Being a mom is hard enough, but working moms are heroes (stressed heroes, but still heroes!). Juggling work-life balance can feel like a constant struggle, but fear not! Many successful working moms have found ways to manage their time, reduce stress, and still excel in their careers while cherishing their role as a parent.
The Seven Habits
Navigating the complexities of being a working mom can be daunting. These seven habits can transform this challenging journey into a more manageable and fulfilling experience. Balancing career and motherhood may often feel like a tightrope walk, but by implementing these habits, you can attain a more harmonious work-life equilibrium.
Prioritize Time Management
The first habit of successful working moms is to prioritize their time. They ensure they focus on what matters most by making the most of every minute. Start by creating a schedule or to-do list and sticking to it. Use time management apps or tools to help you stay organized.
Delegate Duties
As a working mom, you must understand that you don’t have to do everything alone. Delegate duties to others when possible, whether assigning chores to your kids, asking for help from your partner, or outsourcing tasks. This approach will help you save time and reduce stress.
Self-Care is Not a Luxury
While trying to balance career and childcare, working moms often find themselves at the bottom of their priority list. However, it’s essential to remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Consistently prioritizing self-care is integral for maintaining mental and physical health, enhancing resilience, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.
You can boost your energy levels and overall well-being with any of these examples of self-care:
- Taking a walk
- Reading a book
- Exercising
- Meditating
- Finding time for yourself
When you look after your needs, you recharge your batteries, boosting your energy levels and making you better equipped to handle the demands of your busy life. Below, we’ve outlined some self-care strategies that you can incorporate into your routine to promote health and harmony.
Set Realistic Expectations
Effective working moms set realistic expectations for themselves and others. Remember, nobody is perfect, and it’s okay to have days when you don’t tick every box.
Your worth isn’t measured by the number of tasks you complete daily.
Create Boundaries Between Work & Home Life
Establishing boundaries is one of the most critical habits of effective working moms. Setting boundaries may mean setting specific work hours, not checking emails after a particular time, and designating time to spend with family without interruptions.
Seek Out a Support Network
Working moms can benefit significantly from a strong support network. This network includes other working moms, friends, family, or professional organizations. They provide a sounding board for ideas, a place to vent frustrations, and a source of advice from people who understand what you’re going through.
Embrace Flexibility
Lastly, flexibility is critical for working moms. Life can be unpredictable, and plans may change unexpectedly. Instead of resisting change, embrace it and adapt your strategies accordingly.
You can do it!
Remember that being a successful working mom is not about doing more—it’s about doing well. Striving for an unattainable standard of ‘doing it all’ can lead to burnout. Instead, focusing on the quality of your engagements as a professional and a parent will yield more satisfaction and success.
Taking care of yourself is not just a habit—it’s a fundamental necessity. Whether prioritizing self-care, setting realistic expectations, or fostering a solid support network, maintaining your well-being is central to your effectiveness as a working mom. When juggling multiple roles, never lose sight of your needs and happiness.
Ultimately, being a highly effective working mom is a continuous learning, adapting, and growing journey. It’s about finding the best strategies and habits for your unique circumstances and environment. And remember, every step you take towards embracing these habits is a step towards a more balanced, less stressful, and more fulfilling life.