Hey sisters,

It feels like it’s been ages, doesn’t it? I know I’ve been MIA for a while, and honestly, it’s because life has been throwing punches like a heavyweight boxer. Between juggling my Master’s program, trying to keep up with work, and, you know, just trying to breathe, I’ve been feeling the weight of it all. The anxiety has been creeping in, the stress levels have been through the roof, and I’ve been feeling that all-too-familiar sense of being completely overwhelmed.

Sound familiar? I know many of you are navigating similar paths, trying to balance work, school, family, and everything in between. And let’s be real, as Black women, we often carry an extra load. We’re expected to be strong, resilient, and to handle everything with grace. But sometimes, even the strongest among us need to acknowledge that we’re not okay.

Recently, I stumbled upon a powerful dissertation by Enjolique Walters, “Black Women’s Lived Work Experiences and Work-Life Balance,” and it really resonated with me. Walters’ research, focusing on Black women in the Alabama Black Belt Region, highlighted the very real struggles we face in achieving work-life balance. And it’s not just about time management. It’s about the systemic barriers, the discrimination, and the constant pressure to prove ourselves.

Walters found that Black women often experience racial, gender, and even age discrimination in the workplace. This, coupled with the heavy responsibilities we carry at home, creates a perfect storm for burnout. As Walters pointed out, “Black women face a combination of racism and sexism in the workplace and are frequently told to disregard work-life balance.” This is a truth that hits close to home.

Think about it:

• Wage Disparity: Walters’ research supports what we already know, Black women are paid significantly less than white men, and sometimes even less than white women. This adds tremendous financial pressure.
• Workplace Stressors: Stereotyping, limited opportunities, and biases make it harder to thrive in professional settings.
• Family Responsibilities: Many of us are primary breadwinners or caregivers, adding another layer of stress. As Walters noted, nearly 80% of mothers are the primary providers in their families.

For me, the past few weeks have been a stark reminder of how crucial it is to prioritize self-care. My planner, which usually keeps me on track, became a symbol of all the things I was failing to do. But then I realized, it’s not about perfection; it’s about balance.

Here’s what I’ve been doing to reclaim my sanity:

• Time Blocking: I’m scheduling dedicated time for work, school, and, most importantly, myself.
• Saying No: Learning to set boundaries and say no to extra commitments has been a game-changer.
• Mindful Moments: Even a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation can make a difference.
• Self-Love Reminders: I’m writing down affirmations and reminding myself that I deserve rest and joy.

Walters’ research also emphasized the importance of setting boundaries with employers and the impact of mental health and family responsibilities on work-life balance. One of the most important things that I took away from the research was that improving the work-life balance of Black women, positively impacts the physical, mental, and emotional health of Black women, and positively influences Black families and communities.

Sisters, we can’t pour from an empty cup. We need to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being. Let’s create a community where we can share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and support each other on this journey.

How are you finding balance in your life? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.

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References

Walters, E. (2024). Black Women’s Lived Work Experiences and Work-Life Balance [Doctoral dissertation, Walden University]. ScholarWorks. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/