#5: The Balancing Act: How To Juggle Work, Motherhood & Me Time
Let’s be real—finding balance between work, motherhood, and self-love is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Some days, you’re crushing it. Other days, you're just hoping you don’t set anything (or anyone) on fire. From the never-ending emails at work to the endless "Mom, I need a snack!" requests, it can feel like you're barely treading water. And let’s not even talk about the self-care you promised yourself you'd do—remember when you used to have time for things like skincare routines and reading actual books? Me neither.
But here’s the thing: You’re not alone. Every mom is balancing a million things and trying to keep her identity intact (because guess what? You’re still a person beyond the title of "Mom"). It’s possible to find that sweet spot between being a kick-butt professional, a super mom (without the cape—because honestly, when did we have time to look for one?), and someone who actually enjoys life outside of laundry piles.
In this space, we're here to laugh at the chaos, embrace the mess, and give you some practical tips for finding balance—while remembering that perfection is a myth and sometimes the best solution is a solid nap (or a very large cup of coffee). So grab a snack, settle in, and let’s dive into how you can reclaim your time, your identity, and maybe even find a little love for yourself in the process.
1. Master the Art of ‘Strategic Chaos’
Tip: Embrace the mess, but do it strategically.
How: Let’s be honest—there's never a time when your house is spotless, your work is flawless, and you feel like you're "on top of it" in all aspects of life. Instead of stressing about perfection, aim for strategic chaos. Pick one area each day to focus on (work one day, mom stuff the next, and "me time" if you're lucky).
Real Example: The laundry pile? It’s just a feature now. A work of art. A reminder that I’m working on balance, not perfection. Just don't ask me to fold it... because 'strategic chaos' means I can't fold anything without a child trying to 'help.'”
Actionable Idea:
For the home: Choose one room to clean or organize per day, but be okay with it not being done perfectly. Have the kids pitch in (and embrace the fact that they will “organize” in ways that defy logic). Not only does it help you, but it helps them feel good about helping mom and gain some independence! I mean, come on, it’s a win-win.
For work: Block off time when you can actually focus (even if it’s 15 minutes during naptime, after bedtime or you give them their tablets/iPads for some peace and quiet). Outside of that, embrace the chaos. Nobody will notice that you didn’t send that email immediately after the meeting.
2. Let Go of the “Supermom” Myth (Spoiler: It Doesn’t Exist)
Tip: Quit trying to be the ‘supermom’ who does everything and is perfect at it.
How: Supermom? More like Super stressed and sleep-deprived mom. Let go of the idea that you need to be everything to everyone. It’s okay to say no, and it’s okay to not be everything at all times. In fact, it’s kind of hilarious when you try to be.
Real Example: “I tried to be a ‘Supermom’ once. It involved getting up early to make the kids’ lunches, cleaning the kitchen, and getting a workout in before drop off. Long story short? The kids ended up only eating the snacks, the kitchen looked like a tornado hit it, and I couldn't even find my gym clothes amidst the pile of laundry “art” I didn’t fold and put away Sunday—because, who needs them when you have a mental breakdown at 7 AM?”
Actionable Idea:
Prioritize. Ask yourself: "What really matters today?" Maybe it’s getting through the workday, spending time with the kids, or not dying inside while folding said laundry. It's okay if your to-do list is half-finished. Supermom doesn't exist; but real moms do. And they get things done (just not always on the first try).
3. Build a “Mom-Support” Crew
Tip: You can’t do this alone—find your squad.
How: You need a crew—other moms who get it. Whether it’s your best friend, a neighbor, co-worker, or a mom’s group, it’s vital to have people who can laugh with you (and at you) when life goes sideways. Lean on them for support, whether that’s for carpooling, venting about your kids, or swapping tips on how to balance it all.
Real Example: I was swapping stories with my best friend the other week about how these boys are built different. They will completely ignore you while you’re telling them to stop doing something and then give you the side smirk and do it anyway. Just the simple fact of knowing I’m not alone and that it’s not just my little terrorist makes me feel so much better and relatable.
Actionable Idea:
Plan a regular hangout, even if it’s just a FaceTime chat. Sometimes you need to know someone else is in the trenches with you. And maybe send each other funny memes, so you remember you’re all human and perfectly imperfect.
