Being a working mother is a balancing act, and I’ll admit, it’s not always easy. Between managing a career, caring for my son, maintaining a household, and juggling everything else life throws at me, it often feels like there’s little time left for myself. As much as I want to be everything for everyone, I’ve come to realize that I can’t pour from an empty cup. In my journey, I’ve learned that self-care tips isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. And yes, you can find ways to prioritize yourself without feeling guilty.
In this article, I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned along the way, along with some real-life struggles and tips for managing time, battling guilt, and finding the right balance between work, motherhood, and personal well-being. If you’re a mom trying to juggle it all, know that you’re not alone—and that it’s okay to take care of yourself too.
Time Management: Carving Out Time for Yourself
One of the biggest struggles I faced in my early days as a working mom was finding time for self-care. Every day felt like a whirlwind of meetings, emails, playdates, and dinner preparations. If there was any time left, I was too exhausted to do anything meaningful with it.
The turning point came when I realized that time management wasn’t just about fitting everything into the day—it was about making room for the things that truly matter. Here’s what helped me get a better handle on my time:
1. Schedule Everything—Even Me Time: At first, it felt weird to put “me time” on my calendar. But once I started doing it, it was a game-changer. Whether it’s a quick morning yoga session, reading for 20 minutes before bed, or having a solo coffee break, scheduling time for myself gives me permission to rest without feeling guilty. Treating self-care like any other important task helps me stick to it.
2. Block Out Time for Family and Work Separately: As much as I want to be the perfect mom and employee, it’s impossible to give 100% to both at the same time. I found that being intentional about separating my family time from work time helped me be present in both. When I’m working, I’m focused on work. When I’m with my son, I give him my undivided attention. This mental switch helps me feel more balanced and less overwhelmed.
3. Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize: I often get caught up in the idea that everything has to be done right now. But over the years, I’ve learned to tackle the most important tasks first and leave the less pressing ones for later. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to say no sometimes. Saying no to unnecessary commitments and extra responsibilities has been freeing.
Self-Care: The Small, Daily Acts That Matter
Self-care doesn’t always have to mean a day at the spa or a week-long vacation (though those are nice too!). It’s the little moments throughout the day that add up. Here are some simple self-care practices that I’ve incorporated into my routine:
1. Practice Gratitude: I used to get so bogged down in the daily stress of work and motherhood that I forgot to take a step back and appreciate the good things. Now, every night before bed, I take a few minutes to reflect on the positives of the day. Whether it’s a sweet moment with my son or a productive work meeting, focusing on gratitude shifts my mindset.
2. Exercise, Even for Just 15 Minutes: I’ll be honest—finding time for exercise is hard. But even on the busiest days, I try to move my body for at least 15 minutes. It could be a quick walk, stretching, or a few minutes of yoga. Physical movement is not only great for my health, but it also clears my mind and helps me stay energized.
3. Eat Nourishing Foods: It’s easy to skip meals or reach for convenience foods when you’re busy, but I’ve found that taking time to prepare simple, nutritious meals helps me feel better both physically and mentally. I try to make sure my meals are balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep me feeling energized throughout the day. Even if it’s just a smoothie or a salad, I make sure I’m fueling my body properly.
4. Disconnect from Screens: One of the best things I’ve done for my mental health is to put my phone down at least an hour before bed. It’s tempting to scroll through social media, but I’ve realized that it leaves me feeling more anxious. Instead, I read a book, meditate, or just enjoy some quiet time before sleep. It’s made a big difference in my ability to wind down.
Overcoming Mom Guilt: It’s Okay to Put Yourself First
One of the biggest hurdles I faced when it came to self-care was the overwhelming guilt. I often felt like I should be doing more for my son, my husband, my job—everyone except myself. This guilt would keep me from taking time to care for my own needs.
The turning point came when I realized that self-care isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s the opposite. When I take care of myself, I’m able to show up better for the people I love. Here’s how I overcame that mom guilt:
1. Acknowledge the Guilt, But Don’t Let It Control You: The first step is recognizing that guilt is natural, but it doesn’t have to control your actions. I remind myself that I am allowed to take breaks. I don’t need to be “on” all the time. Guilt might pop up, but I acknowledge it and then move on, knowing that I’m doing what’s best for my well-being in the long run.
2. Talk to Other Moms: Sometimes, I feel isolated in my experience, but I’ve learned that talking to other moms helps me realize that we all go through similar struggles. Sharing our experiences and supporting each other has been incredibly comforting. It’s important to have a support system of people who understand that we’re all doing the best we can.
3. Set Boundaries: Another way I’ve reduced mom guilt is by setting clear boundaries at home and at work. I communicate my needs to my family, so they understand when I need time to myself. I also make sure my employer knows that I value work-life balance and that I’m only available during certain hours. Setting these boundaries helps me feel more in control and less guilty about taking time for myself.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a balance between work and home life can feel impossible, but it’s all about finding a rhythm that works for you and your family. Here are a few things that have helped me maintain that balance:
1. Delegate When Possible: I’ve learned that I don’t have to do everything myself. I ask for help from my partner, my family, or even a babysitter when I need to. Whether it’s helping with household chores or taking care of my son, delegating tasks makes a huge difference.
2. Create a Routine: Having a daily routine has been a lifesaver. It helps me stay organized and ensures that I’m making time for both work and self-care. I’ve set routines for mornings, evenings, and weekends to help maintain structure and reduce stress.
3. Let Go of Perfection: It’s easy to get caught up in trying to be perfect in every area of life. But over the years, I’ve come to accept that it’s okay not to have it all together all the time. There will be days when work is demanding, and other days when my son needs extra attention. The key is to roll with it and do the best I can.
Conclusion: You Are Doing Your Best
At the end of the day, being a working mom isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about finding a balance that works for you, your family, and your well-being. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to ask for help. And most importantly, it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes.
Remember, you’re doing your best. It’s okay to have tough days and moments of self-doubt. But don’t forget to celebrate the small victories along the way. You’re balancing so many important roles, and that’s something worth acknowledging. You deserve self-care, and taking care of yourself doesn’t make you any less of a mom. In fact, it makes you a better one.
So, take a deep breath. You’ve got this, mama.
I’m Zara Michell
