The Art of Balance: Juggling Your Home Business and Family Life

When I left my teaching career to be a full-time mom, I thought my days would be simpler. Then, when I started my food business, "Ghar ko Mittho!", life became a beautiful, chaotic dance. Many of you are in the same position: you're a mother, a wife, a daughter-in-law, and an entrepreneur, all at the same time. How do we find balance?

Here are a few practical things that have helped me juggle my responsibilities without losing my sanity.

**1. Create a "Work Zone" and "Work Time".**
Even if it's just a small corner of your kitchen, have a designated space that is only for your business. When you are in that space, you are "at work." Similarly, try to create blocks of time for your business. For me, it's in the morning after my children go to school, and in the evening after they've gone to bed. When you are in your "work time," be focused. When you are outside of it, be fully present with your family. This separation helps you avoid feeling guilty that you're not doing one thing when you're doing the other.

**2. Plan Your Week, Not Just Your Day.**
On Sunday evening, I take 30 minutes to look at the week ahead. What orders do I need to prepare? When do I need to buy ingredients? What family commitments do I have? This weekly overview helps me see the big picture and prevents me from feeling overwhelmed by a daily to-do list. It also helps me say "no" if I don't have the capacity for a new order.

**3. Involve Your Family (When You Can).**
My children are still young, but they love to "help" me by washing vegetables or taste-testing a new sweet. While it's not always faster, involving them makes them feel a part of my business. It teaches them the value of work and makes my work feel less like something that takes me away from them. As they get older, they can help with packaging or labeling. Don't be afraid to ask your spouse or older children for help.

**4. Don't Be Afraid to Outsource.**
We think we have to do everything ourselves, but we don't. Is there a local delivery service (like Pathao) you can use instead of delivering orders yourself? Can you buy pre-chopped vegetables for a big order to save time? Look at your process and see if there are small tasks you can pay someone else to do. Sometimes, spending a little money can save you a lot of time and stress.

**5. Schedule Time for Yourself.**
This is the most important tip, and the one we ignore the most. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Schedule at least 30 minutes every day that is just for you. Have a cup of tea, listen to music, talk to a friend, or just sit in silence. It's not a luxury; it's a necessity. A rested and happy you is a better mother and a better business owner.

Finding balance is not a destination; it's a constant adjustment. Some days you will feel like a superwoman, and other days you'll feel like you're failing at everything. That's okay. Be kind to yourself, and remember that you are building something amazing for yourself and your family.