My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

How do you stay balanced as a busy mom?  There usually aren’t enough hours in the day and rarely enough of you to go around. 

There’s no one way to staying balanced as a busy mom. But, you can take simple steps to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

1 – Prioritize

 As a working mom, you can confuse what must be done with what you want to get done.  To help me stay balanced, I make a list of the top three things I must do for the day. 

Then, I tackle the one I’m least looking forward to completing.  This strategy for prioritizing is outlined in Brian Tracy’s book, Eat That Frog!  If you want to stay balanced, you must be realistic about what you can do and prioritize your day.

If you’re currently working from home (like me!), having a healthy work-life balance is more important than ever. Sometimes, the things that seem urgent really aren’t.

For example, I have two laundry baskets of clean clothes waiting to be folded. But, I also have more important tasks on my list that need to be done before folding those clothes.

I will eventually get to the laundry baskets, but it won’t be today! By prioritizing your tasks, you save yourself undue stress by focusing on what’s most important.

2 – Be Grateful

Having an attitude of gratitude is a great way to stay balanced as a busy mom.  It’s tough to manage work deadlines, homework assignments, doctor appointments, soccer practice, and the grocery list.

Additionally, when you’re going through difficult times, you take on added pressure. Whether you’re out of work or facing a lot of uncertainty, it would do you good to focus on the positives in your life.

When you’re a busy mom, it’s easy to focus on what you need to do and what hasn’t been done.  If you’re not careful, you can wind up complaining and feeling negative. 

Sometimes, you need to take a moment to stop and be grateful. 

Remembering what you have and the important people in your life is a great way to stay balanced.  You can start by making a list of all the positives in your life.  When you’re feeling negative, take out the list to help shift your perspective.

3 – Smile

If you want to stay balanced, don’t underestimate the power of a smile. It costs nothing and it can be an instant mood changer.

I try to smile as much as possible because it makes me feel better and often leads to laughter.  And, laughter is just good for the soul.  When I wake up, I know I’m winning because someone else didn’t wake up that morning. 

If you watch the news, you’re bound to find a ton of reasons to complain, think the worst, or even feel down. So, limit your content!

I try to focus on the positive and not to sweat the small stuff.  I don’t worry about the things I can’t control. Instead, I focus on what I can control – my attitude and how I respond to the world around me.

You can stay positive in any situation. Check out my article!  Putting on a smile is just a simple way to remind yourself to continue to live your best life in balance. 

4 – Rest

You’re a busy mom with a lot to do.  But, rest is essential if you want to stay balanced. 

I have a full-time job outside of the home (inside for now!), a blog, two kids, a husband, and a dog!  When I don’t get proper rest, I’m cranky, prone to sickness, and no good to anyone. 

It’s not a badge of honor to work, work, work, and never rest.  In fact, it’s dangerous.  You don’t want to wait until your body demands the rest.  Instead, be proactive and incorporate rest into your routine.

Do yourself a favor and unplug! Lately, I’ve spent more time on my computer than ever. However, I know when my body has had enough. When I find myself staring aimlessly at the screen, I know it’s time to unplug.

Having a healthy work-life balance includes taking time to renew, refresh, and re-energize.  And, when the boundaries of work and home are blurred, you need to make finding time to rest a main priority.

Each week, you should have at least one day where you take time to rest and nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you make it a family day, a sleep-in and lounge day, or a (modified at-home) spa day, you need rest to stay balanced.

5 – Pamper Yourself

As a working mom, you cater to your family and what they need.  But, how often do you cater to yourself?

Sometimes, you need to pamper yourself to stay balanced and centered.  Doing something for yourself can be rewarding and exactly what you need to help you make it through the day, week, or month.

I look for ways to make my son and husband feel special and celebrated.  Sometimes, I need to do the same for myself.  Whether it’s going to get a massage or simply giving yourself a facial or pedicure, take the time to give yourself some special attention.

There are a lot of simple ways to pamper yourself at home. Paint your toenails. Have a cup of your favorite tea / glass of wine in silence. One of my favorite ways is to take a bubble bath with aromatherapy candles.

Do I threaten or bribe my kids to leave me alone? Yes – and, it’s well worth it!

You don’t always have to travel or spend money to practice self-care. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that help you stay balanced.

6 – Self-Reflect

Keeping a journal your thoughts is a great way to engage in self-reflection. Journaling helps you to process your thoughts and emotions. It’s also an easy way to keep list of your goals and accomplishments. 

Reflecting on your progress is a great way to stay balanced and assess changes in your life.  There are some things you will write on paper that you won’t say out loud. 

If you’re going through a challenging time or if you’re in a period of transition, writing your feelings down might help you gain some clarity.

When I go back and review journal entries from previous years, I can see a lot of growth. However, it’s also a great reminder that I’ve made it through difficult situations before.

Maybe you don’t want to discuss how you’re feeling with your spouse? Maybe you’re not sure how you feel?

