5 Tips for Self-Care as a Work at Home Mom

Self-care? What is this conundrum? If you’re a mom and you’re nodding, I feel you sister friend.

As a work at home mom, I often find myself in this weird gray area. Most days, I feel like I’m half-assing my job as a career woman and as a mom. But, with time, I’ve learned to value myself and embrace both of my important roles in our family. Here’s are my

5 Tips for Self-Care as a Work at Home Mom:

1.) Dress Yourself in Real Clothes

Yep, I try my best not to pop a squat in my office chair in last night’s pajamas. I try to splash my face and on a good day, even put make-up on! I try to change into an ‘outfit,’ even if said outfit is a t-shirt and a pair of shorts or leggings. (Hello, momiform!)

It helps to start my days on a high note and I feel like I’m superwoman! I tell myself that I can tackle all of the items on my never ending to-do list. (It never happens.) But, hey, it’s the little things that make the most positive impact on self-care, right?

2.) Feed Yourself

Once the husband is off to work and the kids are at school or off doing their activities, it’s easy for me to hole myself up in my home office all day. I end up drinking cold coffee and forget to eat a proper meal because I get so lost in work. Sometimes, hours fly by without even me realizing how much time has passed.

Eating and eating well is so important for self-care. I try to stick to a normal routine as I would if I’m working in the office. Taking the lunch hour break even while working at home is crucial to keeping my sanity. Don’t forget to eat lunch! Eat while the kids eat and make sure to keep hydrated, too.

3.) Making Things Easier for Yourself

Time blocking and giving myself regular breaks throughout the day actually helps me to work more productively. Busy doesn’t equate to quality. I make a to-do list that is achievable at the start of the day. Be it work, be it home stuff, be it kids activities, making sure to have a block of time for each part of my day helps me to stay on task and focused for the work day.

4.) Give Yourself Grace

Half the week, our house is a mess, there’s dishes piled up and loads of laundry to be washed or folded. Sometimes, I get a second wind after my work day is over and the kids are down for the night. Those nights are the nights that I end up tending to most of the housework. But the rest of the time, I’m trying to get some QT with my husband or getting to bed early to catch up on those ZZZs that I’m still lacking. And that is okay. I’ve learned not to feel guilty. As much as I try to run a tight ship, making sure I eat properly and have nights off is crucial for self-care.

5.) Laugh at Yourself

I’ve learned that most of the stuff that stresses me out, really isn’t all that important. All the chores and little annoyances isn’t what life is about. I’ve learned to laugh at myself and to enjoy the moments, instead of letting it all just pass by.

It sounds simple enough, but it’s really easy to forget during the chaos of the work week. Enjoying each day, the time with my kids and husband; those are the things that matter. And laughter? It’s just so, so good for my soul. I need to do it more. Laughing at myself and with myself is so important. It’s a great stress-reliever and brings a spark to my days.

Take care of yourself and enjoy the sweet things in life!