Work-Life Balance for Working Mums: Is Work Your Only 'Me-Time'
If you're reading this, chances are you're a working mum—whether you're employed, self-employed, or gearing up to return from maternity leave. This is an essential read to avoid a common pitfall many of us face.
And if you're not in paid employment right now, stick around. After all, being a mum is a challenging job that often leaves little room for personal time.
Juggling Work and Being a Mother
Life for working mothers is a relentless balancing act. We toggle between managing housework, paid work, childcare, and seemingly infinite to-do lists that only seem to grow. Transitioning daily from 'mum mode' to 'work mode', we often forget to carve out any time for ourselves. T
his was certainly the case for me as I started as a mumpreneur when my kids were only 1 and 3 and had very limited childcare. My work was squeezed into the small gaps throughout the day—during the kids' TV time, naps, or after bedtime. My partner who had a very demanding job, stepped in when possible so that I could have some 'me-time.' But very often, I found myself spending this time doing more work or catching up on household chores rather than resting or engaging in activities I enjoyed. Does this sound familiar? Keep reading…
“42% of working mothers have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression.”
It dawned on me one evening, while sorting through emails long after the children had gone to bed, that my work had become my only 'me-time'. While these solitary moments did allow me to reconnect with my professional side, away from the mothering activities and feel intellectually stimulated, they were hardly relaxing.
I had to remind myself then, about the consequences of not having genuine self-care routines as a mother. I'd faced them before: burnout, chronic irritability, and a short temper—responses that no one in my family deserved. It became clear that I needed to reclaim time for myself, not just for my wellbeing but for the wellbeing of my entire family.
Working Mum’s Mental Health is at Stake
Of course, finding time for yourself as a working mum is not easy. Research shows that many mothers worry their work performance is negatively judged because of their caregiving responsibilities adding up to the stress of considering taking time off to rest or practice any form of self-care.
However, the mental toll on working mothers is significant and can’t be ignored. According to research, a staggering 42% of working mothers have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression in America, which is much higher than the general population (28%) and even working fathers (35%). It's important to recognise the distinct mental health challenges that working mothers face, especially considering the added pressures of managing both work and home life - let’s not forget that mothers are still taking on most of the mental load at home.
These statistics are a wake-up call to the realities many mothers face daily. They need genuine 'me-time'—not just moments stolen for work but real breaks to do something enriching for their minds, bodies, and souls. This might look like attending a yoga class without a toddler in tow, enjoying a quiet walk in nature, or simply sitting undisturbed with a cup of tea, these activities are crucial for their well-being.
How to find time for yourself as a working mum:
Creating true 'me-time' amidst such challenges may seem daunting, but it's essential. Here are a few strategies to help reclaim your time:
Prioritise Your Activities: Evaluate what's truly necessary and what can be postponed or delegated. This helps manage your day more efficiently.
Start your day with a plan. List out the things you want to do in order of priority and choose the 3 most important things to get done.
Set Boundaries: It's okay to say no to extra responsibilities, especially social commitments that do not serve your current needs.
Establish clear work hours and stick to them. Communicate these boundaries to your coworkers and family.
Communicate your needs: Share your needs with your partner or support network. They can’t help if they don’t know what you need.
Talk to your partner about sharing the mental load - not only the execution of activities but also considering the planning and ownership of each task.
Introduce self-care micro-moments: Throughout your day take small steps to reconnect with yourself, your body and your emotions. Here different ways you can do this:
Try journalling - write down your thoughts and emotions in pen and paper. No filter and without judgment.
End on a high note: Journal at the end of the day and find some positive things that went well
Breath mindfully - Focus on your breath at least one minute every day - in the toilet if that’s the only quiet time you have that day.
Introduce a morning and a bedtime routine for yourself away from screens and social media!
Take mindful walks - on your way to work or to the shop, enjoy a walk focusing on the sensations of your moving body with your full attention in the present moment.
Schedule Downtime: Just as you schedule meetings and appointments, block out time in your calendar strictly for self-care - make this non-negotiable.
Dedicate a bit of time each day to unplug from work and digital devices to focus on meaningful activities that make you feel happy or relaxed.
Leverage Community Resources: Look for local groups or services that offer time-saving solutions or support, such as shared childcare, meal prep services, or family-oriented community events.
Join online forums or social media groups where you can share experiences and advice with other mums. Consider joining a women’s circle, either locally or online. Connecting with other women can help you see yourself in others, know that you are not alone, share experiences, feel seen and heard, remember your worth and ignite your female power.
A Final Note to You, Mama
You deserve more than leftover moments sandwiched between duties. Find and protect your peace. Your well-being is worth it, and by taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to care for those you love.
If you’re struggling to carve out personal time or integrate meaningful self-care practices into your life, please reach out for a free exploration call. I’m here to help you reconnect with your passion, explore effective time management strategies and introduce self-care routines that fit into your busy mum's life.
Together, let’s prioritise our well-being to enjoy life’s journey more fully, without stretching ourselves too thin.