Taking the time to deal with your honest, raw emotions is a great strategy to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

7 – Exercise

Your physical and mental health are an essential part of staying balanced. Exercise as a way to reduce stress and increase your energy level. 

As a busy mom, you might not think you have time to workout. Or, you may think you can only get a good workout at the gym. 

However, you don’t need a gym or a lot of time to exercise. You just need to be creative and have a positive attitude.

You can exercise by making simple adjustments to your daily routine. Just adding a 20-30 minute daily walk or taking the stairs can boost your mood, energy level, and overall health. You can also make sure you get a minimum of 10,000 steps a day with a fitness tracker. 

For me, exercise is vital. It is my go-to stress-reliever. When I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, I exercise to feel better.

If you’re not sure where to begin, checkout my 5-minute workout for busy moms. It will help jump start your exercise routine.

8 – Read

Reading is another great way to stay balanced because it can help slow things down.  Whether it’s for enjoyment or personal growth, reading can be a great stress reliever. 

When I read for leisure, I enjoy crime thrillers or dramas because they provide a great escape from reality. And, who doesn’t need an escape?

However, I also read for personal growth.  Some of the best books I’ve read to help you stay balanced are The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and I Dare You by Joyce Meyer.   

As a working mom, you need an outlet to help you de-stress from all the different hats you wear.  Picking up a good book may help you rekindle an old hobby.

I have to read a lot for my job and with my kids. So, when I take time to read a book for myself, it’s a real treat!

Whether it’s a gossip magazine, a self-help book, or a juicy novel, reading is a good way to maintain balance.

9 – Embrace Imperfections

We all have something we’d like to change about our appearance or personality.  It could be your thighs or your nose.  Maybe you’d like to be more outspoken or less sensitive. 

Whatever the case, embracing your imperfections is a great way to stay balanced. If you focus on everything you don’t like about yourself, you’re not going to feel great about yourself. 

Having a negative self-image will impact your confidence and feelings of self-worth.  So, focus on what you love about yourself and work on the rest. 

I used to get teased about my lips.  And, now people pay to get fillers to look like me!  If you don’t like your thighs, make your way to the stairs or start doing squats. 

But, if you’re not going to do the squats, find clothing that doesn’t highlight your thighs.

If you want to be more outspoken, try speaking up more with your friends and family. Or, embrace the fact that you like to observe what’s going on rather than be the center of it all.

When it comes to parenting, don’t be too hard on yourself.  If you make a mistake, own it and move on. 

To help you stay balanced, just remember, no one has it together. We are all imperfectly perfect at doing the best we can do.

10 – Take a Day Off

Taking a personal day for yourself is probably the most important way to stay balanced. As a working mom, you really have two full-time jobs, if not more. 

There’s the job you do that pays the bills.  And, then there’s being a mom.   Too often, the jobs overlap and it’s hard to find personal time for yourself.

However, if you don’t take a day voluntarily, your body will eventually force you to do it. 

Wouldn’t you rather take a day to enjoy it rather than having to take off because you’re sick?  If you have personal time, schedule a day off to do whatever makes you happy.

You’ll be surprised at how renewed and refreshed a day of personal enjoyment can make you feel. If you’re concerned about losing the time – ask yourself, In six months, will it matter that I took the day off?

If you’re currently working from home, you may not need to use your personal days. But, you should set clear boundaries.

Spend a Saturday in your pajamas binge-watching your favorite show. Let the kids eat whatever is in the house and don’t worry about!

Put something fun on the calendar – happy-hour with friends (virtual, if necessary), watching your favorite movie, or family game night!

You can maintain a healthy work-life balance by making some simple changes to your daily routine. 

To stay balanced as a busy mom, make yourself a priority and continue to live your best life in balance!

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

The post How to Stay Balanced: 10 Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms appeared first on .

My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

How can you be good to yourself as a working mom? You’re busy working, trying to get to appointments on time, and figuring out the week’s dinner schedule. 

Who has time to think about being good to yourself? Well – you do if you follow these 7 simple self-care tips:

Exercise

I know I say it a lot, but, finding time to exercise is a great way to be good to yourself.  As a busy mom, you need to stay healthy.  Also, you need a ton of energy.  

By exercising, you’re not only doing something good for your physical health, but you can also reap mental health benefits. Furthermore, when you exercise, you release endorphins a.k.a. feel good hormones. 

Those endorphins can help you relieve stress and change your mood. Additionally, it’s a great way to help you maintain healthy work-life balance.

For most busy moms, the biggest obstacles to working out are time and motivation. The idea of exercise can sound like another chore added on to an already crowded list.

Who needs that? What you really want is to make exercise part of your lifestyle.

To make exercise part of your lifestyle, you simply need to make small adjustments to your daily routine. Also, be flexible and have a good attitude.

My exercise routine isn’t always pretty. For instance, sometimes I have to stop and attend to my toddler in the middle of it – but I always go back! And, since I’m currently working from home, I need it more than ever.

