6 Rules For Working Mom to Balance Life

Are you feeling like you’re constantly juggling a million things at once? I hear you, and let me tell you, you’re not alone. Being a working mom can sometimes feel like an endless balancing act, trying to find harmony between career and family life.

We all want to be the superhero for our kids, excel in our careers, and still have time for self-care. But let’s face it, it’s not always easy, and that’s why I’m here to help. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing 6 tried and true rules that every working mom can follow to find that elusive balance in life. So, grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into this journey together. Trust me, you’ve got this! 

1. Give yourself grace 

Every working mom’s life is different, you know? Some are single mothers, some have huge families, and others may be pregnant with their first or going through depression. So, here’s the thing: giving yourself some grace for the stage you’re in is important. Don’t compare your life to someone else’s because, honestly, it’s just wasted energy. Plus, you never really know someone else’s circumstances in real life.

For me, in the beginning of 2017, my biggest challenge was mornings because I had to catch the train for work in DC. So, I came up with a helpful system that allowed me to think less in the morning and get more done at night. It was all about showing myself some grace and understanding my own limitations, and it worked great.

I used to have a killer morning and night routine that worked like magic, but then summer came and messed up our schedule. But hey, I cut myself some slack during back-to-school time to reset everything.

In 2018, my third baby came into the world, and it was time for a new phase. I decided to cut myself some slack and take things easy. As someone who went through postpartum depression after my second child, I knew my triggers and set up boundaries right away.

Now, with kids all in school, the youngest in Kindergarten, I have a whole different miracle morning routine. And see how fast the life transition happens, and it becomes a memory. 

How to Be Productive Mom Even if You’re Exhausted

2. Prioritize Your Time

As a working mom, it can be difficult to balance your work and home life. One of the best ways to do this is to prioritize your time. Make a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish each day and prioritize them based on importance.

 This could mean setting aside time for self-care, delegating tasks, or saying “no” when something isn’t a priority. Taking the time to prioritize will help ensure that all of your obligations are met without feeling overwhelmed.

If there is one thing I live by, it’s planning.

Because the hardest thing to do is to tell yourself that today you will get xyz done when you don’t know where to start. By simply mapping out your day the night or week before, you will know EXACTLY what to do when it’s time to execute. 

Be realistic every day is not going to be great, but how you love yourself through the chaos is most important.

To tackle the energy rollercoaster, try adding it to your schedule and giving yourself a timeframe. For example, set your alarm for 5 minutes to get up and brain dump, organizing your to-do list.

A few helpful working mom balance life hacks that can ease feeling overwhelmed or unproductive.

1. Meal prep ideas: 20 lunches you can meal prep on Sunday or if your kids have allergy-like my little girl, 7 days of allergy-free meals
2. Create a routine: Nighttime routine that makes mornings easier
3. Make a list of things that must be done then need to be done: Prepare for a productive week – podcast  
4. Use a Planner! Hey, I don’t know about you, but I have the memory of a goldfish. As soon as something else pops into my brain, it’s like all the other tasks vanish into thin air. That’s why I’ve learned to write things down and rely on my trusty calendar to keep me on track. I created a working mom planner just for us.
5. Make days of batch work. For instance, we have our designated administrative task days. So, on those days, I’ll be making calls, sending emails, and scheduling appointments.

3. Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is essential for any working mom who wants to achieve balance in their life. This means setting limits on how much time you are willing to dedicate to work and how much time you are willing to dedicate to family and other activities outside of work. It is important that you communicate these boundaries with both your employer and family members so everyone understands what is expected of them.

4. Take Breaks

It can be easy for working moms to become overwhelmed by their responsibilities, so it is important that they take breaks throughout the day in order to recharge their batteries and prevent burnout. Regular breaks can help reduce stress levels, improve productivity, and give you some much-needed “me” time so that you can focus on yourself instead of constantly focusing on others.

For me, taking breaks could be meditating, yoga, going outside to take a walk as a change of routine, taking a breather, or just sitting outside for a few minutes. You can start by setting an alarm twice a day for 5-10 breaks to be in silence. 

5. Have A Support System

A strong support system is key when balancing life as a working mom. Whether it’s friends, family members, coworkers, or online communities – having people who understand what you are going through can make all the difference.

Don’t be ashamed to ask family and friends to babysit when you need a break so you can catch up on important tasks, cleaning, and sleep. Ok, no more sleeping!

My husband and I are in this state without family, so we’ve formed our own little family unit. We rely on our neighbors and nearby friends as our village, sharing kid drop-offs and pick-ups from the bus stop r and babysitting each other’s kids when necessary. We also take some family vacations together.

And when it comes to chores, we all chip in because we get that it takes a team to keep a home happy and healthy.

No matter what your family looks like, having a strong support system is essential for any working mom trying to balance work and home life. Make sure you reach out to your team whenever you need an extra hand! 

And don’t forget about online communities – there are countless forums and groups out there specifically designed for working moms where you can seek advice or simply vent without judgement. Many of these online platforms also provide great resources such as job postings, career advice and tips on managing both work and family life.

It’s definitely not easy, but remember – with the right support system in place, being a busy working mom doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

6. Schedule ” Me” Time 

Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will no withdraw from us.”

Maya Angelou

It can be easy for working moms to get caught up in their responsibilities and forget about taking care of themselves, but this is an important part of balancing life as a working mom. Make sure that you set aside some time each day just for yourself – whether it’s reading a book, going on a walk, or having an at-home spa day – so that you can recharge and refocus on all that needs to be done without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

Through spiritual growth and understanding the importance of masculine and feminine energy. I have finally mastered both the art of doing and being. We take for granted how valuable just being, sitting, appreciating, noticing, and enjoying really is for growth and self-care. 

Conclusion: Tips to balance work and motherhood

In conclusion, balancing work and motherhood is indeed an art – one that requires compassion towards oneself and constant adaptation. While it may seem overwhelming at times, remember that each day brings new opportunities for growth and learning in this beautiful journey called life.

This isn’t about striving for perfection but rather acknowledging that there will be moments of chaos intermingled with periods of calm. Allow yourself the grace to be human – to sometimes feel tired, overwhelmed, or even uninspired. Embrace those moments where you can just ‘be’, appreciating the stillness as much as the productivity. 

 Remember, your ability to care for others hinges significantly on how well you care for yourself.

 

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