Balancing the daily demands of homemaking with the pursuit of writing is no easy task, and I often find myself pulled between the two. The struggle is real, but I’ve seen a few strategies that work for me, helping me navigate both worlds with less overwhelm.
1. Setting Realistic Goals
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to set goals that align with my current capacity. Instead of aiming to write thousands of words every day, I’ve adjusted my expectations based on the reality of my schedule. On busier days, my goal might be as simple as writing a few hundred words or brainstorming ideas for my next chapter. By setting achievable, flexible goals, I’m able to make steady progress without the constant pressure of falling short.
For my novel writing, I like to break up my chapters into three digestible sections to tackle individually over three days. Day one I focus on part one of the chapter, day two I focus on part two and then day three is the final section. I can write about two chapters a week with that strategy and it’s not overwhelming.
Tip: Break larger writing projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you can celebrate the small wins and stay motivated over time.
2. Asking for Help
It took time, but I’ve learned to ask for help when needed. Whether it’s enlisting my husband to handle certain household chores or asking a family member to watch the my kid for an afternoon, sharing the load has been key. I used to feel guilty about needing help, but now I see it as essential to creating balance. Writing is important to me, and asking for support has given me more time for my creative work.
Tip: Identify areas where you can delegate tasks, whether housework or childcare, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. I also recommend looking into child watch options at your local gym if that’s available to you.
3. You Don’t Have to be Perfect
Perfectionism was something I struggled with in both homemaking and writing. I wanted everything to be spotless, every meal homemade, and every word I wrote to be perfect. But trying to meet those unrealistic standards only led to burnout. Now, I accept that some days the laundry might pile up, or a rough draft may not be as polished as I’d like. By letting go of trying to be perfect, I’ve found more freedom to focus on what matters most—whether that’s spending quality time with my family or working on my novel.
Tip: Accept that not everything will be perfect, and that’s okay. Both your home and your writing are allowed to have flaws.
4. Prioritizing Self-Care
Taking care of myself has been crucial in balancing everything. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of tea before the household wakes up or a quick walk in the afternoon, I make time to recharge. When I’m well-rested and mentally refreshed, I’m more productive and better equipped to handle both writing and homemaking responsibilities.
Don’t skimp on this. It is absolutely key to take time for yourself. Some of us only have the luxury of taking care of ourselves for an hour after everyone in the house is asleep. Take advantage of that and dedicate an hour of your time to taking care of you.
Tip: Make self-care a daily habit to help with your energy levels and mental clarity.
Conclusion
Balancing housework with writing ambitions requires a combination of realistic goal-setting, asking for help, accepting imperfection, and making space for self-care. It’s not always easy, but these strategies have helped me find a rhythm that works, allowing me to pursue my writing while still keeping the household running. If you’re struggling with this balance, know that it’s okay to adjust your expectations and seek support—it’s all part of the journey.
Elizabeth Yuen 