If you need help finding time for exercise, check out 10 ways to make time for exercise. Likewise, if you need a little motivation, here are 5 tips to get a quick and easy workout.

Eat Healthy

Much like exercising, eating healthy is a great way to be good to yourself and to your body.  As a working mom, I know the challenge of preparing healthy meals and snacks. 

To help you stay on track, prep your meals for the week on a Saturday and Sunday to avoid choosing unhealthy alternatives when the week gets busy.  Throughout the week, I drink green shakes using the Nutri-Bullet. 

I usually prep the green shakes at the start of the week. Then, I blend them the night before. All I have to do is grab and go in the morning. 

As a busy mom, you might be tempted to skip breakfast and settle for a cup of coffee to get you started. But, I would encourage you to start your day with a quick and healthy meal.

Just like breakfast is important to give your kids a great start – the same goes for you!

For a quick option, you can make egg muffins or frittatas, oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches, or a breakfast burrito. These are all healthy and quick breakfast ideas you can prep ahead.

Likewise, I eat leftovers for lunch or healthy options I prep at the start of the week. To stay on track, plan your meals ahead of time and prep in advance.

Watch the sugar! It just weighs you down and makes you feel sluggish…while packing on extra pounds.

You can be good to yourself now by making simple changes like swapping sodas and juice for water at meals. Want to get fancy? Add some fruit and lemon juice to your water.

Stress Less

As a mom, there is always something to worry about. However, a great way to be good to yourself is to reduce stress. 

Stop worrying about things that are out of your control.  Many of us are facing a lot of uncertainty. While there’s plenty to be worried about, it won’t do you any good!

When I catch myself thinking about the possibility of losing income, job security, or my kids being impacted negatively by what’s going on in the world, I refocus my thoughts on the positive. 

I speak positive words over my children out loud.  I also pray for them and trust God to protect them. 

Do whatever you need to do to reduce stress and anxiety because it can lead to physical health issues. Check out these simple tips to reduce stress as a busy mom. 

Sometimes you need a shift in balance to help you stress less. First, start prioritizing what’s really important in your life – including yourself! Other times, you simply need to shift your perspective and monitor your thoughts.

Be good to yourself by remembering what really matters – include yourself on the list.  Whether it’s your job, money, or family issues, don’t let stress get the best of you.

Set Personal Goals

One great way to be good to yourself is to set personal goals.  You were a woman with dreams and desires before you became a mom.  Don’t forget that!   

You should always have something you are working toward.  Whether it’s moving forward in your career, developing a skill, or starting a new hobby, having goals for personal growth is an important part of being good to yourself. 

One of the ways I enjoy keeping track of my goals is by creating a vision board. It allows me to categorize the things I want to accomplish. By hanging it on the wall, it serves as a visual reminder of what I’m working toward.

As a busy mom, it’s so easy to put the needs of your family and everyone else in front of your own. But, trust me! It’s great to know you’re doing something to help improve yourself.

Wouldn’t you tell your kids to set high goals and run after them? The same applies for you!

Create a vision board of your personal goals and hang it in a place that’s visible to remind you to be good to yourself.  If you’re not into vision boards, write down you goals and hang them somewhere visible (i.e. the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, bedroom wall).

Need help getting started? Check out my FREE 3-Step Goal Action Plan to help you begin moving tow

Reward Yourself

I believe in the 80/20 rule.  80% of the time, I try to eat healthy, exercise, and budget wisely.  It doesn’t always work, but I try! 

The other 20%, I reward myself with what I like.  So, if I want the brownie, I’m gonna have the brownie!  Life is to short to constantly deny yourself of the simple things that you enjoy. 

As a mom, I know you love to make your kids happy.  So, be good to yourself and reward yourself with something that makes you happy. 

The things that make you happiest don’t always cost money. Having some quiet time to myself is essential. While it’s not always easy to get, I try to get time to myself each.

For most moms, mommy guilt is a real thing. Refuse to participate!

When you consider all you do for your family, why should you feel guilty about needing some down time?

Yet, as moms, we believe we can keep going like the Energizer bunny. We actually feel wrong for wanting time or taking time for ourselves.

I’m sure you look for ways to put a smile on your kid’s face. Getting him that toy he wanted? Surprising her with ice cream?

How many times have you planned something special for your hubby? Cooked his favorite meal? Wore a sexy outfit?

Reward yourself by asking for the things you want and need – time to yourself, a day without chores, a day off from cooking, or whatever makes you happy. And, don’t feel guilty about it.

Life is too short not to buy the shoes that give you life – at least every now and then!

Say “No”

If you’re a people pleaser, saying “No” may be the best way to be good to yourself.  As a mom, you try to do it all and you can – just not at the same time and certainly, not well. 

So, you have to prioritize what must be done and what you want to do. That often means having to put your needs and the needs of your family before others.

As a working mom, it can be a challenge to balance it all. You want to do well at work, but you also want things to run smoothly at home. At some point, the two worlds collide. And, you have to make some tough decisions.

