Having a baby is one of the most stressful times in a woman’s life. When working women have babies, your life as you knew it has completely changed. The days of returning from work and sitting on the couch with a glass of wine in silence are over, for now. Returning from maternity leave to work will be a lifestyle change but we are here to give you some tips.
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Find a good daycare
A good daycare is essential for moms when they are returning to work after maternity leave. Having people or a place that you can trust will help you feel more at ease when at work all day long. Knowing that your child is in the right hands gives you the strength when your child is crying when you leave them.
Keep a calendar
Having a calendar when returning to work after maternity leave is one of the only ways for survival! Keeping track of your work and deadlines as well as keeping track of what extracurricular activities are happening that day helps the family run smoother. It also helps keep you sane knowing all the things that you need to do! Planning out dinners in your calendar makes it a easier transition when everyone comes home.
Plan family outings
When you go back to work, the amount of time that is left when you get home is minimal. The weekends are a sacred time for working families. Although there are many times we would love to lay on the couch all day on a Saturday, with children that’s not possible. Planning family outings can help with family bonding and having enjoyable experiences outside of the home. Depending on the age of your children, you can always find something to do, whether it be a picnic outside or a trip to an amusement park.
Don’t forget about you
In all the craziness of work and family, moms always forget to include themselves in their days and weeks. Self-care is so important for moms because we get burnt out so quickly between lack of sleep and pulling ourselves in many directions. Going to get a pedicure, manicure, massage, drinks with friends, time at the gym, etc. These are all things that you can do outside of work and outside of your family. It doesn’t have to be every day but giving yourself at least even an hour a week can help you feel like you.
Leave work at work.
Easier said than done right? Being a workaholic is not helpful to yourself or your family. When you go back to work after maternity leave, it is important to change your ways. Working late every single day is not possible when you must pick up your child at daycare and then spend some time with them at night. Taking your work home and sitting on your computer all night is not helpful either. Find that work life balance and stick to it. Whether it be taking one or two nights a week where you are doing work and your husband is watching the baby and vice versa. If you must take work home, use the specific days to cater to your work and start attempting a new work routine of getting as much done at work.
You need a routine.
Figuring out a routine for your family is essential when trying to fit everything. When going back to work, everyone has gotten used to you being at home. Determining which day you bring your child to school and when pizza night is helps everyone get use to the idea that you’re not at home all the time.
Working as a mom is difficult. These tips will help you get back in the groove at work and help the work life balance.
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