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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work, and for many moms, that means working from home.
If you’re new to working from home with kids in the house, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Working from home has its perks, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges.
From dealing with constant interruptions to finding time to take care of yourself, it can be easy to feel like you’re constantly falling short.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are 11 tips for moms who work from home to help manage time, stay productive, and make life a little bit easier.
1. Set boundaries with your family and friends.
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you’re available 24/7.
Let your loved ones know when you’re working and when you’re available to talk or help out. This will help prevent interruptions and allow you to focus on your work.
2. Create a designated workspace.
If possible, try to create a separate space in your home that is just for work.
Whether it’s a separate room or just a corner of the kitchen table, having a designated work area will help you stay focused and organized.
3. Get dressed for work each day.
It may seem small or unnecessary, but getting out of your PJs and into something that makes you feel put together will help you feel more productive and get you in the right mindset for work.
Ditch the sweatpants and take a few minutes each day to put on something nice.
Plus, if you have video calls, you’ll be glad you made the effort!
4. Take breaks and don’t feel guilty about it.
When you’re used to working in an office, it can be easy to feel like you should be working all the time when you’re at home.
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you have to be chained to your desk all day long. That’s not sustainable—or good for your sanity!
Truth be told, working from home can be exhausting, so make sure to schedule some breaks throughout the day.
Get up and move around every few hours. Step away from your work completely, take a walk, jump on the trampoline, listen to a podcast, or just take a few deep breaths.
Whatever helps you relax and recharge, do that!
5. Set realistic goals for each day.
Trying to accomplish too much in one day is a recipe for disaster.
Before you start working, sit down and make a list of what really needs to be accomplished that day. This will help keep you focused and prevent burnout.
There are plenty of good planners out there to help with this. If you aren’t the planner type, then there are simple one-page daily organizers as well as good old post-it notes!
6. Don’t forget about self-care!
When you’re constantly giving your all to work and others, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself.
But self-care is important! Make sure to schedule some time each week for yourself – even if it’s just 30 minutes.
Your work will be there waiting and you will see that you will have less “brain fog” during the work day.
7. Delegate when possible.
You don’t have to do everything yourself!
If you have kids at home, see if they can help with things like laundry or dishes while you’re working. And if you have a partner, see if they can pitch in too!
8. Stay organized with lists and calendars.
To-do lists are essential for any working mom, but they’re especially important when you work from home.
Keep track of both your personal and professional obligations in one place so nothing falls through the cracks.
You can use a physical calendar or an online one, like Google Calendar – it’s free!
9. Set office hours and stick to them.
Working from home can be great because it allows for some flexibility, but it’s important to set regular hours and stick to them as much as possible. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
This is especially important if you have young children at home.
Let your family know when you’re working and when you’re available to talk or play.
And just like with any other job, try not to work too much overtime!
10. Connect with other working moms.
It can be isolating working from home, so make sure to reach out to other working moms for support!
Whether it’s joining an online community or meeting up with friends in person, connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference.
Keep your support system close by. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or even just a fellow mom who also works from home, lean on your support system when things get tough (which they inevitably will).
They’ll be there to lend a listening ear or offer some words of wisdom when you need it most.
11. Seek professional help if needed.
Lastly, if you find yourself struggling to juggle everything, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
There’s no shame in admitting that you need extra support and there are people out there who can help!
Whether you need someone to talk to or someone to help you get organized, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
In summary:
Working from home can be a great way to balance work and family life, but it’s not always easy.
These tips can help you create a routine that works for you AND your family and make the transition a little bit smoother.
By following these 11 tips, you can make working from home, work for YOU!
So, make sure to give yourself some grace, take some time for yourself, and reach out when you need help and you got this! You are one bad*ss mama!
Join my Facebook group at Thriving Work From Home Moms to help support you on this journey!
Do you have any other tips to share? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
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