Shortly after having my first son, I accepted a new position with new responsibilities. I had to travel more often and often worked later than I really wanted.

However, with my second child, I was older and wiser! I began letting go of non-essential responsibilities at work as soon as I found out I was pregnant. In some instances, it cost me money, but it was well worth it.

I also began stepping down from various community committees and organizations. My life was changing and what worked for one season was not going to work in this new season of life.

I even took more time off to stay at home with my second son. And, while some people were not happy with my decisions, I knew I was doing what was best for me and my family.

Someone is going to be unhappy because you just can’t please everyone.  Saying “No” should not make you feel guilty. 

It should make you feel empowered. 

You don’t have to try to accommodate everyone in every situation. If you want to be good to yourself, remember there is only so much time in the day and only so much of you to go around.

Forgive Everyone for Everything

Practicing forgiveness is the ultimate way to be good to yourself.  Remember, forgiveness is for you and not about the people who have wronged you. 

When you forgive people, it’s not saying what they did was okay. Instead, it’s giving yourself permission to move on and take your power back because holding on to resentment gives people power over you. 

If you need help with forgiveness, there’s an excellent book, Forgiveness: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything, to help you get started.

As a working mom, you might feel guilty for leaving your kids to go to work, working late hours, or having to travel for work.  Or, maybe you feel guilty for not having a lot of patience. 

With the global pandemic, we all have been challenged in different ways. While working from home (teaching distance learning), I’ve had to help my second grader with his online assignments, and take care of my toddler.

It has not always been pretty!

Be good to yourself and forgive yourself for not being a perfect parent.  There isn’t one! 

We are all imperfect.  We will make mistakes. We will disappoint one another. 

If you can remember that, you would be doing something good for yourself.

When you take the time to be good to yourself, you are investing in something very valuable – you!  By taking the time to practice these important self-care tips, you can continue to live your best life in balance.

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

The post How to Be Good to Yourself: 7 Self-Care Tips for Working Moms appeared first on .

My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

The perfect morning routine for working moms is simple.  Since I’ve never been a morning person, creating this morning routine changed everything for me.  While it involves six steps, it really is one concept – start your day on a positive note! When you start your day up, it’s much harder to get you down.

1 – Start moving. I would love to get a workout first thing in the morning, but it’s rare that my schedule will allow it.  If you can exercise first thing in the morning, do it!  You know, I’m all about getting at least 10,000 steps a day.  The earlier you start moving, the more steps you take.  It’s an amazing way to start your day and your mind and body will thank you for it.  But, if you can’t squeeze in a workout, try adding stretching exercises to your morning routine. Stretching is a great way to get your blood flowing and your brain going. And, it can be done in just a few minutes.

2 – Listen to an inspirational message. I try not to listen to the news in the morning because it’s usually not positive.  As part of my morning routine, I listen to Bible teacher, Joyce Meyer while I’m getting ready for work.  It’s a 30-minute television message I let play while I’m getting dressed.  I also DVR it so I always have a message ready.  You can do the same with podcasts or videos on YouTube.  I also have inspirational messages downloaded on my phone. Whether you’re getting dressed or in the car, listening to an inspirational message as part of your morning routine helps set the tone for your day.

3 – Recite positive affirmations.  To help me stay focused, I wrote my favorite scriptures on index cards and put them on my bathroom mirror.  While I’m getting ready for work, I read the scriptures out loud. This part of my morning routine helps me to stay centered and focused on my purpose. You can do the same with quotes or positive affirmations you create.  And, you can recite them first thing in the morning or throughout your day.

4 – Listen to uplifting music. While it’s tempting to listen to the radio on my way to work, most days I opt for uplifting music.  Again, it’s much easier to stay in a positive mood if you start your day with positivity.  If you have a hectic commute, listening to inspirational music might be what you need to deal with traffic and avoid road rage. Playing music with a positive message or something that feeds your spirit will help keep you calm and peaceful. One mom I know listens to classical music on her way to and from work.  Whatever your preference, adding uplifting music to your morning routine can be helpful.

5 – Be thankful.  If you’re like me, you’re probably moving quickly to get out of the door.  But, adding gratitude to your morning routine is important. Taking a moment to think about what you’re thankful for can do wonders for the mind.  It’s easy to focus on your tasks for the day, deadlines, and the dreaded meeting you have to attend. You can shift your focus if you concentrate on why you’re grateful, instead.  It only takes a minute to give thanks for your job, your husband, your children, your health, your family, or your friends.  Starting your day with an attitude of gratitude helps you to stay centered, Mom!

6 – Read a devotional or something encouraging.  I get daily devotionals via email, and I try to read them before I get to work.  One is specifically designed for the workplace (Today God Is First).  The devotionals are free and usually have a positive message and an encouraging story. You can sign up to have quotes, affirmations, scriptures, or devotionals sent to your phone through email or text.  I make reading the devotionals part of my morning routine because I often cover the positive affirmation and time to be thankful in one devotional.  Since it’s on my phone, I can also access it throughout the day as a reminder.

