10 Tips for the Work From Home Mom

The best thing to come from COVID was the general acceptance of working from home. Now, you can easily find roles at companies that are completely remote, or offer a hybrid setup that allows for some days in the office and others at home.

Working from home has completely revolutionized the work-life balance for mothers. Personally, being able to work from home allows me to better integrate a wellness routine, household responsibilities and my career. The flexibility of remote work means less commuting, no need for formal work clothing, and less stress, while still being there for my husband and kids. 

Whether it's constant distractions or the temptation to just get to work as soon as my childcare takes over, working from home still has its challenges. To actually make working from home work you need structure, organization, and a bit of creativity. Here are my top 10 tips to help make working from home more manageable and rewarding.

Yes, you still need childcare

When you work from home, you're working from home – not taking care of your kids. So yes, you still need childcare. Whether it's an au pair, nanny, daycare, babysitter or school – your children need to be cared for in order to get your job responsibilities done. It’s impossible to work a full time or even part time job without having support.

Strategies and tips for Work From Home (WFH) moms:

1. Establish a dedicated workspace

Having a designated work area can help separate your work life from your personal life, creating a sense of structure and routine. This could be a home office, a corner of your living room, or kitchen table, as long as it's a dedicated space for you to focus on work.

My WFH setup

1. Computer monitor: I prefer one that's less clunky and bulky so I opted for this one that isn't an eyesore.  
2. Laptop risers are a must! It can helps you adjust the height of your laptop so you don't have to turn your head in funny ways.
3. Keyboard
4. Mouse or trackpad
5. Noise canceling headphones (I like Airpods Pro or Beats Studio)
6. Consider a walking pad (get a foldable one to save space, but remember you’ll need a standing desk if decide to go the walking pad route)
7. A comfortable chair
8. Good lighting

2. Set clear boundaries for yourself and others

Working from home can blur the lines between work and personal life, making it difficult to switch off and disconnect. It's important to clearly set boundaries for yourself and communicate them with family members. Share your work schedule and important meetings with your family and establish rules for interruptions during working hours.

3. Dress for the job not for the couch

As a mom working from home, I totally understand the temptation to lounge around in comfy pajamas or the same athleisure set two days in a row. Believe me, I've been there! But since committing to a WFH lifestyle, I've made a conscious effort to prioritize feeling good, and for me, that includes looking good too. Even if I'm not stepping out of my home, getting dressed in the morning is part of my routine, boosts my mood and makes me feel more productive. It's amazing how a cute WFH outfit can lift my spirits and set the tone for an efficient day, even within the same four walls.

4. Leverage tools & tech to maximize your efficiency

I've danced through various productivity methods over the years, and I decided to take bits and pieces from each method to craft my own system tailored to my weekly routine. ⁠

Step 1: The Sunday Seven is my non-negotiable start to the week. Ideally done on Sundays, this process involves reflectively assessing the past week and setting intentions and planning for the coming week. 

Step 2: 2-3-2 Daily Planning Method ensures that each day starts with purpose. I begin with a task of categorization, and assign each task a category: deep work, priority to-dos, and maintenance tasks. I weave these tasks into my weekly planner, assigning them to specific days of the week.

Step 3: Time Blocking to ensure I’m getting everything done and within a reasonable amount of time.

5. Replace commute hours with self-care

Now that I've reclaimed all those precious hours I used to spend commuting, I finally have some breathing room for myself. I start each day after childcare arrives with at least 20 minutes of movement (I love The Sculpt Society or Wellcraft apps for WFH workouts). I then get ready with my 5 minute makeup routine and make an actual breakfast. My go-to is two scrambled eggs and fruit. Then I get to work. This 45 minute daily routine has replaced that 45 minute daily commute. 

6. Stay focused while enjoying the flexibility

Working from home comes with many perks, but it also requires a great deal of self-discipline. To stay focused and productive, here are some tips I've found helpful:

1. Stick to a routine: While working remotely offers flexibility, establishing a consistent routine can help increase productivity and goes a long way in maintaining a sense of normalcy.
2. Take breaks: It's important to step away from your computer screen and give yourself mental and physical breaks throughout the day. This will help you stay energized and focused on your tasks.
3. Communicate with colleagues: Working remotely can feel isolating at times, so make an effort to communicate regularly with your colleagues via video conferencing or chat platforms.

These tips help me stay focused so I can continue to work from home and enjoy the flexible benefits.

7. Get outside at least 2x a day

One of the biggest challenges of working from home is that I often find myself being sucked into my work and sitting at my desk for hours on end. So I make it a point to go for a walk with my dog during lunch and at the end of the day before my au pair is off. This not only helps with my physical health but also provides a mental break and boosts my mood. If my husband is WFH that day, we do these walks together which is a massive benefit and way for us to review plans for the week, or just have time alone for connection.

8. Make nourishing lunches

One of the benefits of working from home is having access to your own kitchen. Instead of relying on fast food or microwavable meals, I take this opportunity to make more intentional and nourishing lunch and snacks. I have a few favorite lunches that I keep in rotation, which helps minimize decision fatigue, including mediterranean salads (I stock these from Trader Joe’s: cumin chickpeas, canned dolmas, vegan dill dressing), Chinese chicken salad, tuna salad on whole grain crackers.

9. Set coffee dates to stay social

Working remotely can feel isolating, so I make it a point to schedule coffee dates with friends and colleagues. This allows me to catch up with them while also getting out of the house for a change of scenery. I usually head back to work feeling refreshed and motivated.

10. Clearly communicate your achievements to drive visibility

One of the biggest downsides of working from home is you often lose the ability to shine light on what you are working on to other colleagues, and more importantly those up the chain of the corporate ladder. What this means is that it's important to raise your hand in team meetings to share progress and updates on projects that are moving the needle. Aside from these virtual touchpoints, it's equally important to send project recaps via email to showcase how you are contributing to company goals. The formula for these emails is simple: 1 introduction sentence, 1 sentence on why this project was prioritized, 3 to 5 bullet points on what was completed or accomplished and a clear summary of results. Complete the email by thanking any and all colleagues that were involved. 

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I constantly gather inspiration from other working moms influencers, bloggers, and listen to podcasts too. Listening to relatable stories and advice keeps me motivated, and it helps me recognize that I'm not alone in the pursuit of finding work-life fulfillment.

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Featured Image by AnnaStills from Getty Images

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