These days, it can be hard to find the balance between life and work, but being a mumpreneur – a work at home mother who raises the kids while bringing in the cash – could help!
It’s a great way to spend time with your little ones without compromising your finances, but there are several things to consider. Health and safety, for instance, is of paramount importance, so how can you run a business without compromising your wellbeing? Here are five handy tips.
Keep a first aid kit nearby
According to the law, you must keep an adequately stocked first aid box to hand at all times – no matter what the size of your business. If your work is low risk, simple domestic supplies such as plasters, antiseptic cream and bandages will do, but if you’re doing anything dangerous make sure you are well-prepared.
Carry out a risk assessment
To ensure you have the correct type of first aid supplies, it’s a good idea to carry out a risk assessment of your premises. You can do this by noting down any hazards and taking steps to improve them as soon as possible. A bit of DIY could do the trick or you might want to call in a professional to make the necessary repairs.
Create an adequate work area
Working from home is great. You don’t have to travel anywhere and won’t be told off if you arrive late. On the flip side, there will be no office manager to ensure your safety, so it’s up to you to create a comfortable, well-lit workspace. A spacious, fully-equipped office would be ideal, but if you don’t have the room, a quiet corner of your house should do the trick.
Sit comfortably at your desk
If you spend a lot of time on the computer, it’s essential to sit comfortably at a desk. Buy a chair that supports your lower back and invest in a foot rest if your feet don’t sit flat on the floor. While you work, ensure your wrists are straight to avoid repetitive strain injury and keep your forearms horizontal to the desk. If you feel stiff or achy, get up and move around and try not to work through your lunch break as this is a good time to stretch your legs.
Keep well hydrated
Believe it or not, your brain is made almost entirely of water – hard to believe with so many business ideas swirling around. That’s why it’s essential to keep drinking throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to poor concentration, fatigue, irritability, irregular blood pressure and dry skin, so take regular breaks and stay well-hydrated. If you work in a hot and stuffy environment you might need to drink more than normal, so listen to your body and keep sipping away.
Being a mumpreneur is a great way to make money, but don’t let your health suffer as a result.
Today I was waiting for my husband to come home from work to decide what he wanted to eat for dinner. For various reasons it took him over 2 hours (instead of the usual 40 minutes) so when he did get home I needed something quick. I grabbed The Perfect Fajita Kit Mexican BBQ which contained Plain Flour Tortillas, a sachet of mild Mexican BBQ Seasoning and Soured Cream. I already had chicken, and just added an onion and some peppers and everything was ready in 15 minutes. Simples!
