How to Balance Being a Mom, Wife, and Working Professional

Mom, Wife, and Working Professional
March 26, 2021
66 / 100

How many times have you looked at some flawlessly dressed woman, with a seemingly blissful marriage, picture-perfect kids, and an amazing career, and said to yourself, I don’t know how she manages to balance it all?

These women might make everything seem easy. But we know it isn’t.

Most of the time, we struggle to meet our deadlines without forgetting our anniversaries or being late to pick up the kids. And a lot of the time, our hair is a mess, our papers are all over the house and office, and we’re about to burst into tears. So, is that perfect lady from the first paragraph faking it, or does she really have it all?

I’m not gonna lie. It is not easy to find balance. In fact, it is close to impossible. But you are a mother, a wife, and a businesswoman – you have already proven that you are up for the challenge. Here are some tips that will help you.

Divide Your Time, Not Your Attention

Here’s a scene to think of: You are sitting in front of your computer, trying to get some work done. You are simultaneously helping your kids with their homework, and you are trying to have a conversation with your partner.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well, everything. Your attention is divided into three things, and you will not be able to do anything with your whole heart and mind. You’ll end up with half-hearted work, a confused kid, and a lagging conversation. Not ideal.

So, here’s how to separate those things:

The average person can be productive for about four hours. If you spend that time in your office, make sure you finish everything up while you’re there. If you are working from home, use the time when your kids are at school or when your partner can take care of them to work.

Plan playtime and activities with your children around their chores, naps, and other set activities.

Communicate with your partner. Try to plan at least one hour a day for you two, and one day a week when you can go out or stay in alone.

Do Not Sacrifice Your Sleep

Finishing up household chores or work tasks after your kids are in bed or waking up earlier to catch up may sound like a logical idea to help you “get everything together,” but this will only make you even more tired. When you’re exhausted, you cannot be productive at work – in fact, you can’t do anything nearly as well as when you are your normal, rested self. Good sleep and proper rest are essential for success, and you need between seven and nine hours of it every night. If you have trouble sleeping, here are some things that can help you:

  • Be physically active (at least ten minutes of exercise a day).
  • Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises before bedtime.
  • Try to deal with the stress in a healthy way.

Do Not Blame Yourself

You might not be able to make it to every school play or game. You might be late for your anniversary dinner or forget to buy a present. These things happen when you are multitasking. They happen when you have a lot of work. And your family will understand that.

Your effort counts. Consider organizing a weekly family ritual that will make up for the missed opportunities. Make that the time for telling each other everything that makes you happy as well as the things that are bothering you. These family appointments should be treated with the same respect and devotion you dedicate to your work obligations.

Feel Free to Say No

It’s Friday afternoon and your boss asks you if you can stay longer to finish up some things. But you know that you have your family ritual scheduled for that time. What are you going to do?

Just say no.

You are not obligated to fulfill every wish, so decline peacefully and, if necessary, explain why you are doing it. The same goes for your family. Of course, you will be there when you are needed, but you don’t have to bring yourself to the point of exhaustion to fulfill every whim.

Accept Help and Support

Doing everything by yourself doesn’t make you successful. It makes you shattered and beyond exhausted. You might be good at it for some time, but sooner or later, it will backfire. So, here are some ways you can ask and accept help and support:

  • Have an honest conversation with your partner about how you will handle all the responsibilities as a team.
  • Teach your kids to be more independent and help around the house.
  • Your parents, siblings, and friends can help with the children and errands.
  • Hire a babysitter or mother’s helper. That doesn’t make you a bad mother.
  • Organize playtime for your kids at their friends’ houses. You can volunteer for one day and share the responsibilities with other parents.
  • Find other mothers struggling with the same challenges for conversations and social support.

Always Leave Some Time for Yourself

One of the biggest mistakes working mothers often make is dividing their time between family and work while forgetting about one person who also deserves attention – themselves. Juggling between all kinds of responsibilities and the people you love will leave you without willpower and possibly even suffering physically and mentally.

Don’t allow yourself to fall into this trap. Find some time to visit your friends. Take a day off to watch your favorite shows. Go hiking. Make an appointment with your hairdresser. Do something you love. You deserve some love and time too.

Bottom line

You are not just a mother. You are not just a working professional. You are not just a wife. You are each of these things and much more simultaneously. Embrace that; give yourself a chance to thrive in every aspect. But don’t drive yourself crazy by trying to do everything perfectly. It’s your real life, not a motion picture.

Categories

More Posts:

Top 5 Regrets Small Business Owners Have About Starting Their Business

If you're thinking about starting a small business, it's important to do your research and understand what you're getting into. There are a lot of different aspects to running a successful business, and it's not always easy. With that said, here are the top 5 regrets...

Nyago Michael Emmanuel

We invite many people who can invest in our Akiba Ya umoja community benefit savings and investment group of Uganda to enable us expand our operations in Uganda

Occupational Hazards That Come With an Office Job

Working in an office can be a great way to make a living, but it also comes with certain risks. Sitting at a desk for long hours and staring at screens can lead to physical ailments that not only cause discomfort but could eventually lead to more serious health...

