September 2013
Successful Single Moms Memphis
Issue #2
Focusing on the Core…. FAMILY
9 Tips for Work-Life Balance 1.
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Be 100% where you are. It’s easy to keep thinking about that project you’re working on long after you’ve left the office. And we’re all guilty of sneaking out our phones to check work email during dinner. But by doing so, we let work take up more space than it should in our lives. Make an effort to leave working the office physically and mentally. Decide when you are shutting off and then actually do it. Be more organized at work. One major reason many of us bring work home because we constantly close out the day in the middle of a project, which makes it difficult to mentally leave it behind. Set up tasks on your calendar to finish projects or get to a stopping point each day, and prioritize what’s most important. That way, you leave the workday feeling complete and ready to relax. Find hobbies. Many people simply don’t know what to do with their free time. If you haven’t had hobbies since high school, it’s time to find some. Explore sports, crafts, outdoor activities, or reading as a way to unwind. Take a class, perhaps a class in the SMU schedule, or attend a seminar about a topic that interests you. Plan your week. Not allotting time to handle chores and cook can make for a rushed work week. Cook a batch of food for your lunches on Sunday, and designate a half-hour each day to work on chores. That way you’re not overwhelmed with housework on the weekend, which frees you up for more leisurely pursuits.
5. Enjoy your family. When you’re focused on work, it’s easy to grow distant from your family. Small efforts—such as eating dinner as a family during the week— make a big difference. 6. Learn to say no. If you’re not feeling like you’ve over-committed to coaching soccer, singing in the choir, and volunteering at the library, then back off of a few things. Life is too short to commit to meaningless extracurricular activities that you’d rather avoid. Assess your activities and if anything starts to feel like a chore, decline politely. 7. Institute a digital free zone. It can be hard to turn off the computer, tablet, and smartphone, but doing so will help you clear your head and connect with others. Designate one room or small space in your home where you can’t update your Facebook status, answer a work email, watch a YouTube video, or tune into the nightly news. 8. Exercise. Keeping your body fit and healthy is key to being happy in work and at play. Find exercise that you enjoy, and fit into your routine. Consider finding activities you can do with your family, such as taking a walk together. While fitting the time into your schedule may seem difficult, you’ll find yourself with more energy to be productive at work and home with a regular exercise routine. 9. Be selective with your errands. Sometimes we can spend all of our free time running errands or doing chores. Perhaps you can hire a cleaner to comer every few weeks to do the deep house cleaning or hire the kid down the street to mow the lawn.
Nicole Gates Executive Director
September 2013
Successful Single Moms Memphis
Issue #2
Hello Ladies,
It is my pleasure to announce that we will launch Single Moms University Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 8:30 am on the campus of Innovation Church (3925 Overton Crossing. Memphis, TN 38127).
Single Moms University was designed to help single mothers develop personally and professionally. It is hard try to support your family and your dreams with limited resources and education, so we have created the courses that will help you to develop personally and professionally.
A real leader doesn’t get comfortable with having
followers; they take the necessary steps to make those followers leaders. At SMU we are all about channeling that inner leader inside of every class member. I believe that with the instructors help, community partners, the participation of students, and the help of Memphis, TN SMU will strike a fuse to eliminate the poverty disparity.
Once again I would like to encourage all those that are interested and those that are not to FALL INTO LEARNING, as we are making a change to the stigma of a Single Mom.
Thank you, Ashley Grayson Director of Development
September 2013
Successful Single Moms Memphis
Issue #2
Annie Scale BACK BECAUSE HEALTH IS LIFE. The Mission of Scale BACK Annie is to motivate individuals in becoming healthy by encouraging life-style changes through eating habits and physical exercise, daily. We know that it’s hard trying to juggle all of the chaos throughout the day, and on top of that trying to stay healthy. Aside of all the chaos, you have to come home to prepare a meal or family, or would like to. Even though it may be more convenient to stop at a fast food restaurant, it is not healthy for your loved ones. Hopefully these 10 Tips to a Healthy Eating will help you.
Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat moderate portions.
Eat regular meals.
Reduce, don’t eliminate certain foods.
If you would like to know more about Annie
Balance your food choices over time.
Scale BACK, you can contact Vanessa
Know your diet pitfalls.
Caswell-Rogers @ (901)-503-9388 or you can
Make changes gradually.
email her at Scaleback6182011@gmail.com
Remember, foods are not good or bad.
Also, remember to consumer 8-8oz of water per day. It is called the forgotten secret of health for a reason.
September 2013
Successful Single Moms Memphis
Issue #2
Recent Talk at the Membership Table We are pleased to have each and every one of you as a member of the SSMM family. Whether you're a new member, been around from the beginning, or fall somewhere in between, your interest in SSMM further demonstrates your interest in enhancing the quality of life for yourself and your family. With so many programs being offered through the organization, we are certain that you will find one or more of them to be engaging, informative and affordable. If you haven't already filled out an application recently, we humbly ask that you please do so as soon as possible. Even if you've been a member for a while, we still need an updated application from everyone. We've had several birthdays, graduations, births, etc...and we want to celebrate your triumphs. Our new applications are specific to those key questions that aid us in learning more about you, your family, your interests and your needs. To request an application or obtain additional information related to membership, please email Joyce Parkinson at joyceparkinson@gmail.com. Thank you, Joyce Parkinson
Remember to check out Successful Single Moms Memphis Facebook page and website for current news and updates. www.ssmmemphis.org/ Also, If you would like to submit any announcements or information for the monthly newsletter, please send all articles to anicole.grayson@gmail.com
Eliminating Excuses, Providing Solutions!!