How to Manage Your Day Without Feeling Overwhelmed as a Working Mom

Being a working mom can feel like running on a hamster wheel—you’re constantly moving, but the to-do list never seems to shrink. Between work deadlines, household chores, and family time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: with a bit of structure, you can take back control of your day and create a rhythm that works for you.

Here’s a 3-step method to help you manage your day without the overwhelm.

Step 1: Prioritize with Purpose

The secret to a manageable day is knowing what truly matters. Instead of tackling every task that comes your way, focus on what’s most important.

• Daily Top 3: At the start of your day, identify your top three priorities. These are the tasks that, if completed, will give you the greatest sense of accomplishment.

• Time Blocks: Dedicate specific chunks of your day to these priorities. For example, set 9–10 AM for work-related tasks, 12–1 PM for errands, and 6–7 PM for family time.

  
  

Pro Tip: Use a planner or a digital app like Google Calendar to organize your tasks visually. Seeing your day laid out can reduce mental clutter and give you clarity.

Step 2: Align Your Tasks with Your Energy Levels

Not all hours of the day are created equal. To maximize productivity, align your tasks with your natural energy peaks and troughs.

• Morning Power Hours: If you’re a morning person, tackle mentally demanding tasks like work projects or strategic planning first thing.

• Afternoon Lulls: Use lower-energy times for simpler tasks like emails, organizing, or meal prep.

• Evening Recharge: Dedicate evenings to activities that rejuvenate you, like spending time with family, reading, or light exercise.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure when your energy is highest, keep a journal for a few days to track your patterns. Adjust your schedule accordingly.

Step 3: Build in Flexibility and Self-Care

Over-scheduling your day can lead to burnout. Instead, leave space for the unexpected and prioritize moments for yourself.

• The 80/20 Rule: Plan for only 80% of your time, leaving 20% open for flexibility. Life happens, and this buffer will keep you from feeling derailed when it does.

• Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: Schedule at least one self-care activity daily, even if it’s just 10 minutes for a walk or a quiet coffee break.

  
  

Pro Tip: Think of self-care as a power-up. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of your day.

Final Thoughts:

Managing your day as a working mom doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By prioritizing your tasks, aligning them with your energy levels, and leaving room for flexibility, you can create a day that works for you, not against you. I collated some resources to help make my life and yours easier as a working mom, you can find them here. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips, tools, and inspiration for balancing work and motherhood!