Texas Health Allen

"I think it is more important for working women to shift time from work to family when they're trying to find balance between the two. It is times with family women will treasure most years from now." TexasHealth.org 4 — Demetria Smith, M.D., family medicine physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen Walking the Work-Life Tightrope Learning how to set boundaries and achieve inner peace can help lead to more balance in parenting, career and marriage. m aintaining a healthy work-life balance while facing the nonstop demands of raising children and holding down a full-time job is no simple task for many moms. According to the American Psychological Association, mothers between ages 35 and 54 are highly stressed from trying to juggle the roles of caregiver and career woman. "Working mothers can't press pause on work or family life; when they focus on one sphere, they often feel they're not giving the other their best," says Demetria Smith, M.D., family medicine physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen. "The struggle to find balance, and the stress and feelings of guilt that struggle causes, can lead to health problems, such as anxiety disorders and high blood pressure." TIME OUT According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women make up nearly half of the workforce in America. While some stress and anxiety are almost inescapable for many working women, developing healthy coping mechanisms and learning to let go of unrealistic expectations can help eliminate many of the mental and physical stressors that can erode a woman's sense of balance and tranquility. To help achieve a healthier work-life balance, try to: • Accentuate the positive — Just as negative thoughts, emotions and attitudes can take a toll, developing and maintaining a positive attitude can help prevent the buildup of stress hormones in the body. • Learn to unplug — Smartphones, tablets and laptops can make it seem impossible to leave work at work. Detaching yourself from technology during your "time off" means setting clear, healthy boundaries between home and the office. • Make "You" Time — Taking time to care for yourself can be one of the hardest lessons for a mother to learn. Participating in activities, hobbies or pursuing interests that stimulate your creative side can bolster your energy levels and leave you with a feeling of personal accomplishment and satisfaction. "Carving out 30 minutes to an hour for exercise most days of the week is an important part of controlling stress," Dr. Smith says. "I like to practice yoga, which promotes fitness and relaxation. In addition to exercising, make time periodically to do something you enjoy, such as practicing a hobby or getting together with friends. 'You time' takes only a small amount of time away from family and work, but its benefits are huge." For more information about women's health issues, visit TexasHealth.org/Women.

• Cover