7 – Eat a healthy breakfast. I know! It sounds like a no-brainer. But, in reality, it’s very easy to leave breakfast out of your morning routine as you’re rushing out the door. Even if you grab something to eat, it might not be healthy. Getting a healthy start is as important for you as it is for the kids. When you miss breakfast, you’re more likely to choose unhealthy snacks and meal options later in the day because you’re hungry. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can start the day right with grab and go items, like a green shake, protein shake, oatmeal, fruit, or egg muffins. To save time, blend your shakes and prep your food the night before.When healthy eating is part of your morning routine, it’s easier to choose healthy options throughout the day.

8 – Smile.  You’ve probably said this to your own kid a thousand times.  Smile! Do you need to take your own advice? Smiling is the easiest thing to add to your morning routine.  And, it’s definitely the most underrated!  While a smile costs you nothing, it adds incredible value to your day.  You just feel better when you smile, even if you’re not feeling well.  When you smile, you send the message that you’re friendly and open to others.  In return, people are likely to be friendly and courteous to you.  Add a smile to your face and see how your mornings change.

As a working mom, there’s a lot you deal with in a day.  You can stay centered by creating the perfect morning routine to stay positive and continue to live your best life in balance!

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. I am not a doctor or medical expert.  I am simply sharing my personal experience and knowledge as a mom.  Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

The post The Perfect Morning Routine for Working Moms: 8 Self-Care Tips appeared first on .

My posts usually contain affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Hey working mom – with work, kids, hubby, and the dog to think about, it’s no wonder you need to reduce stress!  There’s no secret to stressing less.  But, you must be willing to make yourself a priority.  Here are 10 tips to help you reduce stress and enjoy your life:

1 – Exercise more.  I know it sounds counterproductive, but it works.  When you exercise you release endorphins, also know as “feel good hormones.” Those endorphins are responsible for helping to lift your mood and producing a calming effect overall.  For me, exercise has become my go-to for reducing stress.  If I want to reduce stress, I hit the pavement running, pop in a dance video, or lift some weights to sweat it out.  Trust – after a good sweat session, whatever you were stressed about is a distant memory.

 2 – Meditate.  No, you don’t have to sit for hours or chant if you don’t want to!  You can start by finding a comfortable, preferably, quiet space to sit or lie down.  My kids-free zone and go-to space is my closet.  Close your eyes and focus your attention on your breathing.  Try to focus on the process of inhaling and exhaling. You only need to do it for a few minutes to feel more relaxed.  The more you do it, the longer you’ll be able to focus.  To reduce stress, just take a few minutes to meditate before entering a stressful situation.

3 – LOL.  You can reduce stress by making a conscious decision to laugh out loud every day.  We all have that girlfriend that makes us laugh harder than any comedian ever could.  Keep her number on speed dial.  On your list of things to do, you need to have laughter at the top of the list.  Whether it’s my kids being naturally silly or a punch-line in my favorite sitcom, I get a daily dose of laughter.  I believe it when the Bible says, “laughter is good medicine.”  The more you laugh, the easier it is to let go of the stresses of the day.

4 – Journal your thoughts.  There are some things you will write on paper that you’ll never say out loud.  Because of that, journaling your thoughts is a great way to reduce stress.  You can journal in a notebook or you can get a guided journal.  If you’re stressed or worried about a problem, writing your thoughts allows you to process what you’re feeling.  There’s no right or wrong way to journal.  I just write like I’m writing a letter to myself or to God. 

5 – Make a to-do list. Ever lay in bed thinking about all you need to do at work the next day? Just knowing you have so much to get done between work and family can leave you feeling stressed.  Learn to reduce stress by making a list of what you need to do.  Before I leave work, I write my to-do list for the next day and post it.  Not only does it help me stay organized, but it keeps me from thinking about the job when I’m with my family.  Likewise, if you make a list before you go to sleep, you’re less likely to feel stressed about all you need to get done.  The real way to reduce stress – cross each task off the list once it’s done!

6 – Unplug.  Yeah, social media is great. But, it can be information overload.  And, once you get sucked in, you can waste more time than you expected.  Doesn’t it seem like everyone is living it up and having a ball? If you’re not careful, you can compare someone’s Instagram story with your real life.  So, just unplug for a while. Reduce stress by having a cut off time for your electronic devices. There are times when we turn off all electronics, including television, to just connect as a family.  Taking a break to unplug can be a great stress-reliever.

7 – Take a warm bath or shower.  I love a bubble bath!  You can easily reduce stress by taking a relaxing bath or shower. After a tough day at work and an hour of homework with my son, my favorite thing to do is light some candles and run a bubble bath.  Having a few minutes to myself in a tranquil setting is a great way to reduce stress.  Water has a calming effect.  So, if you’re not into bubble baths, you can still take a relaxing shower to help you get centered.  You can even elevate your experience by using scented candles and your favorite shower gel.

