To all the coaches' wives out there managing this challenging yet rewarding journey, remember that you're not alone—finding your rhythm takes time and patience. Share your tips and experiences in the comments, or connect with me on social media; I'd love to see how you're juggling it all!