As a working mom of three, I always felt overloaded and irritable until I adopted these 8 habits

As a working mom of three, juggling deadlines, school pick-ups, and endless to-do lists, I constantly felt like I was drowning.

I’d snap at the smallest things, always feeling overloaded and irritable.

Over time, I realized that something had to change—my stress wasn’t just affecting me, it was impacting my family too.

That’s when I started adopting a few simple habits that transformed my daily life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed like I was, these 8 habits might just be the key to finding balance and calm amid the chaos.

1) Prioritize and delegate tasks

As working moms, we often fall into the trap of trying to do everything ourselves. This not only leads to burnout but also robs us of valuable time we could be spending with our kids or on self-care.

To combat this, I started by making a comprehensive list of all the tasks I did in a day, from household chores to work commitments. Then, I categorized them based on their urgency and importance.

This method, known as the Eisenhower Box, helped me identify tasks I could delegate or even eliminate.

I also learned to ask for help and delegate tasks to my spouse and children. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey, and it’s okay to ask others for assistance.

2) Setting boundaries

Setting boundaries can feel daunting, especially when you’re balancing multiple roles, but it’s essential for protecting your mental and emotional well-being.

Here’s how I adopted this habit…

At work, I stopped taking on tasks that didn’t align with my role or personal goals, and I made it clear when my workday ended. No more answering emails after hours—I needed that time for myself and my family.

At home, I set boundaries with my kids by introducing ‘mommy time,’ explaining that for an hour each day, I needed space to recharge without interruptions.

It wasn’t easy at first, but it helped create balance and made me a better, more present mom.

Setting clear boundaries lets you manage expectations and prevent burnout, allowing you to give your best to what truly matters.

3) Regular self-care

Let me start by saying this; self-care is NOT indulgent or selfish, as a working mom, it’s absolutely essential for your mental and physical well-being.

Self-care means different things to different people. For me, it meant taking out time each day to engage in activities that I enjoy and that rejuvenate me. This could be:

• Reading a book
• Taking a bubble bath
• Practicing yoga
• Taking a quiet walk alone

By adopting this habit, I was able to better manage my stress levels and found myself more relaxed and less irritable. 

4) Building a support network

A strong support network can be a lifeline for any working mom. A support network can consist of family, friends, neighbors, or even other parents you meet at your kids’ school or activities.

This network can help with practical things like babysitting or carpooling, but more importantly, they provide emotional support.

Having people who understand your situation and can offer advice, a listening ear, or even just a sympathetic nod can make all the difference on tough days.

If you struggle with asking for help, know that it’s okay to lean on others. You don’t have to do it all alone.

With a reliable support network in place, I was able to share my challenges and victories with those who genuinely understood my journey. 

5) Maintaining a positive mindset

The fifth habit that helped me regain control was maintaining a positive mindset. This might sound cliché, but the power of positivity can’t be overstated.

It’s easy to get bogged down by the pressures and challenges of being a working mom of three, and adopting a positive mindset can be your shield.

I made it a point to start each day with gratitude, focusing on the positives rather than the stresses and strains.

I also reminded myself daily that it’s okay not to be perfect. Accepting that there will be good days and bad days, successes and failures, was liberating.

A positive mindset helped me handle stress better and reduced my irritability. Research also shows that positive thinking makes you more resilient and gives you the strength to tackle challenges head-on, something I can definitely attest to.

6) Effective time management

As a working mom of three, you quickly realize that time is a precious commodity. Managing it effectively can make the difference between feeling overloaded and achieving a healthy work-life balance.

How did I do this?

I started by planning my week in advance, allocating specific time slots for work, household chores, children’s activities, and self-care. This helped me stay organized and reduced the feeling of chaos.

I also adopted the Pomodoro Technique, where I would focus on a single task for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This kept my mind fresh and boosted productivity.

Mastering time management didn’t happen overnight but it over time, I noticed a significant reduction in my stress levels. 

7) Practicing mindfulness

The seventh habit that brought about a positive shift in my life was practicing mindfulness.

In the hustle and bustle of being a working mom, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of the present moment.

Mindfulness is all about being fully present and engaged in whatever you’re doing at the moment, without getting distracted by past regrets or future worries.

I started with mindful breathing exercises, where I focused solely on my breath for a few minutes each day.

Not only did this provide a sense of calm amidst the chaos, but it also helped me stay centered and respond to situations rather than react impulsively.

I’ve found that practicing mindfulness helps me enjoy the little moments with my children and appreciate the journey of parenthood more fully. 

8) Embracing imperfections

As a working mom of three, there’s always a constant pressure to be perfect – to be the best mom, the best employee, the best partner.

But striving for perfection often leads to stress and irritability.

I began by accepting that it’s okay not to be perfect. I embraced the fact that every parent makes mistakes, and that doesn’t make me a bad mom. It simply makes me human.

I also learned to celebrate small victories, whether it was successfully completing a project at work or managing to cook dinner while helping with homework.

Embracing imperfections and giving myself the grace to make mistakes reduced my stress levels and made me a happier person overall.

Embrace the journey