8 – Do something mindless. My guilty pleasure is watching drama-filled reality shows.  Since I try to stay drama free, watching someone else’s drama is a great stress reliever for me.  Whether it’s a game on your phone or catching up with the latest celebrity gossip, it’s good to have some mindless entertainment.  My job requires a lot of mental energy and it often leaves me mentally drained.  When I need to recharge, I try to do things that don’t require a lot of thought.  If you want to reduce stress, incorporate some mindless entertainment into weekly your routine.  

9 – Read for leisure.  Between reading for work and reading with my kids, I rarely have time to curl up with a good book.  But, when I do, it’s one of my favorite things! Reading for leisure is a great way to reduce stress.  When you read for pleasure, it allows you to escape what’s going on in your everyday life temporarily.  If I’m reading a James Patterson novel, I’m not thinking about my job or my bills because I’m too busy trying to figure out who did it and why.

 10 – Nurture your soul.  As a working mom, it’s easy to worry about the health and well-being of everyone else.  It can be easy to forget to nurture yourself.  You can reduce stress by paying attention to what you need.  Make sure you are surrounding yourself with positivity.  Be aware of negative energy and avoid negativity.  If you have a co-worker who complains all the time, that’s probably not the person to have lunch with every day.  Every morning, I try to start my day by listening to a positive message or reading scripture or a daily devotional. Starting my day on a positive note, helps me to stay centered and keeps me from getting stressed over simple things.

You can easily reduce stress by making simple changes to your daily routine.  Follow these ten tips to stress less and continue to live your best life in balance.

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician or another health care professional before starting any fitness routine or making changes in your diet. Any health, fitness, or nutritional information offered is designed for educational purposes only.  Do not rely on this information as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While exercising, if you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, you should stop exercising immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

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Dear Working Mom,

Little sleep. Lost keys. Fussy kids. Traffic jam. Work deadline.  No doubt, you have tons of reasons to get stressed out and be in a bad mood.  But, you also have millions of reasons not to. It’s all about keeping a positive attitude.

1 – Think positive thoughts.  One day, I was watching an episode of Thomas the Train with my son when I heard the narrator say, “Sir Topham Hat was cross!”  I thought about all the episodes I had watched.  And, on almost every episode, it seemed like something happened to make Sir Topham Hat upset.

Having a positive attitude is a choice.  You can choose to have a positive attitude by monitoring your thoughts.  What you think and say to yourself has a powerful impact because you hear your own words twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.  Your thoughts are even more powerful than your spoken words because only you can hear your thoughts.  Therefore, no one can contest them.  If you walk around thinking you’re a bad mom for working, you can expect to feel like a bad mom.  Your words and thoughts can either help you or hurt you, depending on how you use them.

2 – Speak positive words.  When you speak, you simply bring your thoughts to life.  If your thoughts were seeds, the words you speak would be the fertilizer. It is not enough to avoid having negative thoughts.  You need to actually speak positivity over your life.  You should say out loud, “I’m a great example for my child.  I’m showing him what a strong work ethic looks like.  I’m showing him how to run after his goals in life.”  In my bathroom, I have a list of scriptures and positive affirmations posted on my mirror.  Each time I look in the mirror, I read some of those positive words and it helps me keep a positive attitude when I feel overwhelmed.

Free Printable – 30 Daily Positive Affirmations for the Working Mom

3 – Focus on the positive.  When work is demanding or it’s a challenging season at home, it can be hard to stay positive. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond.  You can choose to focus on what’s wrong, or you can focus on what’s right.  If you focus on what’s right, you’re more likely to keep a positive attitude.

Before having my youngest son, I suffered a miscarriage.  It was one of the most devastating experiences I’ve been through.  It was hard to stay positive in the midst of feeling so hurt and confused.  While I was grieving, I chose to focus on things in my life for which I was grateful.  I actually made a list, so I could go back and read it whenever I felt sad or discouraged.  I might not ever understand why I had to experience something so incredibly painful.  But focusing on the positive helped me grow and learn something about myself in the pain.

4 – Control your emotions.  If you want to stay positive in any situation, you can’t allow your emotions to control you.  Sometimes I want to just roll on the floor kicking and screaming – literally!  But, who would it help? If you operate your life based on how you feel, it will be a lot harder to stay positive.  You might not feel like going to work, but you can have a positive attitude about it.  Someone would love to have the job you dread going to each day.  You may not be a morning person, but you can keep a positive attitude by staying grateful.  Someone who can’t have kids would love to hear the sound of a baby crying or someone screaming for mommy in the morning.

While I don’t love working out at the gym, I really like the results.  After a good workout, I’m always in a better mood, and overall, I feel better physically.  But for me to get a good workout, I have to check my attitude at the door.  I can’t walk in saying, I really hate the gym! I don’t feel like working out today!  I don’t see any results yet!  Even if I’m not feeling it, I have to replace my negative feelings with positive thoughts if I want to achieve positive results.

