Finding Balance as a Working Mom: Overcoming Overwhelm and Embracing the Chaos
Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming! The moment you bring your baby home, life as you knew it changes. You suddenly have a tiny human depending on you for everything, and as wonderful as that is, it’s also exhausting. Now, add going back to work into the mix? Whew! No wonder so many moms feel like they’re treading water, just barely keeping their heads above the surface.
But here’s the thing: You’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it all perfectly. The key is finding balance—between work and family, self-care and responsibilities, saying “yes” and learning to say “no.” Let’s dive into some practical ways to navigate the chaos and make working motherhood a little more manageable.
Embrace New Routines (And New Bedtimes)
Let’s face it: mornings will never be the same. If you’re used to rolling out of bed at 6:30 AM, things are about to change. With night feedings, diaper changes, and unpredictable wake-ups, your mornings (and nights) are bound to be a little chaotic.
One of the best things you can do? Run a practice morning routine about a week before heading back to work. Factor in everything—feeding, pumping, getting yourself ready, packing bags—and give yourself a buffer. You’ll thank yourself later.
Speaking of sleep, it’s time to make peace with an earlier bedtime. If you used to be a night owl, this might be tough, but trust me—getting rest when you can is key. You won’t always be this exhausted, but right now? Sleep when you can, even if it means an 8 PM bedtime. Your future self will thank you.
Say “No” More (And Be Okay With It)
Before becoming a parent, you probably said “yes” to a lot—extra projects, social events, impromptu happy hours. But now? Your time and energy are precious, and it’s okay to set boundaries.
Saying “no” can be hard at first. You might feel guilty turning down a work opportunity or skipping a night out with friends. But here’s the truth: prioritizing yourself and your family isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Parenthood turns you into the ultimate prioritizer, and that’s a good thing! The people who truly support you will understand.
Know When It’s Time to Adjust
Sometimes, the job that worked pre-baby just doesn’t fit post-baby. And that’s okay. Many moms realize that long hours, frequent travel, or rigid schedules no longer align with their new reality.
If you’re feeling stretched too thin, consider talking to your boss about flexible options—remote work days, adjusted hours, or job modifications that give you a bit more breathing room. If your current role isn’t working anymore, it’s also okay to explore new opportunities that better support your work-life balance.
“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.”
– Unknown
My Experience: Finding Balance Through Realism and Small Wins
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about finding balance is that being realistic is key. It might sound simple, but changing how I approached my responsibilities made all the difference.
For me, it started with timing how long my regular chores actually took. I decided to stop guessing and start timing tasks as I did them naturally—no rushing, no shortcuts. What I discovered was eye-opening! Tasks I had dreaded, thinking they would take hours, were done in minutes.
For example, giving the dogs a bath—a task I once thought required half a day—only took 10 minutes per dog. And dishes, my least favorite chore in the world? They were done in under 10 minutes! These realizations gave me a sense of peace. Suddenly, I wasn’t overwhelmed by the idea of squeezing these chores into my day. I could plan around them realistically, knowing that a 10-minute window was enough to check something off my list.
When I was home alone with the baby often because my boyfriend was working late, this approach was a game-changer. I’d wait to make sure the baby was settled, then jump into a task I knew I could finish quickly. And when I couldn’t put her down, babywearing became my secret weapon.
With my baby strapped to me, I could do almost anything—clean the house, wash the dogs, or fold laundry. It wasn’t just practical; it was fun for her too! She loved watching me move around and tackle these little projects. Over time, this routine helped me find balance, and as she grew more independent, I found it easier to get caught up on things around the house.
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Understanding the Overwhelm: Why Moms Feel Stretched Thin
Overwhelm isn’t just about being busy—it’s about feeling like there’s too much on your plate and not enough support to help carry the load. Here are some of the biggest reasons why so many moms feel like they’re drowning:
1. The Mental Load is Heavy
Moms often shoulder the invisible “mental load” of the household—keeping track of appointments, meal planning, making grocery lists, and remembering everything from daycare forms to doctor visits. It’s exhausting!
2. Lack of Support
Many moms simply don’t have enough help. Whether it’s a partner, family, or community support, trying to manage it all solo can lead to burnout. If you’re feeling isolated, don’t be afraid to ask for help—or seek out mom groups and resources in your area.
3. Unrealistic Expectations
We live in a world that glorifies the “supermom”—the woman who juggles a full-time career, runs a side hustle, keeps a picture-perfect home, and still bakes cookies from scratch. It’s unrealistic! You don’t have to do it all. Give yourself permission to let go of perfection.
4. Sleep Deprivation is Real
It’s no joke—sleep deprivation messes with everything, from your mood to your ability to function. Prioritizing sleep (even in small ways) can make a world of difference. Power naps? Yes, please!
5. The Self-Care Struggle
Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. But many moms put themselves last, leading to burnout, stress, and even long-term health issues. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make time for yourself, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood is overwhelming, but it’s also full of incredible, beautiful moments. Finding balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about figuring out what works for you, letting go of guilt, and giving yourself the grace to adapt. Some days will be messy, and that’s okay. You’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think.
