I Don’t Know How She Does It!

By Juhi Bansal

The caption is inspired from a movie by the same name starring SJP as the protagonist. Now, she is my style Goddess and all that but this movie is as bad as it gets. From stereotypical gender roles to a “ghisi-piti” storyline to not so impressive costumes, it may very well be an anti-climax to SATC. But, why am I mentioning it here? Well, ever since I posted my last article, I have been innundated with requests to share my “secret”, quite like Sarah Jessica Parker in “I don’t know how she does it” where she juggles home and work.

Aren’t we all doing it? Every single woman I know is juggling several things at one time, and doing a good job at it. Here are some ways I make it work:

1. Prioritize: I would love to watch every single movie, meet up with friends for coffee or attend all the social invites I get. But, there is simply no time. I would rather read, work on my blog, spend time with Iy and K or workout. I think it always helps to make a list of all the things that you’re supposed to do and then rank them in order of importance in your life. Categorize as “must do”, “can do” and “will do if there’s time” and things will become much more manageable. I have also realised that my priorities have changed over the last few years.

2. Delegate: I don’t cook, I don’t do laundry. I would much rather delegate stuff that does not require my personal attention than try to do everything myself whether it’s at home, work or CB. And I don’t forget to say thank you when I ask for help.

3. Go Online: Couple things that made us gleeful earlier- shopping or buying groceries together has now taken a back seat and mostly happens online so that we can use that time for better things (like watching Netflix ;)).

4. Re-define Me Time: I do crave some alone time though. My me time is between 10.30 to 11.30 PM in night. That’s when I read my books or write my articles for the blog. My other me-time is when I go for runs or take a coffee break at work. This is enough to get me going.

Improvise: if the cook is on leave, order in. If the baby is unwell, get her to your workplace with you or work from home. Take turns in watching her rather than one person taking leave everytime. Don’t panic, there is always a solution. Also, everyday doesn’t have to follow the same pattern. And don’t worry about the little ones, they adapt the fastest!

5. Make Time Together: K and I made a pact in the beginning last year. We’ll do more things together. That means not just planning interesting stuff together but also all the mundane everyday things. We carpool to work everyday. Come back home for lunch so that means having all 3 meals together. Sometimes, one of us has to wait or change plans but that’s worth it. We also started working out together this year. That means I have to kick his lazy ass more than you can imagine but again it’s really fun doing new things together.

5. Family Time: We’re a little old school when it comes to family time. More so because we spend the entire day out of the house. The moment we are back, we hear welcome squeals, we’re smothered in bear bugs and sloppy kisses. There is no way we want to give that up for a night out or alone time. She’s always with us whether we’re eating out, shopping, travelling and the occasional working Saturday when she sits and colours in one of our offices.

Over the years I have realized that everything falls into place if you have the will to keep going. No work is too much, no amount of time too less. Just get up, smile and conquer the day!

c360_2016-12-09-13-27-21-879