Guide to a Productive Work-Life Balance for Working Moms

It has never been easy for working moms to juggle their work, home and life. You wake up early in the morning, rush through all morning preps, and then spring into working mode either by commuting to the office or working from home. After the work session, you come back home and spring into another mode: family mom. Now you are going to cook, clean, and take care of your child. Perhaps, you’ll also play and read to your baby and put him to sleep, and the next thing you know, you are already in deep slumber only to wake up the next day and repeat this same routine. And during this whole process, you will be asking the same question to yourself, is this how my life is going to be?

Seems like a typical endless cycle. Nevertheless, you wish to be more present with children but also have to choose work. We agree working moms have it tough. But what if we tell you that there is a way to break this cycle and attain a work-life balance without being too exhausted. Some handful strategies and tips that will help you juggle the two sides efficiently according to successful working moms from different careers- authors, accountants, etc., for the work-life balance are:

1. Balance Those Chores- Ask For Help

First and foremost, never shy away from asking for help. The whole burden of house chores should not fall on your shoulders. Enlist help from your partner, babysitter, or even your kids. Involve them. Anyone can do the housework. Ask your partner to help with older kids or other house chores if you are busy taking care of a baby or doing work exclusively for you (pumping, breastfeeding, etc.). 

Give the simple task to your older kids. It will also help them learn and actively contribute to the family. This will also get a lot of your chores done which you might have finished after the kids go to sleep.

Lastly, yet another way is to spend money on cleaning services. It will be the money well-spent if you’re extremely busy or an unkempt house gives you major stress. 

2. Spend Me Time And Reconnection With Partner

The key to a happy home is a happy self and happy marriage. The two most important yet barely paid attention to aspects of a happy life at home. To maintain inner peace and balance with the bustling life, finding time for yourself is hard, and usually working moms, or moms in general always put their own needs last. But remember! You can not take care of everyone if you do not take care of yourself first. Give yourself me-time regularly and allow yourself to relax and recharge. 

The next step is to reconnect with your partner. Relationship or marriage has an immense effect on everything, so making it a priority is rather crucial. Make sure to spend time with your partner (no kids allowed), go on a date, have a meaningful conversation with each other (keep kids and work out of it).

3. 100% Here And 100% There

When you are a working mom, time is precious. One thing about your work life is that it has to be done whether you do it during office hours or after. So to make sure you do not continue your work at home, develop strategic routines and habits that will allow you to work efficiently at your workplace. Make sure you are 100% present and focused on work while in the office. When at work, be mindful of how much time you are spending socializing with coworkers that are affecting your productivity.

This is how you can be 100% and truly at home after coming home. Now once you are home, it is time to make sure you resist the temptation to check emails or whatever it is that is work-related. Focus on your partner and children and spend meaningful time with them.

4. Spend Quality Family Time 

Now 100% focus on family while at home brings us to the next thing i.e., while you are already spending time with family, make sure to make it count by planning some exciting activities that are special to your family. Having a picnic in the backyard or family game nights, or even long walks at the park, anything that connects you and your family deeply. Also, do not forget to ask your kids for ideas! Best way to make them feel involved and important. 

5. Time-saving Hacks Are Your Best Friend 

Using some time-saving hack like these will save from getting frustrated at the end of the day:

• Do laundry or house cleaning on the weekend to lessen the load during the week. While during the week, just go for daily cleaning instead of deep cleaning. Leave heavy-duty cleaning for once in a while.
• Prepare for the next morning chores(lunch prep, clothing, etc.) a night before to have a smoother morning routine. 
• Have some meals cooked beforehand for the upcoming week, or go for cooking meals that do not require you to stay in the kitchen the whole time (baked meals, slow cooker meals, etc.)
• Try to sneak errands like doing groceries and stuff during your lunch break or when you are picking up your kids from school. 

6. Kick Out Those Expectations 

When you are working, there are several times when you are unable to cook delicious meals daily or keep your house spotless, but these expectations are something working moms put on themselves. Buying food from outside once in a while or not having a spotless house every time does not make you a bad mom. Try to lower these expectations and give your mind less stress and less stuff to worry about. 

7. Guilt Be Gone 

Some working moms do not want to give up on their careers, while some do not have any option but to go to work even if they desire to be stay-at-home moms. Whichever one you are, you are bound to be familiar with one thing: Guilt. 

The guilt of not being with your kids; people will judge you for abandoning your kids. But it is high time you let that go. Try to be confident and focus on the good things. Your work is contributing to your family, and then only everyone around you will understand your sacrifice and your love for them. 

Who thinks working moms can be successful in ruling career life and fulfilling family life? We do! But take it slowly, recognize, and appreciate all the small things. In the beginning, it may not seem like what you want, but do not let an incomplete picture deceive you into thinking that it is not possible. Use some tips and tricks and find the balance that works for you, that will give you deep satisfaction in a well-done job, both at work and home.