Signs You’re Overexerting Yourself at Work

Work can become stressful and overwhelming for many reasons. Sometimes, issues in your personal life or work environment might cause you to overwork yourself.  If you’re trying to stay healthy as you work and maintain a good work-life balance, you should be aware of...

How Work Environment affects Employee Engagement

Various factors affect the effectiveness of your employees, and your work environment is at the top of the list. The atmosphere where your employees spend all their work hours directly and significantly impacts their performance. And it is a no-brainer that the...

Women’s Fitness Tips: How to Make Time for Exercise in Your Super-Busy Schedule

We’ve all gone down the social media rabbit hole during a lazy Sunday afternoon. Among the sea of influencers, we’ve also probably seen one that seems to have everything – the dream job, the perfect home, and, above all, time to fit a workout into her super-busy...

6 Ways to be a SUPER Mom

Mothers are the strongest. They carry a child, bear the pain of birthing, bring children up, fulfill all responsibilities, play several roles, and make it look oh so easy. That’s why we have given mothers the title of super mom. Society expects mothers to be...

Culture and Psychology in the Workplace – How To Manage and Thrive in a Diverse Office

The success of any company begins at its core – the people. And when it comes to employee retention, according to British author, motivational speaker, and business consultant Marcus Buckingham, “People leave managers, not companies.” I work in a small office of...

Mental Health Issues That Business Women Should Pay Attention To

Unfortunately, business is traditionally considered a male occupation because it involves risk, fierce competition, the need to make unpopular decisions and work 24/7. There is a stereotype that a woman is by nature softer, more responsible, and more prone to worries...

Work-Life Balance- Practical Advice For Busy Women

Achieving a work-life balance is perhaps the most daunting task for professionals, but the challenge gets even tougher for busy women. Your struggle never seems to end, as you try to switch roles between a professional, homemaker, and mommy. Whether you work from home...
Nyago Michael Emmanuel

Nyago Michael Emmanuel

We invite many people who can invest in our Akiba Ya umoja community benefit savings and investment group of Uganda to enable us expand our operations in Uganda

Signs You’re Overexerting Yourself at Work

Signs You’re Overexerting Yourself at Work

Work can become stressful and overwhelming for many reasons. Sometimes, issues in your personal life or work environment might cause you to overwork yourself.  If you’re trying to stay healthy as you work and maintain a good work-life balance, you should be aware of...

All Categories

Business Operations

Entrepreneur Interviews

Marketing, Networking, & Social Media

Self Care & Personal Development

Working Moms

Business Software and Technology

Entrepreneurship & Small Business

Organizing Tips

Sales

Career Building

Family Businesses

Inspiration

Starting Your Own Business

Work-Life Balance

Communication

Hiring Help

Management & Leadership

Time Management & Priorities

Women in Leadership

Recent Posts

Why Your Business Should Offer HSA-Compatible Health Plans

Why Your Business Should Offer HSA-Compatible Health Plans

As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to taking care of your employees. If you offer good benefits, such as healthcare, you’ll be more likely to hire and maintain the best employees.  Here are a few reasons why your business should...

When it’s Time to Hire an HR Professional for Your Company

When it’s Time to Hire an HR Professional for Your Company

As your business continues to expand, it might be a wise decision to employ an HR specialist who can help you manage and optimize your workforce. An HR expert brings with them essential services that will streamline the operations of your company while keeping your...

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

For any business or organization, the right office furniture is vital. Quality chairs are essential and can help bolster productivity, decrease employee health issues, and remain operable longer than budget substitutes. Investing in quality office chairs provides...

How to Quickly Capture Attention on Social Media

How to Quickly Capture Attention on Social Media

Social media is invaluable for marketers and business owners, especially those working with small businesses. It’s a great way to get the company in front of more people, allowing you to attract more customers. Of course, it’s not enough to just get seen on social...

Tips for Starting a Gardening Business in Your Community

Tips for Starting a Gardening Business in Your Community

Embarking on a gardening business is a bewildering journey that promises both intrinsic satisfaction and monetary success. The paramount initial step is to scrutinize the varied gamut of services you would want to render, followed by an intricate search for tools and supplies to substantiate the execution of those services. Crafting a business and financial plan is an absolute must, especially given the burgeoning competition from fellow green-thumbed entrepreneurs amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishing an online presence through a website and social media and designing business cards and flyers are integral to drumming up business. Lastly, building a loyal clientele and network is paramount for sustained success in the horticultural realm.

How to Protect Your Personal Finances From Black Swan Events

How to Protect Your Personal Finances From Black Swan Events

Life throws us an occasional curveball; it’s just a part of life. But what if your finances take a hit due to something outside of your control?  Black swan events are rare, but they occur and can cause massive financial losses. The key is to be prepared for the worst...