Balancing Work and Home Life: A Mom’s Guide to WFH Success

Hey there, friend. Are you feeling the weight of the work-from-home life? Believe me. I get it. Working from home can be, well, complicated. One minute you’re thrilled to have more freedom, and the next, you’re overwhelmed by the lack of boundaries. And that doesn’t even cover any potential extra distractions in your home, like a furry friend, a spouse also working from home, or in my case, a mobile, squirmy, snuggly, clingy baby. 

Let’s be real. Working from home doesn’t always look like those picture-perfect Instagram posts. More often than not, it’s messy, chaotic, and just plain real life. Cue the messy buns, lululemon leggings, and stained t-shirts.

But that doesn’t mean it can’t be successful. 

After working from home for years and learning to juggle motherhood with work, I’m here to help you navigate the challenges and find your groove.

Let’s explore ways to stay connected, efficient, and resilient so we can add value to the world both inside and outside our four walls. Whether you’re working a 9-5 job, running your own business, or balancing both, I’ve been where you are, and I’m sharing what’s worked for me so far. And remember, it’s okay to let go of what doesn’t work and build a routine that serves you. So grab a cup of coffee (or a big ol bowl of cereal), and let’s do this together!

Start With The Big Three

And no, I’m not talking about This Is Us.

Honestly, there’s nothing worse than feeling like you’ve been working all day, only to realize you haven’t made any progress towards your goals. It’s frustrating, demotivating, and can leave you feeling like you’re just spinning your wheels.

But there’s a simple solution that can help you avoid this feeling altogether: focusing on your top 3 tasks for the day.

The Big Three is a concept that I swear by. It’s all about identifying the three most important tasks that will have the biggest impact on your work and prioritizing those above everything else. When you start your day with these three tasks in mind, you can be sure that you’re focusing on the things that will make the biggest impact so you can reach your goals.

By focusing on your Big Three, you’re not just being productive; you’re being strategic. You’re making sure that the time and energy you’re investing in your work is going towards the things that will have the most direct impact on your productivity and overall growth. And the best part? When you cross those three tasks off your list, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and progress that’s hard to beat.

So the next time you sit down to work, ask yourself: what are my Big Three for the day? Identify those tasks, prioritize them above everything else, and watch as your productivity and sense of accomplishment soar. Remember, even if nothing else gets done, you’ll know that you’ve accomplished the most important things, and that’s a win in and of itself.

Create A Calm + Focused Space

Alright, let’s talk about creating a calm and focused workspace that’ll help you stay productive and motivated throughout the day. Trust me. It’s much easier to stay on task when you’re working in a space that feels organized, clean, and comfortable.

First things first: declutter and organize. A cluttered workspace can be a major distraction and make it hard to focus on the task at hand. Take some time to clear off your desk, organize your files, and get rid of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose in your workspace. You’ll be amazed at how much clearer your mind feels when your physical space is tidy.

Next, invest in the tools you need to get your work done. This could mean upgrading to a faster computer, getting a comfortable chair that supports good posture, or investing in a pair of noise-canceling AirPods that’ll allow you to listen to music or podcasts without being distracted by background noise. And don’t forget to stay hydrated – a gigantic water bottle will keep you fueled and focused without the need for constant trips to the kitchen.

Here are what’s on my desk(top) to keep my time working from home productive!

Creating a calm and focused workspace isn’t just about the physical space, though. It’s also about setting the right tone for your workday. You can do this by lighting a candle or diffusing some essential oils to create a calming atmosphere or setting an intention for the day ahead. Take a few moments each morning to reflect on what you want to accomplish and visualize yourself crushing your goals. This will help you start the day on a positive and productive note.

Remember, your workspace should be a place that inspires and motivates you. Take the time to create a space that feels both functional and comfortable, and you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to stay focused and productive throughout the day.

Batch Your Work

Let’s talk about the magic of batch working. This productivity hack involves grouping similar tasks together and focusing on one topic at a time. By completing similar tasks in a scheduled block, you can avoid the mental exhaustion of switching back and forth between different skills and concentrations.

Think of it this way: instead of bouncing around from task to task, trying to refocus and get in the zone every time you switch, you’re able to power through a bunch of related tasks without interruption.

This means you can cross off multiple items on your to-do list without feeling like you’re being pulled in a million different directions.

For example, let’s say you’re an account manager. It’s easy to get bogged down in the daily grind of switching between projects and tasks. But by batching your workflow, you can optimize efficiency! Take a block of time each day for one task – like assigning assignments or sending emails – improving productivity while also cutting back on wasted energy spent frequently changing gears. See how this strategic scheduling makes all the difference when tackling today’s workload!

So, if you want to save time and boost your productivity while working at home, try batch working! By grouping similar tasks together, you’ll be able to power through your work without feeling like you’re being pulled in a million different directions. Plus, you’ll have more time for the things you love (like snuggling your babies or watching Netflix).

Turn Off The Distractions

We all have our vices. From refreshing our social media feed to scrolling through our inbox to watching funny cat videos on YouTube, these little distractions add up and eat away at our productivity. And don’t even get me started on the little ones running around asking a million questions every five minutes!

But here’s the thing: these seemingly harmless distractions add up and can eat away at our productivity, leaving us feeling frustrated and unproductive while working at home. So, if you’re serious about getting things done, you need to take control and cut off access to these distractions when you need to focus. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done when you’re not constantly distracted. So, turn off those notifications and get to work!

Take Care Of Yourself

You can’t pour from an empty cup, and trust me, we’ve all been there. You’re sitting at your desk, staring at your computer screen, and suddenly you realize it’s been hours since you last moved or ate something that wasn’t a bag of chips. Not cool.

So, let’s talk about taking breaks. It’s not lazy; it’s necessary. Step away from your work and stretch, go for a walk, or meditate. Heck, dance around your living room if that’s what makes you happy! Just make sure you’re giving your brain and body a chance to recharge.

And while we’re on the topic of recharging, let’s talk snacks. Look, I love a good bag of chips as much as the next person, but let’s be real here, it’s not going to fuel your body or your brain. Instead, opt for food that will. Trust me. Your body will thank you.

Last but not least, let’s find time to move. I’m not saying you have to run a marathon (unless that’s your thing, in which case, go you!), but taking a walk around the block or doing a quick yoga flow can do wonders for your body and your mental state. Plus, it’s a great way to break up your day and give your brain a chance to reset.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. So take care of yourself, prioritize your well-being, and watch how much more productive and energized you’ll feel.

Be Flexible + Have Grace

Let’s face it, working from home with little ones running around can be a challenge. Even with the best intentions and plans, unexpected interruptions can happen at any moment. It’s important to remember to be flexible and adaptable to the situation at hand.

This might mean working odd hours to accommodate your child’s schedule or finding a quiet spot away from the chaos of the house to focus on your work. You might have to switch gears quickly and frequently, but that’s okay. Embrace the flexibility that comes with working from home and use it to your advantage.

And don’t forget to give yourself some grace! This is not the time to hold yourself to impossible standards of perfection. Instead, focus on doing the best you can with the time and resources you have. Remember, you’re doing something amazing by balancing work and home life, so be proud of yourself and don’t let the unexpected get you down.