Juggling work and home commitments has always been a challenge for working moms, especially for women in our industry. Throw in the economic uncertainty of a pandemic and schools shifting to remote learning, working moms must deal with a lot more to survive "the new normal" of the work life balancing act. Remember, we are all in this together, and you are not alone. To help lighten your load, we have rounded up some great ways to survive this pandemic as a working mom:
Creating schedules for yourself, your kids, and family members adds structure to your days and weeks. Planning is half the battle, so be sure to carve time for work, leisure, family time, errands, and for yourself. Using a calendar app on your phone can be a great way to manage your time and ensure you do not end up overbooking yourself. That way, you can plan to get your work done in time, without neglecting other areas of your life.
As a mom, you are sure to have a to-do list as long as your arm. Take a moment and examine your tasks. What is no longer essential? What can wait until the weekend? One of the easiest ways to shorten your list is to plan ahead and prioritize what needs to be done that day and focus on those tasks first. Other ways you can free up your time are to order your weekly groceries online and set up automatic payments for bills and invoices.
Don't worry if you can't always stick to your schedule — you can always re-prioritize your task list. Our advice to you: plan with your head but prioritize with your heart!
As a working mom, you absolutely need to both set and adjust your expectations, because after all, we are living in a pandemic of global proportions. Have a candid conversation with your employer and your team about how much you can achieve and what kind of support you will require. Explain to your family and children how you need uninterrupted time during the day to complete your tasks. Work with them to come up with solutions that are suitable for everyone involved.
Be realistic about what you can do successfully right now. It doesn't mean lowering your expectations, it means resetting your daily expectations of what "success" is to a more realistic and doable amount to avoid having any feelings of guilt.
It is absolutely alright to step away from everything and steal a few moments for yourself. You cannot give to others when your own cup is empty. Allocate some "me" time every day or at least every week. During that period, indulge in calming rituals such as meditation, journaling while you sip a hot beverage, or getting some exercise. Do whatever you need to recharge your body and mind. Encourage your family to do these things too, so they can get the same benefits. If yoga and meditation are not your thing, there are many other activities that you can do to take better care of your mind, body, and soul.
While moms sometimes seem to have superhuman abilities, at the end of the day, you are only human. You do not have to do it all. When you feel overwhelmed and need help, ask for it. Do not wait until you reach a breaking point. Are there things someone else can do instead? Can your spouse or another family member help you with cooking or childcare? Can you assign some chores to your kids if they are old enough?
Open the lines of communication with your employer and colleagues to let them know when you need more time or help on certain tasks. If you need to outsource some portion of your work, there are plenty of options you can consider. All you have to do is ask, and you will find the support you need.
While you are busy trying to keep everything and everyone together, don't forget to watch out for yourself. Ask yourself if you are getting enough sleep, eating regularly, or simply allowing enough time for yourself. All moms can agree that these go out the window when it comes to family. If the pandemic has shown us anything, it's that we must make time for our mental health and self-care. Doing so will help your mind and body to thrive. You will notice you are less anxious, more focused, and more present to appreciate the small things in life.
If you are like many super moms, you will want to try and attempt all of these tips at once. Our advice is to simply start with one lifestyle change. If it works, you can incorporate it into your routine, and if it doesn't, then simply try a different strategy.
Being a mom is not easy. Being a working mom is even harder. Being a working mom during this pandemic? You deserve all the appreciation in the world! Your workplace and kids are lucky to have someone as marvellous as you. Be kind to yourself and your family. Remember, this time will pass.
Meanwhile, we hope these top tips will help you to not just survive but thrive during the pandemic. You have got this, mom!
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