For working moms, the relentless pendulum of work and home life rarely slows down. I’ve stood on that teeter-totter, and I can tell you, finding equilibrium is nothing short of an art form.
The Invisible Juggle
I remember those early days of motherhood, when a good night’s sleep was a distant memory and my coffee was always cold. Then, there was work — I love my job and what I do, but it was hard to leave the kids, wanting to soak up every moment with them. I was caught in the cross-current, struggling to maintain a tidy household, a sense of self, and a consistent routine with the kids.
As a working mom, the challenge to divide yourself is like a ceaseless tug of war, but being pulled in all directions. To operating two full-time jobs simultaneously is an intricate dance where a wrong step can mean dropping important work tasks, or worse, missing out on magic moments with your child. Nevermind trying to make time for rest!
Finding Rhythm in the Chaos: Solidifying Priorities
In this beautiful chaos, what I discovered was that finding a work-life rhythm doesn’t just happen; it’s crafted with intention and anchored by priorities. Establishing routines both personally and professionally, I learned, wasn’t about rigid time slots, but about flexible frameworks that accommodated the unexpected tantrums and moments of need, or when something work-related needs a bit more extra time than normal.
Structuring Each Day: Create a Blueprint for Balance
A structured schedule that allots time for work, your family, and — most importantly — yourself can be the map to navigating this terrain. Begin by assessing your needs and commitments, and from there, build a day-to-day plan that reflects your values and goals both within and outside the home.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Outsourcing with Grace
Micromanaging is not a mom’s best friend. Neither is burnout. It’s imperative to identify tasks that can be delegated and to relinquish the reins with grace, trusting in the support of those around you, whether it’s a partner, a day care provider, or a savvy freelance assistant. I’ve even started getting my kids to help with age-appropriate tasks to help keep the chaos at bay around the house, and they love to help! Even if it’s not exactly the way I would do it, it really does help. And I feel good about raising them to be contributing members of the household.
Setting firm boundaries
Every fortress has its walls, and so should your work-life balance. Communicate with your employer, your colleagues, and most definitely your family, about the lines that delineate your professional and personal life. When those hours are sacred, make sure everyone knows it, including you. For me, I don’t do work on Sundays. It might sound obvious, but in my line of work it’s easy to slip into if I don’t hold myself accountable.
Embracing the Ritual of Renewal: Self-Care as a Priority
Motherhood and career are both admirable responsibilities, but in order to carry them in a sustainable way, we mamas need to be our emotional, physical, and mental best. Self-care is no longer just a buzzword; it is the life jacket that keeps us buoyant in stormy seas.
Rhythms That Restore
Be consistent with activities and rhythms that truly rejuvenate. Whether it’s a morning mindful stretch practice, a 15-minute meditation at your desk, or a nightly soak in the tub, invest in self-care rituals that nourish and restore. I love using the word “invest” with self-care, because it really is investing in your own health and your future self will thank you for being consistent.
Sharing Burdens, Sharing Joy: The Power of Connection
Remember that no one walks this path alone. Reach out to fellow moms and your support network to share the load and the laughter. You’ll find beauty in the collective experience and strength in building a village. I believe your village doesn’t have to be people you physically hang out with all day every day, but a handful of people you trust with your struggles and to keep your name safe, meaning, they’re not going to talk about you with other people. You trust them to give sound advice. Even if it’s one or two other moms for now, knowing that there’s a like-minded person who can pick up right where you left off, is a blessing. I hear a lot of mom’s say, “Where’s my village?” and I think we all can relate to that. It takes a bit of effort and getting out of your comfort zone, and it can take time. A good place to start is by joining our facebook community here: Moms Aligned & Balanced: Navigating Life and Motherhood Without Burning Out
Lead with Love: Communication as Connection
Be open and honest with your needs, not just to your family, but to your work community. Communicate when you’re stretched, and be open to the innovative support structures that can arise from these discussions. Listen, I’m a recovering people-pleaser, and this is always harder than I think it will be for some reason. But every time I make myself be brave and say what I actually need instead of pretending I’m fine, kindly of course, it is such a relief! And people have always been understanding.
Flexibility as a Framework: Sustainability in Balance
In a world that’s constantly shifting, our balance must be adaptive. Embrace the ebb and flow; let go of perfectionism in both your career and your role as a mother. By accepting the dynamic nature of our lives, we create space for joy and the unexpected pleasures life has to offer.
So, here’s to all the mothers who harmonize the hum of the office with the lullabies in the nursery and the laughter on the playground. Your dance is one of immeasurable grace, and by tethering your routines to your values, you are crafting a legacy of resilience and love.
For those who stand at the intersection of career and motherhood, know that the scales can tip and the compass can spin, but the journey is yours to direct. It is in the intimate choreography of your work and your being a mom that you will find your most powerful self.
Balance is not about standing still; it’s about moving forward with grace and intention, navigated by love and life’s most precious little hands.
If you want to develop really good routines and habits for connecting with your kids, like really being present with them and making the moment count as quality time, download my free Mindful Motherhood Checklist << here!
