Balancing Motherhood and a Fast-Paced Work Life: The Balancing Act

Let’s be honest: being a mom and trying to keep up with a fast-paced work life can sometimes feel like running a marathon while juggling flaming swords. ⚔️🔥

Some days, getting everyone fed, dressed, and out the door on time is a victory. Other days, it feels like everything is falling apart, but somehow, you make it through.

As moms, we’re juggling work deadlines, family schedules, and everything in between, all while trying to stay sane.

There’s no magic formula for making it all work; some days just don’t go as planned. But somehow, we’re all managing to do our best, and that’s what really matters.

As a working mom myself, here’s my hot take on the matter and some tips that help me be the most productive version of myself both at work and at home. 

The Constant Juggle of Being a Full-Time Mom & Full-Time Worker

Let’s talk about the reality of trying to do it all. 

Mornings are chaos — getting the kids ready for school, finding that one missing shoe, packing lunches, all while trying to get ourselves ready and look halfway decent. Then, it’s off to work (or your bedroom office like me), where the pace is fast, the emails are endless, and meetings never seem to end.

After work, it’s straight into “mom mode” again — homework, dinner, bath time, and somehow squeezing in some time to actually talk to your kids. 

And then, once they’re finally asleep, you’re back at it — catching up on emails, planning for the next day, or just trying to unwind before crashing into bed, only to do it all over again the next day.

There’s just no real downtime. 

But here’s the thing: no one’s doing it perfectly. 

We’re all just doing our best and figuring it out as we go…

How Flexibility Helps Balance Work Life & Family Life

One of the most important things I’ve learned along the way is the power of being flexible. 

Some days, work will need all my attention and other days, my kids need more of me. It’s about being okay that you can’t always do it all at once. 

There will be days when you have to push through at work, and there will be days when you have to leave the office early to be there for a school play or a sick kid.

It’s all about prioritizing at the moment and understanding that it’s okay to adjust.

Some things at work can wait, and some things at home can be moved to later. The trick is not stressing out about it when things don’t go as planned—because they won’t, and that’s totally fine.

Life Hack #1 - Build Your Village

You can’t do it alone. You need a village. And that means leaning on your partner, family, friends, and even your coworkers when you need a little help. Sometimes, it’s just about asking your partner to pick up the kids so you can stay late at work, or asking your parents to step in when you have a big project deadline. Other times, it’s getting support from other working moms who understand exactly what you’re going through.

It’s also important to work in a place that understands the balancing act we’re doing. If you’re lucky enough to have a manager or team who gets it, it makes all the difference. Being able to flex your hours or work from home when needed can take so much pressure off. We all know that when we’re supported, we’re more productive, happier, and much more focused.

Life Hack #2 - Take Care of Yourself

Here’s the thing we often forget in the whirlwind of life: we have to take care of ourselves.

We know this, but it’s so easy to put our own needs last when there’s always something to do for work or the kids. But if we don’t recharge, we’re not much good to anyone — at work or at home.

Self-care doesn’t have to be a whole spa day (though, let’s be honest, that would be nice). It can be something small, like taking a few quiet moments with a cup of coffee before the house wakes up, doing a quick workout, or reading a chapter of a book before bed. It’s about finding those small moments of peace and remembering that we matter, too.

When we take care of ourselves, we show up better for everyone else. We have more patience, more energy, and a little more grace when things don’t go according to plan. Plus, when we feel good, we perform better at work and feel more present with our families.

6 Tips to Help Balance Motherhood & Work Life (& Keep Your Sanity!)

Alright, let’s get real for a second. The balancing act is WILD and doesn’t happen by magic — it takes a little help from the right tools and a dash of creativity. Think of these as your secret weapons to keep everything running smoothly, while also ensuring you don’t pull your hair out along the way. Whether it’s staying organized, squeezing in self-care, or just finding ways to laugh at the chaos, here are a few tips and tricks that can actually make life a bit easier (and more fun!).

1. Calendar Apps: A Working Mom’s New Best Friend

Let’s face it — without a good calendar, we’d be lost. 

Juggling work meetings, school events, doctor’s appointments, and everything else? It’s a lot. Enter the trusty calendar apps, like Google Calendar, Outlook, or even Fantastical, which syncs across all your devices.

Pro tip: Color-code your events! Use one color for work, one for family stuff, and maybe even a third for “me-time” (yes, that’s a thing). This way, you can quickly see where your energy needs to go, and you’re less likely to double-book yourself or forget something important. Plus, you can set reminders for everything (including that all-important "time to breathe" moment).

