5 Hacks to Ditch Guilt as a Working Mom

A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that 82% of working mothers experienced guilt about not being able to participate in their children's activities or spend quality time with them. But you should know that its not the amount of time but the quality of time you spend that matters!

• Your to-do list is a buffet, not a five-course meal! Identify your most critical tasks at work and home. Focus on what truly matters and let go of perfectionism. 
• Focused Time with Kids It's not about the number of hours spent, but the quality of those hours. A recent study by Harvard found that children benefit more from engaged and meaningful interactions. Keep your phone away when you spend time with your child. 
• Making Moments Count Whether it's a bedtime story, a Sunday morning breakfast in a restaurant  tradition, or a weekly game night, these rituals create lasting memories.

• Balancing Work and Home Understand that it's okay not to be perfect. Setting achievable goals at work and home reduces stress and guilt. Its okay to have dishes in the sink or piled up clothes if the baby needs your attention more! 
• Embracing Imperfection Accept that some days will be better than others. It's about finding a balance that works for you and your family. On the hard days, breathe and know that tomorrow will be better! 
• Delegate like a pro! Delegate household chores and share responsibilities with your partner and children. Let your child help with age appropriate chores like keeping dishes in the sink, clothes in the machine, watering plants.This not only lightens your load but also fosters a sense of teamwork within the family.

Let go of the guilt associated with seeking help. Hire help like maid, cook, nanny if you need! 

Opt for simple and nutritious meal planning to streamline cooking efforts. Prepare meals in advance, explore one-pot recipes, and prioritize wholesome ingredients to ensure a balanced and time-efficient approach to family nutrition. 

• Meal plan in advance and stick it on the fridge.
• Stock up the ingredients on the weekend.
• Prepare curries, pastes, boiled vegetables in advance and freeze them to use in the week.
• Cut the stems of coriander, clean leafy greens in advance to save up on time.
• Use leftover food in interesting ways.

Here are some simple one pot recipes that you can try! 

A Research conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that approximately 60% of working mothers reported feeling guilty about taking time for themself. Not only is self care needed, it's very important as a working mom! Here are some super simple self care ideas which need under 15 minutes!

• Take a long shower! I mean it! It's my number 1 hack to feel better instantly! The warm water, a good body wash and the sound of water around you! You will be amazed at how calming this is!
• Listen to a meditation podcast. Even 10 minutes of doing this gives your mind a much needed mental break.
• Read something. I know reading isn't everyone's cup of tea but lots of amazing books are available in audio form now. A highly recommended book which I love is Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. It brings life back into perspective.
• Consider waking up a little earlier than usual to carve out personal time for activities like exercise, reading, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee before the day gets busy.
• Opt for time-efficient workout routines, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) which take lesser time.

Having a support system, whether it's family, friends, or a moms' group, can be invaluable. They offer emotional support and practical help  Your support system is your mom squad, your Avengers. Assemble your team wisely, and remember, even superheroes need a coffee break. Your mom squad is your sidekick in this epic adventure! 

While being a mom and managing a career is a tight rope walk and most women do fear about how to manage, I hope I gave you some tips to manage the conflict! So, capes on, supermoms! It's time to conquer the world guilt-free.