Work demands and household dynamics make working women more susceptible to stress, requiring innovative approaches such as art to help mothers and expectant mothers find balance.
Dian Sartika Sari, a psychologist at Rumah Konsul Indonesia, stated that experiencing stress is natural and human, especially when there is a gap between expectations and reality.
The challenge is managing stress so that it does not become harmful distress but transforms into eustress, a positive form of stress that can motivate someone to grow.
Sari emphasized the importance of balancing distress and eustress in daily life. She recommended allocating 60% of her time for productive activities and 40% for rest.
“Rest doesn’t have to be sleep; it can also involve activities that are enjoyable, such as exercising, meditating, or pursuing hobbies,” she explained during the talk show and painting activity titled “Release Stress with Art” at the Multimedia Dining Room I, UGM Central Office, on Friday (Dec. 20).
In her session, Sari specifically addressed the challenges working mothers face, including balancing time between work and family, and provided strategies for managing dual roles in a balanced and healthy way.
She stressed the importance of social support and self-care for working mothers and offered practical parenting tips, even for those with limited time spent with children.
“Working mothers tend to manage their time better. At work, they focus on their tasks, while at home, they focus on their children and family. This makes their time management more effective,” she said.
Research shows that the amount of time working mothers and stay-at-home mothers spend with their families is relatively similar.
However, each mother has a different approach to managing time and finding happiness.
“Working mothers tend to have higher stress levels than stay-at-home mothers, but their well-being or happiness is also better,” she added.
Regarding happiness and a better quality of life, Sari explained that this is because working mothers have the opportunity to self-actualize, meet new people, and gain social support.
“The difference lies in what makes each mother happy. This happiness ultimately determines the entire family’s mental health,” she added.
After the session, participants were invited to a canvas painting activity. Each participant was provided with a canvas and painting tools to create freely.
This activity allowed mothers to express their emotions, relieve stress, and build self-esteem through art. Sari explained that painting is an effective therapy to help individuals become more mindful, understand themselves, and enhance their creativity.
Closing the event, Sari reminded the participants that regardless of whether a mother works, both choices are good as long as they lead to happiness.
“A mother’s happiness greatly influences the mental health of the family. Every mother needs to maintain balance and give attention to herself. Do what makes you happy,” she concluded.
The event, held by the Integrated Health Service Bureau of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to commemorate Mother’s Day, was attended by UGM employees who are mothers or expectant mothers.
The event is hoped to have a positive impact on working mothers in the UGM environment. Participants are expected to better understand the challenges of managing dual roles and how to manage stress healthily.
Additionally, through art activities, mothers are expected to feel more relaxed and valued and have a stronger sense of friendship with their colleagues.
Author: Lintang
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto
Post-editor: Afif