4. Embrace the Power of “No” (Seriously!)
Tip: Learn to say no (and laugh about it when you do).
How: Saying “no” is one of the hardest things, especially when you're trying to be everything to everyone and you were raised as a people pleaser. But honestly, saying no is key to protecting your sanity. And it doesn’t have to be dramatic—it can be as simple as “No, I can’t make it to that party because I have a date with my couch and some leftover pizza.”
Real Example: The other day, I said no to a graduation party invite, and I thought I’d feel guilty. Instead, I felt like I’d won the lottery. No one warned me that ‘no’ could be so rewarding. I literally felt some weight lift off my shoulders. Worth it.
Actionable Idea:
The next time someone asks you to take on another responsibility, practice saying “no” and feel how powerful it is. Whether it’s skipping a meeting, not volunteering at school, or even just opting out of an extra activity, saying no is sometimes the healthiest thing you can do for yourself.
5. The “Outsource It If You Can” Mentality
Tip: Get comfortable with delegating—even if it’s just for a few things.
How: Sometimes, the key to balance is not doing it all yourself. Whether it’s hiring a cleaning service once a month, using a grocery delivery app, or letting the kids do their own laundry (don’t judge, it’s a life skill), outsourcing tasks helps you reclaim time and mental energy.
Real Example: “I hired a cleaning service last month. The kids asked, ‘Mom, what’s this person doing here?’ I said, ‘They’re cleaning, so I can have time to breathe and maybe not have an existential crisis in the kitchen.’ #ParentingWin”
Actionable Idea:
Take a look at your week and identify one thing you hate doing (like putting away the clothes or meal prepping). Consider delegating it, even just this once, to give yourself a break. You’ll thank yourself.
6. Implement “The 3-Minute Rule” for Productivity
Tip: Three minutes is all you need to get started.
How: When you feel overwhelmed by a big task (whether it's work or home-related), commit to just 3 minutes of focused effort. Once you get started, you’ll find that momentum often carries you further. But if you only get 5 minutes in? No big deal! That’s progress too.
Real Example: I’ve been doing my best to dedicate 30 minutes daily to my bookkeeping course. So I’ve been time-blocking it in my Structured app and as soon as my reminder goes off, I’ve been setting a 3 minute timer. I have 3 minutes to grab my computer and notebook, sit down and open the course. Once I start it and the timer goes off, I’m already in the mindset to do the 30 minutes.
Actionable Idea:
When you feel like you’re stuck, tell yourself you’ll work on a task for just 3 minutes. Whether it’s responding to emails, tidying up, or working on a project, just starting can help you feel less overwhelmed and more productive.
7. Schedule An Actual “Me Time” Appointment
Tip: Create time in your schedule to have zero obligations.
How: Schedule designated ”me time” in your day where you don’t have to do anything. No work, no mom duties, no planning. Just... space to do whatever you want, whether that’s staring at the wall, coffee run, reading, becoming one with the couch or doing absolutely nothing. It might sound impossible, but it’s essential for your sanity.
Real Example: I scheduled 30 minutes of “me time” this past monday. The only agenda was to sit on the couch and watch a re-run of Agatha All Along. It was a peaceful experience. No one asked me for snacks and I wasn’t interrupted, it was beautiful.
Actionable Idea:
Pick one time each day (or at least every week) to have a block of time with just yourself in mind. Put it on your calendar, and guard it fiercely. If the kids interrupt? Hand them a toy and retreat to your "me time" zone.
8. Laugh at the Chaos (Really, It Helps)
Tip: Sometimes, the best way to keep your sanity is to laugh through the madness.
How: It’s easy to get frustrated when everything feels like it’s falling apart—especially when work, kids, and life don’t align. But humor can be your best friend. When things get chaotic, take a deep breath, and find the funny side. Trust me, it’s there (even if it's just in the ridiculousness of the situation).
Real Example: I decided it was time to teach my 2 ½ year old to get himself undressed to help me in the mornings and he’s been doing great. Too great. Tonight, he decided after he pooped in his pull up that he would take off his pants and pull up to laugh like crazy as he ran butt naked around the house. As frustrated as I was, how could you not laugh?
