Balancing work, family, and self-care is crucial for maintaining mental well-being, especially for women who often juggle multiple roles. In present times, with the added challenges of remote work and changing family dynamics due to the pandemic, finding this balance is more important than ever.

1.Prioritisation and Time Management:

• Set Priorities: Focus on what’s most important in work, family, and self-care.
  • Example: Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, prioritises family dinners and delegates tasks at work to maintain balance.
• Create a Schedule: Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to manage time efficiently.
  • Example: Many women use apps like Google Calendar to coordinate work meetings and family activities.

2. Flexible Work Arrangements:

• Remote Work: Advocate for remote or hybrid work to manage professional and personal responsibilities.
  • Example: Many companies offer flexible work options & work from home, enabling women to balance work and home life better.

3.Self-Care Practices:

• Regular Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into daily routines.
  • Example: Yoga or pilates videos on YouTube provide accessible workouts that fit into busy schedules.
• Mental Health Support: Seek professional help if needed and practice mindfulness or meditation.
  • Example: Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations to reduce stress.

4.Support Systems:

• Family and Friends: Lean on loved ones for support and share responsibilities.
  • Example: During the pandemic, many women formed virtual support groups with friends for emotional support.
• Professional Networks: Join women-centric professional groups for mentorship and advice.
  • Example: Lean In Circles offer a platform for women to share experiences and support each other professionally.

Balancing work, family, and self-care is essential for women’s mental well-being. By prioritising tasks, advocating for flexible work, engaging in self-care practices, and leveraging support systems, women can create a sustainable balance. These strategies not only enhance mental well-being but also improve overall productivity and satisfaction in both personal and professional life.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a significant driver of climate change, necessitating urgent action at local, national, and global levels. Effective strategies for reducing these emissions must be multi-faceted, targeting various sectors and scales of operation to ensure a comprehensive approach to mitigating climate change.

• Local Level:

1.Urban Planning: Promote public transportation, cycling, and walking to reduce reliance on cars.

   – Example: Copenhagen’s extensive cycling infrastructure.

2.Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-efficient building codes and retrofitting    existing buildings.

   – Example: New York City’s Local Law 97 requires large buildings to cut emissions.

3.Waste Management: Enhance recycling and composting programs to reduce landfill emissions.

   – Example: San Francisco’s zero waste initiative aims for 100% recycling and composting by 2025.

• National Level:

1.Renewable Energy Transition: Invest in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro.

   – Example: Germany’s Energiewende policy.

2.Legislation and Regulation: Enact laws to limit emissions from industries and vehicles.

   – Example: The Clean Air Act in the United States.

3.Subsidies and Incentives: Provide financial incentives for businesses and individuals to adopt green technologies.

   – Example: India’s National Solar Mission subsidizes solar power projects.

• Global Level:

1.International Agreements: Participate in global accords like the Paris Agreement to commit to emission reduction targets.

2.Technology Transfer: Support the transfer of green technologies to developing countries.

   – Example: The UN’s Clean Development Mechanism.

3. Global Carbon Pricing: Advocate for and implement global carbon pricing mechanisms.

   – Example: The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

Way Forward

Combating climate change requires coordinated action across all levels. Local initiatives can drive community engagement and immediate impact, national policies can create a supportive framework, and global cooperation ensures widespread commitment and resource sharing. Together, these strategies can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.