The "Balancing Act" as a Working Mama

This isn't something that is necessarily an easy task. We want to feel like we can cope and balance our work, family, wellness, and everything else, but in reality it feels often as though we are falling apart and sacrificing things to make everything work.

There's so much pressure to wear all these hats and be perfect while we do it. With so many things to do and so many different responsibilities. How the hell can we possibly balance everything efficiently all the time?

Reality check: you cant... at least not all the time. 


Most of you know I'm a mom of 3 girls (4 year old and 18 month twins). I've been working at home with them, doing my photography, my art, planning community events, blogging, and keeping up with my online business. It's been an adjustment but I've finally settled into a great balance that works for myself and my family. I'm able to work my jobs, have time with the kids and husband, write my blog, and all those other daily and weekly activities. I get asked ALL the time "how do you do everything that you do??". I laugh because it isn't easy.. but nothing "easy" is ever worth it. I love what I do which helps keep me motivated.

Some things that have helped me immensely are:

1. Letting Go

Everyone's "balance" will look different. You will have to evaluate and ask yourself what are your top priorities. I've found for myself, its all about figuring out a system that makes you feel at least a bit balanced. Letting go of the things that really aren't as of value to you are a best step, and not having the guilt that comes with that. If this means letting go of commitments like a cousins birthday party because you value your daughter's time at her dance class then sometimes that's just what needs to happen. Your living your life for you and your family, focus on whats most important and re-evaluate when necessary.

2. Be realistic

I know, I know, easier said then done. but keeping in mind that we aren't superhuman, we all have a breaking point where the tasks and responsibilities become too much and you want to curl into a ball and hide. Evaluate whats truly important like I've said before and let go of that guilt!! Some days will completely crumble, but letting go of that high expectation is the first step to taking control. Shrug it off.. "today was crap..but tomorrow will be better!!"



3. Plan and Prioritize

Goes right back to the same point I made before.

I started a schedule for myself as a guideline for my day to day. I give myself planned time for certain tasks. When you work for yourself it can be easy to slack off so keeping yourself accountable is important. Being somewhat planned also helps my husband, he knows when he looks at the calendar which days I'm working or need him and we can coordinate our life accordingly. 
I also prioritize the morning and dinner time as "family time" and try to put my phone aside and be present with family. They come first, and i squeeze my work in the time slots around them (like when the twins nap or during Lexi's dance class) Everyday is different but working on a general routine helps.

4. Quality not quantity



So maybe you've noticed I only have 1-2 hours here and there for working. For myself this works especially well. I find that 1-2 hours allotted for uninterrupted work provides a better quality time slot where I'm more productive verses a few mins here and there. It also ensures that when I'm with my kids I'm fully present and there with them.






5. One thing at a time

This plays into the last point. I run a million miles a minute and I've found that the best way for myself to be productive and feel more clear and organized is to have a TO-DO list. It gets all the thoughts out of your head and right in front of you. Eliminates forgetting something and you can visually see what tasks there are and can better prioritize. Maybe you already makes lists and you know how awesome it is... if you aren't a list person but feel out of control, get yourself a notebook and give it a shot, I find it SO helpful. 


Hope this helps a bit, and please know that YOU are AMAZING, and everything always has a way of working out, even when things seem chaotic. You got this!

Much Love, Teesha