Tips to Help Working Moms Find Work-Life Balance

Many working moms find it challenging to establish and maintain a work-life balance. However, a good work-life balance can help prevent burnout, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. In addition, having a work-life balance allows you to have time for hobbies (such as trying a new recipe), personal pursuits (like becoming an influencer or opening an Etsy shop), and cultivating relationships outside of work, which can help improve your overall quality of life and enable you to be a better mom. Not having a work-life balance can increase anxiety, weariness, health problems, strain relationships, and limit personal growth and fulfillment. Basically, it’s in all of our best interests (your own, your job, and your family) for you to establish a healthy work-life balance. Here are a few recommendations to help establish a work-life balance so that you can live a happier life:

Set boundaries on your time

Working moms must set boundaries on their time to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Without setting boundaries, working moms may experience fatigue, stress, and exhaustion, which can negatively impact their productivity at work and overall well-being. By setting limits on their time, working moms can prioritize their personal and family time, reduce stress, and increase their job satisfaction.

There are a few steps you can take to set boundaries with your employer to establish a work-life balance:

1. First, identify what boundaries you need to develop. Then, consider what specific behaviors or requests from your employer are causing stress or affecting your work-life balance.
2. Communicate clearly with your employer. Schedule a meeting to discuss your concerns and be clear about your boundaries. Use “I” statements to express your needs and avoid blaming language.
3. Be assertive but respectful. Stick to your boundaries, and don’t feel guilty for prioritizing your well-being. However, be respectful towards your employer and try to find compromises that work for both of you.
4. Follow up on agreements. If you and your employer agree on boundaries, follow through and hold your employer accountable for respecting them.
5. Determine your work hours and stick to them. Then, learn to say no to work tasks outside of those hours.

Prioritize self-care

Prioritizing self-care is important because it helps improve your overall well-being, reduces stress, increases resilience, boosts your immune system, and enhances your ability to cope with life’s challenges. By taking care of yourself, you can also improve your mental clarity, productivity, and relationships with others. Remember that self-care is not selfish but essential to maintaining a healthy and balanced life.

As a working mom, it can be challenging to prioritize self-care, but it’s essential to maintain your well-being. Here are some tips to help:

1. Schedule time for self-care on your calendar and treat it as a non-negotiable appointment.
2. Identify self-care activities you enjoy and can incorporate into your routine, such as reading, exercising, or meditating.
3. Delegate tasks to others when possible, such as asking your partner or a grandparent to take care of the kids for a few hours.
4. Set boundaries with work and learn to say no when you need to.
5. Seek support from other working moms who understand the challenges you face. Caring for yourself is not selfish; you must be the best mom and employee.

Here are some of my favorite self-care items for when I plan a self-care day at home:

Schedule leisure activities:

Plan time for hobbies, social activities, and other non-work-related activities that bring you joy. Scheduling time for leisure activities will help you avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Plus, having planned activities to look forward to can increase feelings of happiness and reduce stress.

Here are some tips for a working mom to schedule leisure activities and maintain a work-life balance:

1. First, prioritize your leisure time: Make leisure activities a priority and schedule them on your calendar just like you would for work or other essential appointments.
2. Be realistic: Choose leisure activities that fit your schedule and don’t require too much time or effort. You can opt to do something as simple as going to brunch with friends or as grand as going on a retreat.
3. Include your family: Plan leisure activities you can enjoy, such as a weekend hike or a family game night.
4. Be flexible: Remember that things may not always go as planned, so be flexible with your schedule, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you have to reschedule.
5. Take advantage of your breaks: Use your lunch or other breaks during the day to do something fun and relaxing.
6. Get support: Ask for help from your partner, friends, or family to make time for leisure activities.

Remember, taking time for yourself is crucial for your mental and physical health, and it can help you be a better mom and employee in the long run.

Disconnect from technology:

Set aside specific times to unplug from technology and focus on other activities. Disconnecting from technology can be beneficial for your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, promote mindfulness, increase productivity, and improve relationships. Have a set time that you stop looking at work emails. Limit the time that you spend on your phone before bed. Constant exposure to technology can also lead to addiction, poor sleep quality, eye strain, and poor posture. Taking a break from technology allows you to reset and engage in other activities that can enrich your life. All of these things lead to a healthier life.

Here are some practical tips for working moms to disconnect from technology to create a work-life balance:

1. Set specific work hours and stick to them to avoid overworking.
2. Turn off work-related notifications and emails during non-work hours.
3. Create a designated workspace and avoid working outside of it.
4. Schedule breaks throughout the day to recharge and engage in non-work activities.
5. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
6. Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfillment outside of work.
7. Finally, consider setting boundaries with colleagues and clients regarding communication outside work hours.

Communicate with your employer.

Talk to your employer about your need for a work-life balance and explore possible solutions together. When talking to your employer about your need for work-life balance, it’s essential to approach the conversation professionally and respectfully. Focus on how achieving a better work-life balance will benefit you and the company. Remember to be open to feedback and flexible in finding a solution that works for everyone.

Here are some suggestions for working moms to communicate with their employers about the need for work-life balance:

1. Schedule a meeting with your employer or HR representative to discuss your concerns and needs.
2. Be clear about your priorities and boundaries and how they relate to your job responsibilities.
3. Offer potential solutions or suggestions, such as adjusting your work schedule or working from home.
4. Emphasize the benefits to the company, such as increased productivity and employee retention.
5. Be open to compromise and collaboration to find a solution that works for you and your employer.

Why Work-Life Balance Benefits Your Kids

Achieving work-life balance isn’t just crucial for your well-being—it’s also beneficial for your children. When you manage to juggle your professional commitments and personal life effectively, you not only reduce your own stress and enhance your health, but you also set a positive example for your children. By observing you, they learn the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. This example shows them that it’s possible to lead fulfilling lives, whether they choose to pursue creative paths as artists or serve the community like Ashley Roberts, an ex-police officer. Demonstrating how to balance responsibilities and personal interests can inspire them to develop their own healthy lifestyles and career goals.

Establishing a healthy work-life balance as a mom can be a daunting task, but it is not impossible. You can be both a boss at work and a wonderful mother. Be a rock star at work, but also be intentional about making time for your family and for yourself. Did I miss any tips? Please let me know in the comments.