Actionable Idea:
When you feel like you’re about to lose your cool, stop and laugh. Think about how ridiculous the situation is, and give yourself permission to laugh at it. Whether you’re dealing with a crying baby during a Zoom call or your child painting the dog with peanut butter—just laugh. It helps more than you think.
9. Make “Work Hours” and “Mom Hours” Two Different Realities
Tip: Define clear work time and mom time (and maybe get a little dramatic with it).
How: When you're working from home or balancing a job with motherhood, it’s easy for the lines to blur. But setting boundaries—both for yourself and the people around you—can help. Treat "work time" like you're going to an office, and when it’s time to switch to "mom mode," let yourself fully step into that role. This is a mental trick to prevent burnout.
Real Example: “When I’m in work mode, I put on my ‘serious’ face, which usually involves fresh iced coffee, little bit of makeup and a baddie outfit. But when I switch to mom mode, I change into a ‘mom uniform’—yoga pants, sweater, and the ‘I’ve-had-enough’ look.”
Actionable Idea:
Create clear distinctions for your day. When you're working, treat it like you’re at a job (even if it's in your living room), and when you're with your kids, try to fully engage in mom mode. These clear mental switches help you focus and keep your boundaries intact.
10. Turn “Me Time” into a Family Activity (Sometimes)
Tip: You don’t always have to escape for “me time”—sometimes, family activities can be both fun and rejuvenating.
How: While alone time is essential, sometimes doing something fun with your family can recharge you, too. Whether it's a family walk, a SeaWorld trip, going to the zoo, or cooking a fun meal together, these activities can give you a break from the grind and provide quality bonding time. Plus, you get the bonus of not feeling guilty about spending time with your family while also refueling.
Real Example: My daughter is super into “tag” right now so we’ve been doing that the last half hour before bedtime to not only tired them tf out so they sleep through the night but to have fun chasing each other and hearing my kids' laughter.
Actionable Idea:
Plan one family activity each week that you enjoy too. It could be something simple like baking cookies or going for a walk. It’s a great way to reconnect with your loved ones and get a break from the routine, all while feeling recharged.
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Recap:
Mastering “Strategic Chaos” - Embrace the mess, but do it strategically.
Supermom Doesn’t Exist, Mama - Quit trying to be the ‘supermom’ who does everything and is perfect at it.
Building Your Mom Tribe - You can’t do this alone—find your squad.
The Power Of “No” - Learn to say no and stand your ground on it, it’s more rewarding than you think.
Delegation Mentality - Get comfortable with delegating—even if it’s just for a few things.
The 3-Minute Rule - Three minutes is all you need to get started.
Appointment Reminder: Me Time - Create time in your schedule to have zero obligations.
Laugh It Off - Sometimes, the best way to keep your sanity is to laugh through the madness.
Never Blend Business With Personal - Define clear work time and mom time (and maybe get a little dramatic with it).
A Family “Me Time” Recharge - You don’t always have to escape for “me time”—sometimes, family activities can be both fun and rejuvenating.
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Any mom trying to balance a career, motherhood, and "me time" is a force to reckon with. And sometimes the best way to keep your sanity is to make sure to carve out time for you, ask for help when you need it, and not take it all too seriously.It isn’t about perfecting the art of doing it all—it's about laughing at the chaos, giving yourself grace, and remembering that no one is actually nailing everything at once. So next time you feel like you're juggling flaming, spiky balls and a toddler or two, just remember: you're doing awesome. You might drop a ball or two, but you'll pick them up, probably with some snacks in hand and a big smile.
Throw down in the comment section what resonated with you most, which actionable step you’ll take towards taking back yourself and help balance out your hectic life, I truly would love to hear! If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out my other tips on self-care for busy moms, or browse my full collection of motherhood hacks to make life a little easier! Thank you so much for reading and don’t forget to subscribe to my website to be the first to read my weekly blog.
If no one told you today, you are an amazing mom and I see you.
You wouldn’t be reading this blog if you weren’t and I am SO proud of you.
Keep loving yourself too, mama.
With Love, Caitlin Nichols
