The challenge of balancing work, personal life, and family is a constant one for women, who often juggle multiple roles. In this scenario, finding balance and time for work, family, and investing in self-development can seem daunting, but with organization and self-awareness, it's possible to build a routine that meets these demands without overwhelming them.
Sebrae data shows that 48% of Brazilian entrepreneurs are women, but many of them face unique challenges, such as double work shifts and disproportionately distributed household responsibilities. Furthermore, a UN study reveals that women spend, on average, twice as much time as men on unpaid tasks, such as caring for the home and children, which limits their opportunities for professional and personal growth.
For the lawyer and businesswoman Andressa Gnann, the starting point for balancing these roles is self-awareness. "Understanding your priorities, recognizing your limitations, learning to ask for help, and knowing what's truly important to you are fundamental steps to creating a lighter, more balanced routine," she says. According to her, many women end up overwhelmed because they don't learn to say "no" or because they constantly put themselves second.
Andressa emphasizes that planning is an essential tool in this process. "Organizing your routine strategically helps you make better use of your time. However, understanding that you won't be able to do everything and respecting your own limits is essential. The most important thing is to set aside time for yourself and for ordinary moments in your daily life, such as a worry-free family lunch. This isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for maintaining mental health and productivity. Problems should be addressed, but at specific times," she advises.
The businesswoman also suggests adopting practical time management methods, such as using to-do lists or productivity apps, and recommends that women delegate whenever possible. "Being an entrepreneur doesn't mean doing everything yourself; quite the opposite. To grow, you need to delegate responsibly. Identify what can be shared or outsourced, both in the business and in household tasks," she explains.
Furthermore, Andressa emphasizes the importance of seeking ongoing training. "Investing in your own development, whether through training, online courses, or in-person meetings, helps broaden your perspective on how to manage your time and business, in addition to creating a powerful network," she warns.
The entrepreneur emphasizes that a balanced routine doesn't mean doing everything at once, but rather doing what truly matters. "When women prioritize their mental health and organize their time, they can build a solid path to entrepreneurship, achieve financial freedom, and balance other areas of their lives," she concludes.
Check out Andressa Gnann's guidelines for creating a balanced routine in 2025
- Set priorities: You need to evaluate what is really important and focus your energy on those areas.
- Create a weekly plan: Organize tasks into time blocks and include time for yourself.
- Knowing how to handle matters in the right places: It's important to understand that discussing relationships during bedtime, focusing on children during work hours, or worrying about work during dinner will only make life a mess and keep things from flowing smoothly. It's important to learn how to discuss and take action in the right places and at the right times.
- Delegate whenever possible: Women should ask for help around the house, hire professionals to support their business, or share tasks with family members. Maybe no one can do it like she does, but that's okay. With patience, knowledge, and proper training, others will do just as well, or even better.
- Invest in self-knowledge: Understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you make more assertive decisions and align your personal and professional goals.
- Use technology to your advantage: Tools like digital calendars and productivity apps can streamline your routine.
- Embrace flexibility: You need to allow yourself to adjust your planning as needed, avoiding rigidity that can lead to stress.
- Respecting yourself and understanding that “everything is okay”: According to Andressa, understanding that it’s okay not to be able to handle everything all the time is the way to manage life with ease.