I consider myself to be an extremely busy working from home mom. Although I don’t go to a “traditional” 9-to-5 job at an office, it doesn’t mean I don’t work just as hard. Oftentimes, people don’t realize the mental load that both working and SAHM moms carry with them, day and night. We’re always thinking of others and putting ourselves on the back-burner. (And speaking of burners: now is the time where working moms would be triggered into thinking about what’s for dinner tonight, tomorrow, what groceries need to be bought, which kid likes what, and so on.)

On top of being a working but stay-at-home mom, I’m trying my best to maintain friendships, look as fierce as possible, and create the life I know I deserve to live. It’s exhausting. However, it’s all so worth it. Especially when I hear my kids giggle or I finish writing a chapter in my new book. Or just knowing that everyone at home is safe and healthy.

I’m not complaining. At all. I’d much rather be insanely busy that bored at home with nothing to do. (Which, isn’t likely.) But there are definitely times when I’m so busy with other things that I forget about taking time out for myself. After all, it’s essential to make you your number one priority. How can you be a good mom to your kids if you’re not looking after yourself?

However, when you’re constantly on-the-go, it can be hard to remember what you need to do in order to live your fiercest life. So, where are all my working from home moms at? Put your hands up and let’s get down to business.

7 Things Every Working from Home Mom Needs to Hear

1. Don’t feel guilty

Guilt is one of the most draining feelings ever. (Well, guilt and dealing with toddler tantrums.) I’m still learning not to feel so guilty about things—especially when it’s something out of my control—but I’ve definitely gotten better. If you skipped a workout, ate too much dessert, or didn’t get enough sleep, don’t feel bad about it. You can always make up for it. Live in the moment and leave your guilt in the past. It’s all part of being a booked and busy working from home mom.

2. Indulge in self-care

Your kids deserve to be at the centre of your universe. But you know who else does? You! If you’re not taking care of yourself, how can you expect to take care of others around you? You should be setting aside “me” time every day. Even if it’s just 20 minutes. Remember that Bluey episode where Chilli asks for a few minutes alone in her bedroom while Bandit pretends to be a sheep to keep the girls occupied? You need that. Write it in your day planner or add it to your calendar to make sure that you save the time. A working mom can easily skip important things if they’re not written into her busy schedule.

3. Stop trying to be perfect

Who even wants to be perfect? It’s so boring. Let go of your idea of perfection and just live your life as yourself. Who cares if you make mistakes? As long as you’re trying the best you can, that’s good enough. Your kids don’t care about you being perfect, they care about you being the best version of yourself at the time. As Beyoncé said, “Perfection is a disease of a nation.” Amen to that.

Read More: 11 Essential Life Lessons from Samantha Jones’ Quotes

4. Eat well, often

Eating healthy has to be a priority in your life. After all, your body is your temple. Don’t you want to treat yourself like the queen you are? Well, it all starts with what you put into your body. Of course, it’s okay to chow down on Cheetos, sea salt chocolates, and an extra glass of wine every now & then, but make sure that you’re still getting all the right nutrients. Eat well and live your best life.

5. Cancel negative people

There is literally no room in your life for people who don’t treat you right. The sooner you learn this, the better your life will be. It seems like a super simple concept but it can be harder to do than you think. Some claws just don’t want to let go! If you need some extra courage, check out my post about three friendships I deleted from my life here.

Read More: 7 Ways I Want to Improve My Life, Career & Style this Year

6. Read more books

Seriously, get off your phone and start reading. And I don’t just mean magazines. I love my fashion mags too, but there’s nothing like getting lost in a really fabulous book. It challenges you, builds your patience and educates you. If you want a light, juicy read, go for something from Madeleine Wickham. For something more suspenseful, I’ve been loving anything by Lisa Scottoline or Michael Robotham. I also wrote a novel of my own and the main character is a total power woman. She’s not a mom (yet) but she still has a lot to balance. Check out my books here.

7. Give yourself time off

Let me say this for the busy bees and working from home moms out there: STEP AWAY FROM YOUR JOB. You don’t need to be available 24/7. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to turn off your phone. And it’s more than okay to live an entire day without even starting your computer. In fact, it’s necessary. Sometimes coming back to projects with a clear, refreshed mind is the best thing you can do for yourself and your business. Watch yourself thrive. I dare you.

I’d definitely recommend every exhausted, overwhelmed, working mom follow these tips. Even if you already know you should be doing these things, it’s good to have a little refresher. My favourite one: don’t feel guilty. It’s so important to take time for yourself and if someone or something isn’t allowing you to live you best life, it’s time to cancel it.

Read More: Getting in Shape After Giving Birth to Twins

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