Your thoughts shape how you view life and your words will determine how you live your life.  You can stay positive in any situation and continue to live your best life in balance.

How to stay positive when work and family life become overwhelming

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Dear Working Mom,

Shopping. Cooking. Entertaining. Family.  The holidays can be stressful, but they don’t have to be.  You can beat the holiday stress and have a relaxed holiday season by following these five simple steps:

1- Do something for someone in need.  One of the best ways to avoid holiday stress is to remember why you’re grateful. No matter what challenges you are facing, someone would love to trade their problems for yours.  Each year, I make holiday gift bags for the homeless. It’s one of my favorite things to do because I know people really need it.  Find a cause you believe in or someone who really needs help.  Pay it forward!  If you go out to eat, look for a waiter or waitress to surprise with an extra-large tip.  Go to Wal-Mart and pay the balance on a layaway account of someone you don’t know.  Offer to babysit one afternoon for a mom in your inner circle.  See a single mom in a restaurant or grocery store and pay her bill.  Don’t underestimate the joy you can give and receive from helping others.

2 – Go giftless.  When we were dating, my husband and I stopped exchanging gifts on Christmas.  It was one of the best decisions we’ve made.  Buying gifts during the Christmas season can become stressful. For Tristan, I usually stick with one big gift and a couple of smaller items.  Since we’ve had kids, we rarely even buy gifts for our extended family.  With two families, it can become quite expensive and overwhelming.  In the absence of gifts, you can choose to focus on relationships and enjoying one another.  As an added benefit, you can avoid overspending!

CLICK FOR THIS PRINTABLE AND MORE!

3 – Let them eat catered.  Working mom, don’t stress over cooking!  If you don’t like to cook or don’t have the time, order out.  Just make sure you place your order early.  You can even let the family have input on the menu and caterer.  It might be different for your family, but they will probably appreciate you being more relaxed.  I remember my grandmother being in the kitchen all day and night during the holidays.  While the food was always delicious, I don’t remember her having time to enjoy it.  She was usually exhausted from cooking for days! With someone else doing the cooking, you can enjoy your family without feeling overwhelmed.

4 – Prep everything beforehand.  I like to cook, so this works well for me.  If you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen the night before and all day on the holiday, preparation is key.  You can buy pre-cut veggies to save time.  Or, cut up them up two days before and seal tight in the fridge.  Clean and season any meats one to two days before and allow them to marinate in the refrigerator. Make your fillings for pies or casseroles and have them ready to pour into the pan.  Once it is all prepped, you can cook it the night before or the morning of without being stressed.

5 – Keep it simple. Don’t over complicate the holidays by trying to do too much.  You could whip out your fine China, but won’t that make more work for you?  Don’t feel the need to impress anyone.  If you’re having guests, have them bring a covered dish.  Ditch the traditional meal and do something fun and simple, like grilling.  Make your life easy and use paper products.  Avoid having to clean your house afterwards by eating outside (I live in South Florida).  Don’t stress out trying to create a perfect experience or image for someone else.  Stay in balance by keeping it simple.

Working mom, you may actually have time off from work – so,take advantage!  Be thankful for the opportunity to share with friends and family.  You can have a stress-free holiday season and continue to live your best life in balance by keeping things simple.

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Dear Working Mom,

With all your mom duties, you rarely have a moment to yourself.  Add a job to the mix and free time sounds like a joke!  But, there are some ways to make more time for yourself.  You just need to have an open mind and be creative.

1 – Ditch the grocery store.  Okay, you have to buy groceries.  But, you don’t have to spend hours in the grocery store every week.  If it takes you two hours to shop in the store, order your groceries online and use the time to do something for yourself.  I order the night before and pickup the next day.   But on the way to pick up, I try to treat myself.  For this to work, the kids can’t go. So, plan ahead! Leave them with your husband or choose a time when they are in school or daycare. Use those grocery hours to get a pedicure, have a coffee date with a friend, or catch a movie.  Then, pick up your groceries on the way home.  You’ll be looking forward to “grocery shopping” every week!

2 – Use the time in between.  If you have an hour or two in between the time you leave work and pick up your kids, set aside some time for yourself. Chances are, you use the time to run errands for the family.  Not today!  Go sit in the park with your latte and people watch. Grab a book or magazine you’ve been wanting to read and do it.  Got an empty house? Go home and take a relaxing bath without someone bursting through the door with a question. I consistently use the time in between to exercise and write.  When you pick up your kids, you’ll be in a much better mood because you took some time for yourself.

3 – Take a personal day.  If you have vacation time at work, USE IT!  I try to save my time in case my kids get sick. But, sometimes, you need a mental health day.  When we live out of balance, we begin to feel the effects mentally and physically.  If you need a day, take it before it becomes an involuntary sick day. And, be sure to plan your day off to be just the way you want it. This is not the day to organize your closet or clean out the junk drawer.  This is your day to indulge.  Massage? Mani-pedi? Beach day? Cheesecake, anyone?