Read more: 5 Gmail & Outlook Organization Tips to Increase Business Productivity

2. Note-Taking Systems: Organize Your Personal & Work Brain

Sometimes, it feels like your brain is just full of a million little sticky notes. To keep track of everything, having a go-to note-taking system is key. Try apps like Notion, Evernote, or even good old-fashioned Google Keep.

Notion is a personal favorite for keeping everything in one place, whether it’s a grocery list, a to-do list for work, or a place to jot down thoughts you want to remember for later. Bonus points if you get creative with your layouts—there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing your day organized in colorful blocks. Evernote’s great for clipping articles, saving photos, and jotting down random thoughts, while Google Keep is perfect for quick, bite-sized notes when you’re running out the door.

3. Time-Blocking: A Life Saver for Focus at Work & Home

Time-blocking can work wonders if you’re trying to balance work and mom-life. 

It’s a simple concept — you break your day into chunks of time dedicated to specific tasks. You could block out your mornings for work, afternoons for family, and evening hours for personal care (hello, Netflix, or that book you’ve been meaning to read!).

The trick is sticking to your time blocks (or at least, trying to😬) and avoiding the temptation to multitask. 

You might feel like a superhero when you’re answering emails and helping your kids with their homework simultaneously, but in reality, multitasking just leads to burnout. Try giving each part of your day space and focus, and you'll feel more in control of your time.

Read more: Working From Home: 8 Productivity Tips for Solopreneurs

4. Self-Care: Quick Hacks That Won’t Take Hours

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but here it is again: self-care is essential. But let’s face it — sometimes, there’s not much time for long bubble baths or weekend getaways (although we’d all love that!). 

So, here are a few quick and easy self-care hacks to squeeze into your day:

• Mindful Moments: Try a quick 5-minute meditation (there are apps for that!). Close your eyes, breathe, and focus on the present moment. It works wonders for recharging your mental battery.

• Stretching & Movement: Got 10 minutes between meetings or after dinner? Throw on some comfortable clothes and do a quick stretching session, or even a little yoga to reset your body and mind. Your back will thank you after a day spent hunched over a desk.

• Scented Magic: Sometimes, all it takes is a pleasant smell to lift your mood instantly. Keep a little essential oil roller or a candle by your desk, and take a few moments to inhale deeply—lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus can do wonders for calming the mind and boosting energy.

• The Power of ‘No’: If something doesn’t serve you (or if you simply don’t have the time), it’s okay to say “no.” In fact, it’s empowering! Saying no can help you clear space for what truly matters and prevent burnout.

5. Family Fun Time: Embrace the Chaos

While it may seem like there’s always something on your plate, it’s important to find moments of joy and fun with your family. Whether it’s a 10-minute dance party in the living room or a spontaneous picnic at the park, these little bursts of joy are a reminder that life isn’t just about checking off to-do lists. Laughing together, even during stressful moments, can make everything feel slightly lighter.

Pro tip: Plan fun, low-effort activities that don’t require much prep. I’m talking about an impromptu movie night with popcorn or a family walk after dinner where everyone leaves their phones behind. 

These moments will recharge your spirit and leave you with memories that are way more important than anything else.

6. A “Me Time” Jar

Sometimes, carving out time for yourself feels impossible. A fun and visual way to keep yourself on track with self-care is creating a “Me Time” jar. 

Write down different activities or small self-care ideas (like “read for 10 minutes,” “take a walk,” or “watch a funny video”) on slips of paper and toss them in the jar. 

When you need a quick mental break, pull one out and commit to that self-care moment, even if it’s just for five minutes. You’d be surprised how something so small can make a big difference in your day.

Bonus Tip: Celebrate Your Wins 

Let’s take a moment to actually celebrate the wins — because they matter. 

Whether it’s nailing a big project at work, having a heart-to-heart with your child, or simply making it through the day without completely losing it, those moments are worth recognizing. 

The fact that we keep showing up, day after day, for both our jobs and our families is a huge accomplishment. So give yourself an extra pat on the back!

The truth is balance doesn’t mean everything has to be perfect. It means doing your best with what you’ve got, and that’s enough. Some days, work will be the priority; other days, the kids take center stage. But as long as we’re doing our best, we’re winning.

A Personal Note to All the Working Moms Out There

To every mom trying to make it all work — you are doing an amazing job. 

You might not always feel like it, and you might sometimes feel like you’re running on empty, but how you show up every day is nothing short of impressive.

The truth is, we’re all in this together. 

None of us have it all figured out, and that’s perfectly okay. 

The days can be long, but the moments of joy—whether at work or with your kids—make it all worthwhile. 

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, remember you’re doing an incredible job. 

Keep going, keep showing up, and give yourself the grace you deserve.

You’ve got this. 

And even if it doesn’t always feel that way, you’re exactly where you need to be. 💛