How to Balance Work and Family Life as a Mother

Being a mum is a tough job, whatever your situation – whether that’s a single parent, couple to one kid or a family with multiple seats needed at the dinner table. When you take on a career as a mum as well, prepare for carnage! All jokes aside, being a mother is a blessing and on the fourth Sunday of March each year in the UK, we honour the presence, hard work and love that a mother gives to their child.

As time warps into one fluid motion during the Covid-19 pandemic, the past couple of years has had an obvious toll on mothers throughout the UK. Juggling tutoring at home while holding down a 9-5 job is no mean feat, even with the flexibility some parents have had to work remotely.

Nevertheless, it’s clear life as we know it has changed and it’s important that on Mother’s Day 2022, we celebrate their mental strength, courage and achievements to hold their own under intense pressure. But also take a step back to reflect.

If you’re a mother reading this blog, what can you do to not just be a great mother but also importantly spend some time to boost your mental and physical wellbeing? As a father, husband or son, how can you honour your mother and/or mother of your child for the work they do 24/7? We’ve compiled a few tips and ideas you may already know but potentially put to one side during a whirlwind couple of years to get that balance between work and family life.

 Find Time for Yourself

Understandably, free time may be scarce when balancing being a full-time mum and having a career. But it’s also important to enjoy some moments of peace when you can each day. Try to wake up early before the children wake up and get involved in some meditation or yoga to positively start your day. Read a book or take a bath to focus on yourself, even if it’s just 20 minutes you can spare. Every little bit contributes to happier wellbeing, which can in turn help become a better parent and colleague.

Spend Quality Time With Your Children

This can be difficult when you’re trying to juggle multiple tasks, especially if you’re a single mum. However, it’s key that you dedicate some quality time to your child as much as possible so they don’t feel neglected, which can negatively impact their growth if not prioritised. Each day, it’s key that you turn your attention to their needs when available and not pass them on to a screen in front of the television or iPad. Get involved in some fun activities together to bond and let your kid know you’re there for them.

Call on More Support From Your Partner or Family

In the modern world, it’s nearly impossible to manage the hectic day to day pressures of work and running a tight ship at home without some support, whether that’s through family, friends or a significant other. Let go of any guilt or pride that you need to do a certain job as a mother and ask for assistance wherever you can as it will help manage your wellbeing in the long run.

Dad’s, husbands and son’s or daughters reading this – it’s important to recognise all of the efforts and care that mothers give for their children, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Be there for them and help out in any way you can. This mother’s day, do something for them that shows that you appreciate all they do as a token of your thanks!

Organise Your Time

Time zooms by whenever you have so many different duties to manage as a mum and employee. Being able to manage your time and keep on top of priorities helps to know what you’re doing and when to the best of your abilities. With technology, there are so many different ways that you can help to prioritise your time. You can go the old fashioned way and jot down any tasks, meetings or activities for the kids with a calendar hung up in the kitchen. Alternatively, you can download apps like Evernote on your phone or project management apps like Asana to create to-do lists and always keep ahead of the curve. Remember to keep your home and work duties separate to give your mind some rest, especially if you’re working remotely! Technology can help to manage this and remind you of what’s most important. Prioritise the important tasks first and then that will give you more time during the day to focus on the little things that matter and reduce the pressure.

Exercise and A Good Diet is Key

We cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining a good diet and exercising regularly. Granted we know it’s much easier to cook frozen pizzas or order fast food but this kind of diet will not help your body or your mind, including your families too. This leads to lethargic energy levels and general unhappiness, unless you throw in the necessary fruit and vegetables needed with a nutritious balanced diet to maintain good health.

Exercise is also important whenever you can get a moment to look and feel good, keeping your mind clear on your goals and time at work at optimum levels. Here are some other top tips to stay positive as a mum and be the best you possible with the right support:

• Manage your work stress levels by setting realistic targets, connecting with your work team as often as possible through social activities, calling to keep in touch with colleagues and not isolating yourself.
• Meet other like-minded mums for support and share friendly tips to manage the little ones! Join online communities both locally and globally to get good advice and mental support through the challenging moments and to find connections with common interests!
• Don’t work extra hours to overcompensate times where you feel productivity wasn’t as high. Sign off the computer and turn off notifications to avoid burnout and focus on time with your children.
• Avoid looking at screens at night to switch off and get a good night’s rest.
• Try to find childcare that you can trust, or find a company that accommodates your needs as a mother. Or better yet, run your own business to take the time off as and when you need it most!
• Write down any important tasks you didn’t do before bed to try to achieve the next day.

Happy mother’s day to all from Global QA Consultants.