Lifestyle / Mommy’s Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble

Mommy’s Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble

Lifestyle Sep 24, 2024

by Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

It’s been three weeks since the kids headed back to school, and while they may be settling into their new routines, many working moms are still adjusting to the new rhythm. Juggling career demands, household responsibilities, and school schedules can leave little room for self-care. If you’re feeling drained from the back-to-school hustle and balancing work life, now’s the perfect time for a mid-autumn self-care refresh. Let’s focus on practical ways to nurture yourself as the seasons change, with an emphasis on skincare, mental health, and overall wellness.

Skincare: Quick and Effective Fall Routine for Working Moms

As a working mom, time is precious, but your skin still deserves attention—especially after a summer of sun and the hustle of getting the kids back to school. With fall’s cooler air, here’s how you can keep your skin healthy and glowing without spending hours on a routine.

Upgrade your moisturizer: As the weather cools, swap in a richer moisturizer to combat dryness.
Exfoliate efficiently: Exfoliate once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells and keep your complexion smooth. It takes just a few minutes but makes a huge difference.
Add Vitamin C: A quick Vitamin C serum in the morning brightens your skin and repairs any summer sun damage.
Keep SPF in your routine: Even in Fall, UV rays are still around. A daily SPF is an easy way to protect your skin.

For busy mornings or long workdays, these quick fixes keep your skin in check:

Hydration on-the-go: Toss a facial mist in your bag for a mid-day refresh. One with hyaluronic acid gives an extra moisture boost between meetings.
Multitasking products: A tinted moisturizer with SPF saves time—it covers, hydrates, and protects in one step, perfect for mornings when you’re rushing out the door.
Overnight treatments: An overnight mask works while you sleep, so you wake up looking refreshed even after a late night of catching up on emails.
Office essentials: Keep hand cream and lip balm in your desk to fight off dry air in the office.

These small steps fit seamlessly into your day, helping you feel fresh and confident while you juggle work, family, and everything in between.

Prioritizing Mental Health: Finding Your Calm as a Working Mom

Juggling professional and personal responsibilities as a working mom can leave little time for mental wellness, especially after the summer rush and the chaos of back-to-school preparations. However, prioritizing your mental health is essential. Here’s how you can create space for yourself amid the demands of work and family life.

Carve out “me time”: Dedicate at least 15 minutes a day for yourself. Whether it’s sipping your coffee in silence, meditating, or reading, use this time to decompress and recharge.
Incorporate micro-breaks: During your workday, take 2-minute mindfulness breaks for deep breathing or a quick body scan between tasks to reset your focus and manage stress.
Utilize your lunch break: Use part of your lunch break for a brisk walk or gentle stretches. It’s a great way to clear your mind and boost your mood mid-day.
Practice mindfulness: Short, 5-10 minute mindfulness exercises can help you stay grounded and calm, making it easier to handle daily challenges.
Set work-life boundaries: Now that school routines are established, reassess your work hours. Can you adjust your schedule to better align with your family’s needs?
Connect with a support system: Reach out to friends for a quick chat or join online communities for working moms. Sharing experiences during your commute or downtime can provide valuable support and encouragement.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can find balance and nurture your mental health, helping you thrive both at work and home.

Wellness: Restoring Your Energy as a Working Mom

The transition from summer to the school year can be exhausting, especially for working moms who juggle multiple responsibilities. Caring for your physical health is essential to sustain your energy and manage the demands of both your career and family life. Here are some practical strategies to help you maintain your wellness.

Stay hydrated: Busy days often mean hydration gets neglected. Keep a water bottle handy to ensure you’re drinking enough throughout the day, boosting your energy levels and keeping your skin glowing.
Incorporate movement: Even a quick 10-minute stretch or light exercise session in the morning or evening can release tension, improve circulation, and give you a much-needed energy boost.
Meal prep Sundays: Prepare healthy lunches and snacks for the week ahead. This helps ensure you’re nourishing your body, even on the busiest workdays. Focus on easy-to-make, nutrient-dense foods, incorporating fall favourites like apples, pumpkins, and leafy greens.
Desk exercises: Find simple exercises you can do at your desk, such as leg lifts or seated twists, to stay active during long hours of work.
Power naps: If possible, take a 15-minute power nap during your break to boost alertness and productivity for the rest of the day.
Uplifting content: Use your commute to listen to audiobooks or podcasts that inspire or entertain you, helping you unwind before and after your workday.
Evening wind-down: Create a 10-minute evening ritual to transition from work to family time. This could include changing into comfortable clothes, enjoying a cup of tea, or doing light stretches.

By incorporating these wellness practices into your routine, you’ll find it easier to maintain your energy and well-being as you balance the demands of work and home life.

Set Boundaries and Delegate

One of the biggest challenges for working moms is feeling like they have to manage everything. It’s okay to set boundaries and ask for help, especially as you try to carve out time for yourself.

Be realistic about your workload: Understand that it’s impossible to do everything, and it’s okay to say no to certain commitments, whether at work or home. Prioritize what’s most important and let go of the rest.
Delegate tasks: Delegate responsibilities where possible, whether it’s with household chores or sharing the load of school drop-offs. This can help reduce stress and free up time for you to focus on your own well-being.

As the new school year settles in, it’s essential for working moms to remember that self-care is a critical part of maintaining balance and wellness. Taking time to focus on skincare, mental health, and overall wellness helps you recharge and face your responsibilities with renewed energy. These self-care strategies are designed to fit into your busy schedule, allowing you to maintain your well-being without adding stress to your day. By incorporating simple yet impactful habits into your routine, you’ll be better equipped to care for your family and manage your professional duties without burning out. Remember, by taking care of yourself, you’re not only improving your own life but also setting a powerful example for your children about the importance of self-care and work-life balance. You’ve made it through the back-to-school transition—now it’s time to thrive!

Main Photo Credit: Photo by August de Richelieu: https://www.pexels.com/photo/parents-helping-their-daughter-to-get-ready-for-school-4261270/

Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

Author

Kiran R. Khan (@kiranrkhanandco) is a journalism graduate from Sheridan College, possesses an extensive freelance portfolio encompassing various topics, including lifestyle posts and profile stories. Kiran loves to craft engaging content that resonates with readers, aiming to leave a lasting impress...

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Mommy’s Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble

by Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

Skincare: Quick and Effective Fall Routine for Working Moms

Prioritizing Mental Health: Finding Your Calm as a Working Mom

Wellness: Restoring Your Energy as a Working Mom

Set Boundaries and Delegate

Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

COMMENTS

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