15 Secrets to Successfully Balancing Work, Parenting, and Self Care
Women are truly superhero. We all figure out how to juggle our careers, motherhood and self care and so many of us do it with ease and grace. It isn’t always easy but managing all the important aspects of your life simultaneously is essential! Hopefully, these pieces of advice will help you do it all while also staying true to yourself. You are an amazing, strong woman, and you can do it all!
Setting Boundaries at Work and Home
Setting clear rules is vital to keep your job and home life going well. One way to do this is by setting work hours that you follow, even if you work from home. You can also make a special workplace, even if it’s just a small corner of your house. These rules aren’t just about where you work and how you think. You should learn to say no to things that don’t help you at home or work. You don’t have to be available for everything. At home, setting rules like no work time when you’re with your family can help you focus on your kids. Having these rules helps you keep a clear line between being a mom and doing your job.
Finding Time for Self-Care
Moms usually take care of everyone else first (but finding time for yourself is important, too). Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean going to a spa or going on a fancy trip—(it can be as simple as going for a walk or reading a book for a few minutes each day). Taking time for yourself is more than just relaxing (it helps you feel better in your mind and emotions). Think about small things you can do regularly that make you feel calm. It could be as simple as enjoying your morning coffee without any noise or doing a hobby you enjoy. You don’t need a lot of time, but you do need to make it a habit.
Creating a Flexible Schedule
A strict schedule can make you feel stressed (especially when you have much to do). A flexible schedule can help you deal with surprises without feeling overwhelmed. Start by planning your week with time for work and family (but leave some extra space for changes). Some days, you might need to focus more on work, while others, you might need to focus more on your family. Flexibility helps you avoid getting too tired and lets you handle whatever needs your attention. It also gives you space for fun and unexpected things, making your day more exciting.
Delegating Tasks to Lighten the Load
As moms, we often feel we must do everything ourselves (but that’s not true). Sharing tasks at work or home makes things easier and gives you more time to focus on what’s important. This might mean giving tasks to a coworker (or getting help for big projects at work). At home, it could mean asking your partner to help with cooking (or letting your kids do chores they can handle). Sharing tasks isn’t about losing control—it’s about working together so you don’t feel too stressed.
Making Family Time a Priority
When you’re (busy with work and) being a mom, spending time with your family can often be forgotten. But you don’t need hours of planning to be with your loved ones. Simple things like having a family movie night, playing a board game (or walking together) can make a big difference. Try having little moments with your kids (where you’re not thinking about work). These moments help you feel closer to your family (and remind you why balancing work and family is important). It’s not about how much time you spend (but how you spend it with them).
Accepting That Perfection Isn’t the Goal
Many moms feel they have to be perfect at everything—whether at work, at home, or as a mother. But trying to be perfect only causes stress and makes you feel bad. Accepting that you don’t need to be perfect, you can enjoy the moment more. Mistakes will happen at work and as a mom, and that’s completely okay. The important thing is to see that being imperfect is part of life. When you stop trying to be flawless, you can enjoy balancing your job and family without feeling so much pressure.
Staying Connected With Your Career Goals
When raising a family, you might not consider your career goals (as much). But it’s important to remember your goals so you don’t lose yourself. Look at your goals often to see if they’ve changed (or still fit what you want). You don’t need to rush back to work after having a baby or feel bad about wanting to do more in your job. Whether you’re taking small steps or moving quickly, thinking about your goals helps you balance being a mom and working while also growing as a person.
Celebrating Small Wins Every Day
Sometimes, we only think about what didn’t go right (or what we didn’t finish) during the day. But celebrating small things you did well can make you feel happier and more energized. Did you finish a task at work even though your baby didn’t sleep well last night? Celebrate that! Did you spend a little time with your kids despite being busy with work? That’s worth celebrating, too. Noticing these small wins helps you feel proud, even when the day wasn’t perfect. It reminds you that you’re doing better than you think.
Building a Support Network
No one should have to balance being a mom and working alone. Having people to help you can make a big difference. This can be your partner, family, friends, coworkers (or other moms) who know what you’re going through. Don’t be scared to ask them for help when you need it. You might need help taking care of your kids, advice from someone at work, or just talking to a friend. Having people to count on makes it easier to handle the hard days. Your support network reminds you that you don’t have to do everything alone.
Being Present in the Moment
It’s easy to get busy and forget to enjoy the present moment. But whether you’re working (or are with your family), paying attention to what you’re doing makes a big difference. When you’re at work, focus only on your work. When you’re with your family, put your phone away and enjoy your time with them. Doing many things at once may seem helpful, but it often makes you feel confused and tired. Focusing on one thing at a time will make you feel more successful and connected to your job and family.
Practicing Self-Compassion
One of the most important things you can do as a working mom is to be kind to yourself. Some days, you might feel like you’re not doing well at being a mom (or at your job), but that’s not true. Be gentle with yourself, think about your challenges, and remind yourself that you’re doing your best. Being kind to yourself helps lower stress and makes handling work and family easier. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out. What matters is that you keep trying for yourself, your family, and your career.
Redefining Balance as a Constant Process
Many women think that once they find balance, everything will be perfect (but balance is something you always work on). Some weeks, your job will need more attention; others, your family will come first. Instead of trying to balance perfectly every day, understand that life changes constantly. Think of balance as something that can shift (and adjust based on what you need at the moment). This way, you can feel more relaxed about your choices and not feel pressured always to be perfect.
Find Mom Friends
Having mom friends when you have kids is invaluable. It helps to provide a support network of people who truly understand the ups and downs of parenting. They offer empathy during challenging moments, from sleepless nights to endless messes. They will be there to celebrate the little victories only parents appreciate. With mom friends, you can share tips, laugh about the chaos, and know you’re not alone in the journey. Consider starting a mom group where you can all chat about your personal experiences while also being around other adults. This can help you feel like a “real adult” while also making your children a priority.
Make A Chore List
There is a lot to do around the house and the mom shouldn’t be the only one doing it all. Everyone in the family can help with chores and it will seriously lighten the load when responsibilities are divided evenly. Consider making a chore chart with each persons responsibilities are rewards. Not only will this help the house stay clean, but it will allow you to have more time for the things you love. You can trade in the vacuum for a nice book at the end of the day!
Ignore Social Media
There are so many social media influencers out there who make being a mom, a wife, a mother, and a stunning human being look like a walk in the park. While we hope, for their sake, that life is that easy, it usually isn’t. Most women have highs and lows daily, especially when trying to do it all. Comparing your life to someone on social media is never a good idea. They may have a whole team of people behind the screen helping them live that seemingly “perfect life.” Ignore social media and know that life is not always sunny and roses but beautiful, even with its ups and downs!
