As a work-at-home mom, we are running and managing a lot of things. And I can tell, balancing business and motherhood can be overwhelming. Balancing motherhood and growing a business can be challenging, as feelings of guilt and overwhelm may arise. However, I want to assure you that it is possible to do both. I understand the struggle and I am here to help.

I am sharing my experiences of the past month, specifically things that have helped me maintain focus and growth in my business while also being present as a mother.

Be intentional with your morning routine as a work-at-home mom

To begin with, I have made a conscious effort to establish a morning routine that works for me. It all starts with getting a good night’s sleep, as the morning actually begins the night before. Waking up before my kids is crucial for me, as they tend to wake up with a lot of energy and it takes me a while to fully wake up and reconnect my body, mind, and spirit. Having some time to myself before the day’s chaos begins is invaluable, and I relish the silence and tranquility.

However, I have also learned not to beat myself up on the rare days when I sleep in. I used to feel ashamed and lazy, but now I listen to my body and give it what it needs. Generally, I wake up at around 5:15-5:30 AM, but if you’re not there yet, I suggest starting with small increments and working your way up. Remember that it’s important to find a routine that works for you and not compare yourself to others.

Work on your best hours

Another tip that has helped me is working during my most productive hours. For me, this is typically from 8 am to early afternoon, around 1 pm. During this time, I am most alert, energized, and creative. I make a conscious effort to avoid distractions like checking emails or social media during these hours so that I can fully focus on my work. 

However, it’s important to note that if you are a night owl, waking up early may not be the best approach for you. It’s essential to listen to your body and identify what works best for you. We are all unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Don’t feel pressured to conform to someone else’s idea of productivity or success.

Instead, find your own rhythm and honor it. There may be different seasons in your life where your habits and preferences shift, and that’s okay. The key is to find what works for you and embrace it.

Decluttering

Decluttering has been a game-changer for us. Specifically, we’ve focused on getting rid of toys that our kids no longer play with or have lost interest in, as well as broken items. It’s important to note that clutter can be confusing and overstimulating for kids, just as it can cause anxiety and hinder productivity for adults.

By decluttering our space, we’ve created a more calming and visually appealing environment. It’s been a relief to have less to clean up and organize, and it’s also helped us be more mindful of what we’re holding onto. We’ve gone through our daughter’s clothes

and donated items that no longer fit or haven’t been worn in ages. Decluttering has left us feeling lighter and more at ease, making our lives simpler and more enjoyable.

Practice self-care even when you’re working at home

Another important aspect of finding harmony in my life has been practicing self-care. I understand that this can be a triggering topic for some, but it’s essential to find what works for you. As a mom, it’s been challenging for me to prioritize myself and take time for self-care. I used to make excuses about not having enough time, but I’ve come to realize that taking care of myself makes me a better mother, person, and entrepreneur.

One of the things that have been helpful for me is taking baths, which was foreign to me growing up in Brazil. I’ve been experimenting with different options like bath bombs or Epsom salt and have found it to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. I try to do it at least once a week, sometimes every two weeks, and it’s been a great way for me to unwind and recharge. Self-care is crucial for mental and emotional well-being, and finding what works for you can make a significant difference in your life.

Practice gratitude

Gratitude has been an essential part of my journey towards harmony, although it hasn’t always come easy for me due to my traumatic childhood and complex PTSD. But I’ve been working on it for a long time and am finally at a place where I can appreciate the simple things and find joy at the moment.

Journaling has also been helpful, but I don’t pressure myself to do it every day, and I’m learning to be kind and compassionate with myself.

Another life-changing practice for me has been tapping or EFT, which I discovered recently and wish I had known about sooner. Tapping involves lightly tapping on specific points in the body to release emotions and work through different feelings. I highly recommend it to anyone who’s struggling with self-doubt, overthinking or any other emotional challenges.

Meditation has also been a regular practice for me, and I’m seeing positive results. Finally, I’ve started acupuncture and have found a practitioner who not only uses acupuncture but also incorporates foods to help with healing. I’m already seeing a significant improvement in my energy levels, and acupuncture has been incredibly helpful for me in dealing with the fatigue and brain fog. Finding what works for you is essential, and I encourage you to explore different practices and approaches to see what resonates with you.

Asking myself why before saying no to my kids

One thing that’s been helping me find balance while dealing with my kids is asking myself why I say no to them so much. I’m trying to say yes more often within reason, of course. I used to be very strict with them, even though I try hard to be a respectful, kind parent who practices crunchy parenting. But I found that I still say no to them just for the sake of it because it’s my default mode.

Now, I pause and really listen to what my kids are saying, and get curious about their needs. For instance, if they ask for water, my default response would be no, we’re going to make a mess. But I try to find common ground where everybody’s happy, and they get their water without creating chaos.

I’m being more mindful about not being too quick to say no to them, but it doesn’t mean I say yes to everything. I’m not that kind of parent. If we take the time to see what they’re seeing in their ideas and encourage them, it can be super helpful.

These are the things that have helped me manage both my work and my kids without feeling guilty, changing my negative self-talk, and finding hope for success and balance as a working mom raising happy, healthy, and purposeful kids, which requires getting curious, changing perspectives, staying flexible, and staying open to ideas. I know you can do it, Mama! Keep it up.