Want the printable? Click for download instructions!

4- Ask for help.  Is it possible you have not because you ask not? If you’re not asking for time, don’t expect to get it.   As a mom, you give off superhero vibes.  Your ability to get all things done may be misinterpreted. If you don’t ask for a break, your family may feel you don’t need one.  Use your support system to help you.  Letting your spouse know you need help isn’t a sign of weakness. It may even make your relationship better for him to know you need his help.  If you never ask for a break, the people in your inner circle may feel you don’t need one.  So, ask for what you need and get it!

5 – Embrace the simple things.  Some days, living a balanced life seems easy.  On those days, all the stars align, and everything falls into place.  On other days, it feels like I’m being stretched like a rubber band. When life is crazy hectic, just breathe.  Stop and know that no matter how chaotic your day was, you have an opportunity to start over tomorrow.  In the meantime, embrace the small blessings.  Find a funny show on television and laugh out loud.  Take an extra five minutes in the shower.  Sit still for ten minutes and focus on your breathing. Do a little flirting with your spouse.  And, most certainly, have a glass of wine! You’ll be surprised how little it takes to feel refreshed.

You could wait for life to slow down, but it probably won’t.  Make a decision today to find time for yourself and continue to live your best life in balance!

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Dear Working Mom,

With all you have going on, how can you achieve your goals?  Well, you can start by investing in yourself.  If I told you a $20 investment could yield a return of $1000, would you take the risk?  What if spending $100 today would net you $10,000 in a few years?  Would you be willing to spend $500 if you knew the future payoff could be $500,000?

I’m not talking about stock market investments or even playing the lottery. My question for you is – Are you investing in yourself?  What steps have you taken to ensure personal growth? Do you regularly read books? Have you attended any workshops, seminars, or conferences lately? Do you know your purpose in life?  Are you living life with passion?

You can achieve any goal if you’re willing to take a risk – on you.   While nice things make you happy for a time, they usually lose value and end up being replaced by something equally or more expensive. I’m challenging you to invest in the one thing you can be sure of – yourself! Following these three simple steps, will help you achieve any goal you set.

The first step is to write your goals down on paper.  It is important to make your vision visible.  If you have a goal, you can’t just sit around and expect it to accomplish itself.  You need to develop a plan for how you will accomplish it.  Writing your goals and posting them where you can see them frequently is a great form of inspiration and accountability.  When I began writing my first book, I wrote out a plan including how many pages I wanted to write each day.  I posted the paper on my refrigerator as a reminder to work on my goals each day.  Each time I opened the refrigerator, I saw my goals.  It not only kept me accountable, but it was motivation to keep going when I didn’t feel like writing.  I couldn’t ignore my goals because they were staring me in the face.  In recent years, vision boards have become very popular, and for good reason. I always post my vision board in my bedroom to help me stay focused on my current goals.  When I look over my past vision boards, most of the goals have been accomplished.  Writing your goals and making them visible is a great way to stay focused.

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The second step is to become a lifelong learner.  Whether you have worked in an industry for years or you are new to the game, there is always something to learn.  The top leaders in any field will tell you they read books, attend workshops, take eCourses, and listen to podcasts. If you want to accomplish your goal, you must be willing to learn from others who are doing what you want to do.  Over ten years ago, I attended a workshop, Fiction Writing for Lawyers.  It cost me $500, which was and still is, quite a bit of money.  It was one of the best investments I ever made because it challenged me to write for publication.  To date, I have written four books, and I’m still using some of the techniques I learned in the workshop.  Likewise, I continue to attend conferences and learn from other writers.  Whether it is reading a book for personal development, attending a workshop, or listening to a podcast, you should consistently seek opportunities to help you move to the next level.

The third step is to commit to your goal.  I can’t tell you how many people have asked me about writing a book.  However, when I see those same people a year later, they’re still talking about wanting to write without having taken any action. In those cases, there is no real commitment.  No matter what your goal is, it will cost you.  You will likely have to sacrifice time and money to achieve your goal.  Years ago, I was interested in joining the FBI.  As part of the application, I was required to pass a physical fitness test, which included completing a timed, one-and-a-half-mile run.  To prepare for the test, I ran five to six days a week.  I ran whether it was hot, cold, or raining.  I even ran on Christmas morning while the rest of my family was asleep!  For several weeks, I committed to running at 4:00 a.m. prior to going to work.  While I ultimately decided not to join the FBI, I did pass the physical fitness test.  I’m sure I would not have been able to pass without being committed.  There will always be distractions or reasons for you not to stay committed to your goal.  However, if you want to achieve your goals, you must be willing to sacrifice and refuse to give up.

Whether you realize it or not, you are going to invest your time and money in something.  Choose to be intentional and invest in what matters most.  Will it cost you?  Most certainly.  But, believe me, you are worth it!  As successful investor, Warren Buffet said, “The most important investment you can make is in yourself.”

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