If you’re like me, you’re probably balancing a lot of things: family, spouse, kids, work, friends, finances, and so on. There’s always something that needs your attention—a meal to cook or a room to clean. With everything going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and like our lives are out of balance.
It’s tough being a good mom these days. We’ve got to meet our kids’ academic, emotional, psychological, mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional, and social needs. And we have to do this without overdoing it, while also running a screen-free, healthy, environmentally friendly, and nurturing household that encourages independence. Plus, there are all the other things—focusing on marriage, career, and friends, along with self-care.
Balance can feel like an unreachable goal, always moving and changing. It’s something we can’t just achieve once and then forget about; it requires constant adjustment. As moms, we’re often managing balance while juggling responsibilities like holding a baby or cooking dinner. Some days, balance comes easily; other days, just finding a moment to brush our hair can be a victory.
Motherhood means continuously adjusting to new seasons and phases. Balance is not something to conquer but a mindset we cultivate as our lives evolve. It’s not easy, especially when kids are young, but learning some strategies can make it less overwhelming.
I’ve always believed moms are one of the most powerful forces in the world. We’re shaping the next generation and greatly influence the economy. But with this power comes stress. If we can find more balance and less stress, we can make a real difference.
I haven’t entirely mastered balance, but managing six kids and six businesses has taught me a few things about finding it sometimes. I’ve explored numerous strategies, but a few have significantly improved my sense of balance as a mom.
Work life used to feel smooth compared to home life. At work, I had clear goals and systems. But at home, I was often overwhelmed.
One day, I realized the issue: I had systems at work but not at home. Life at home meant balancing everything in my head. I decided to start implementing systems at home, too, and it made a huge difference. I organized and planned, setting goals for family time and teaching my kids essential life skills before they left home.
A big step was realizing I couldn’t and shouldn’t do everything myself. Just as at work, where I delegated tasks, I started teaching my kids to handle things on their own. It boosted their confidence and reduced stress for all of us.
One big reason we’re overwhelmed is that many of us have too much stuff and too many commitments. Simplifying and prioritizing can help. Removing excess items and focusing on what truly matters, like family dinners and unstructured playtime, makes a huge difference.
Having strong relationships and community is essential for happiness and health. Spending time with loved ones is just as crucial as diet and exercise. Yet, amidst life’s busyness, we often overlook nurturing these relationships. I make an active effort to see friends, host dinners, and create cherished memories with my family to find balance.
We all need time for things we love. In motherhood’s early days, it’s easy to forget these. But making time for hobbies or activities that spark joy and creativity is vital. Whether it’s writing, painting, or working on DIY projects, scheduling time for what I enjoy makes a big difference.
Family days off, spent just being together, are precious. They bring relief from life’s constant rush and create lasting memories. Sometimes, the best days are simply spent at home in pajamas, watching movies or exploring nature nearby.
The temptation to compare ourselves to others can be strong, stealing our joy and making it hard to find our own balance. Everyone’s version of balance is different, and comparing only makes it harder. Instead, focus on what works for you and your family, letting go of the guilt and pressure to be like others.
Another powerful strategy for reducing stress and guilt is focusing on gratitude. There’s always something to be thankful for, and cultivating this attitude helps us see the positives in life. Keeping a gratitude journal and sharing daily grateful moments at family dinners can shift perspectives and bring more peace.
I’m still learning and navigating the changing phases of motherhood, but these strategies help me find balance more often than not. As my kids grow, I’ll continue to adapt, knowing there’s always more to learn on this journey.
What about you? What are your best tips for finding balance in your stage of motherhood?
