Hi moms!
Since COVID-19, the corporate world has undergone significant shifts. Whether working from home, juggling a hybrid schedule, or fully back in the office, one thing remains constant: intense workloads and long hours.
As moms, we’re not just employees but caretakers, role models, and leaders in our households. And that means we must advocate for environments that support us.
For years, I longed for a balance that left me less exhausted, both at work and when I got home. Some days, I find balance through support from my colleagues. Other days, my kids remind me of the joy and energy I still have to give. Through trial and error, I discovered a few hacks that have helped me carve out a life where work doesn’t consume everything.
And this is how I balance work and life as a mom in a corporate job.
Hack 1: I turn lunch breaks into wellness power hours
In a corporate environment, lunch breaks may be a missed opportunity. Many of us eat at our desks, catching up on emails or preparing for the next meeting. I realized long ago that if I sit for a whole day, I will continue sitting or, even worse, lay on my couch when I get home and finish work. I didn’t like my energy these days, so I wanted to change and dedicate short breaks to wellness.
As a mom in a corporate job and a health coach, my lunch break is one of the few moments in the day when I can recharge. Instead of eating at my desk or catching up on emails, I’ve transformed my lunch hour into a wellness power hour. It is a simple shift, but it has changed how I feel during and after work.
How can you turn lunch breaks into wellness power hours?
1. Find your wellness activity
Choose an activity that fits your needs and the office environment. Some days, I prioritize physical movement, while others focus on mental relaxation.
- Quick workouts: If your office has a gym or open space, a 20-minute YouTube workout is perfect. My favorites are the standing/wall Pilates series or desk yoga.
- Walking breaks: No gym in the office? No problem. Take a brisk 15-minute walk outside or around the office building. It is a great way to clear your head and get fresh air.
- Mindfulness or meditation: I spend 10 minutes meditating in a quiet spot on particularly hectic days. Apps like Headspace or Calm make it easy.
2. Involve your colleagues
Wellness is more fun (and motivating) when it is a team effort. Encourage a few colleagues to join you for these breaks, and soon, you will have a small group that meets regularly.
- Group workouts: Pick a workout together and stream it on a laptop in the office gym.
- Sports matches: Head to the breakroom for a quick game of ping-pong or table tennis. It is active and social and adds friendly competition to our day.
3. Plan your meals
To maximize your lunch break, prepare your meals in advance. Meal prep on Sundays ensures I have healthy, ready-to-eat lunches throughout the week.
- Meal swaps with colleagues.
You can’t fit in quick exercises during your lunch break? No worries! In my blog post Before the Alarm, I reveal the benefits of energizing morning workouts and share practical hacks for busy parents. Discover how to jumpstart your day with more energy and less stress!
Hack 2: I build micro-communities at work
As a mom, I know it takes a village, not just at home but also at work. To avoid feeling isolated in a corporate environment, make it a priority to build small and supportive communities within the office.
It is not always easy, and incredibly not easy for everyone, but it is essential to build a micro-community.
I hesitated about building micro-communities as a single mom, and it felt challenging, sometimes even overwhelming. But I’ve learned and seen the benefits and decided to let go of guilt and societal expectations, which made me feel “less than.” Now, I want to help you do the same.
My FREE Shine Bright Guide for Single Parents shares all the tools and personal lessons I’ve learned. Check it out here.
With the right micro-community, you’ll feel like a capable and resilient part of something meaningful. People will always value you for who you are—you just need to find them.
How do you build micro-communities at work?
1. Start a walking club
Invite a few colleagues for 15-minute walks during the breaks. Start small and aim to meet twice a week. Walking helps us stay active and provides a chance to chat about non-work topics.
2. Organize a book or movie club
Once a month, host a book or movie discussion during lunch. Be open to reading everything from “Atomic Habits” to lighter fiction. It is a great way to bond over shared interests.
3. Skill-sharing sessions
Some of the best moments at work can come from colleagues sharing their unique skills. One week, someone might teach budgeting tips; another week, it might be basic photography tricks. These 20-minute sessions are casual and low-pressure but packed with value.
You might be interesting to check out my post about mindful reading here if you like reading. I share a lot of tips on how to read a book a month and book recommendation for single moms.
Hack 3: I learn new skills that benefit both work and life
In a fast-paced corporate environment, it is important not to focus solely on your immediate job responsibilities but to learn new skills, especially ones that benefit your career and personal life.
How do you learn new skills?
1. Join a language course
Our HR team recently started offering language learning sessions, and I jumped at the chance to learn a foreign language. Learning a foreign language has been a fun way to challenge myself, and I’ve even started practicing with my kids at home.
2. Attend a plant care workshop
I suggested a desk plant workshop to HR, and it’s become a hit. We learned about low-maintenance plants like snake plants and pothos that thrive in office environments.
3. Explore interior design or fashion workshop
Once a month, organize a design tips workshop or discuss affordable, professional outfits. These sessions can be uplifting and remind us that a little effort in how we present ourselves can positively impact our mood.
If you love design, why not take it a step further? Explore an interior design workshop to elevate your creativity and bring fresh ideas to your workspace and home life! In my blog post 10 Cozy Holiday Decor Tips for Small Spaces: Ideas for Busy Moms, I share practical, stylish ways to transform your home.
Hack 4: I maximize evening energy with mini-routines
Evenings are the second shift for moms, but we often run on fumes by the time we get home. After a long workday, it’s tempting to crash on the couch, but as a single mom, I know that that’s rarely an option. I need simple evening routines to help me transition from work to mom mode while conserving energy for quality time with my kids.
How do you implement mini-routines?
1. Decompression ritual
I take 10-15 minutes for myself as soon as I get home. I sip a cup of tea, do some deep breathing, or scroll through my phone guilt-free.
2. Family cooking time
I involve my kids when preparing dinner. At least one child needs to be in the mood to help chop the veggies or set up the table and hang with me.
3. Evening movement
Post-dinner, we do a quick family walk or show each other some moves from training. I like to walk and release the heaviness of the day, and my kids are into playing with balls, so they always need someone to keep the goal or serve the ball. Evening movement provides active play and keeps me engaged and present.
Looking for ways to make your evenings more enjoyable and energizing? After a busy day, it’s important to nourish both your body and mind. Check out my blog post 7 Quick Serotonin-Boosting Dinner Ideas for easy, mood-lifting meals that you and your kids will love. Let’s turn dinnertime into a simple yet powerful way to boost your well-being!
Hack 5: I advocate for my wellness needs
Sometimes, creating balance isn’t just about what you do but about what you advocate for in your workplace. So, be the change you want to see.
How do you advocate for wellness in your workplace?
1. Set work boundaries
Communicate clear boundaries to your manager, like logging off at 5 p.m. and reserving your lunch hour for wellness. These simple rules ensure you have time for your family without work encroaching on evenings.
2. Suggest new initiatives
Working in a scrum team, we had sprint closure meetings on Fridays and sprint planning on Mondays. It was not only me who realized that those long meetings were beneficial but also needed to start at a convenient time. My teammates proposed a no-meetings-after-3 PM policy on Fridays, and it’s been a game-changer for wrapping up the week stress-free. It also encouraged HR to introduce mental health workshops and flexible scheduling options.
3. Advocate for wellness days
Ask your HR to implement wellness days, where employees can take a day off to recharge without using vacation time. It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference in morale.
Balancing a corporate job with the responsibilities of life as a mother is challenging, but it’s doable. By using these hacks, you can create a routine that benefits your work and personal life. Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s more about finding little ways to prioritize your well-being and build a life where you and your kids can thrive.
You’ve got this, mama!
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