Finding balance as a busy mama can feel impossible some days.. It’s one of those things we’re all searching for—especially as busy mamas. Between work, family, trying to have a social life (or at least responding to that text from three days ago), and just existing, it can feel impossible. There are days when everything flows, when you feel like you’re on top of it all—the house isn’t a disaster, work is manageable, your little one is happy, and you even managed to drink your coffee while it was still warm (a rare win!). And then there are the other days—the ones where you’re running on empty, the to-do list is a mile long, and you can’t figure out how everyone else seems to be handling it so much better. (Spoiler: They aren’t.) We hear so much about finding balance—as if it’s a destination, a final achievement where everything magically falls into place. But here’s the real question—can we actually find balance?
What Finding Balance as a Busy Mama Really Looks Like
For a long time, I thought finding balance meant having it all together—the right mix of work, home life, rest, and social time. I figured if I just planned well enough, I’d finally feel in control. But then I looked up the meaning of balance:
- “An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.”
- “A situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.”
If balance means giving everything equal time, then let me be the first to say—I am failing spectacularly. Some weeks, my little one needs me more, and work takes a backseat. Other times, work demands my full attention, and suddenly, I feel like I barely saw my kid. Some days, I just need rest, and that means saying no to everything else. If balance is perfection, I don’t want it. And if I’m being honest, there are moments when the pressure to do it all feels like too much, like I’m carrying an invisible load that no one else can see. I know I’m not alone in this – so many mama’s feel overwhelmed, constantly trying to juggle everything without a break. Instead of trying to make everything equal, I started asking myself:
What do I need right now?
What actually matters most today?
And that shift? It changed everything.
Finding Balance as a Busy Mama | What Actually Works
Finding balance as a busy mama isn’t about achieving the perfect mix—it’s about creating a life that feels manageable and makes sense in the moment. Here’s what helped me make peace with balance instead of constantly fighting it.
1. Start Small (Like, Really Small)
Every time I’ve tried to overhaul my life, I’ve lasted about five minutes before giving up. Now? I think small.
– A five-minute tea break where I don’t check my phone.
– Leaving the dishes until morning and getting ten extra minutes of sleep.
– Taking a proper lunch break instead of eating while working.
Tiny shifts that don’t feel overwhelming—but actually make a difference.
2. Know What Actually Matters (For Right Now)
One thing I’ve learned from teaching? We can’t focus on everything at once. Kids learn best when we focus on one thing at a time—and honestly, mamas do too. So instead of trying to juggle everything, I got clear on:
What actually matters to me right now?
What can wait?
For me, that meant:
-Time with my little one matters more than a spotless house.
– Prioritizing mental space is more important than an overflowing schedule.
– Some friendships need more energy, and others will still be there when life slows down.
It’s okay if what matters changes from week to week. The key is letting go of guilt when priorities shift.
3. Do Quick Check-Ins (Without Overthinking It)
Balance isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily adjustment. I do little check-ins—some days it’s two minutes, other days it’s longer. No rules. Just a moment to ask:
What do I need today?
What can I let go of?
What do I want to focus on?
Some days, I need to lean into work. Other days, I need to be more present at home. And some days, I just need to survive the chaos and call it a win.
4. Track What’s Actually Draining You
I started paying attention to where my time and energy were going—and it was… eye-opening.
- Screen time (thought I was scrolling less… I was not).
- Eating habits (turns out stress-snacking is a sport).
- Sleep patterns (oh, so that’s why I’m exhausted).
This helped me spot what was throwing me off—so I could tweak things without overhauling my whole life.
5. Clear the Clutter (Your Brain Will Thank You)
I don’t mean deep-cleaning the house (who has time for that?!). I mean small shifts that actually help.
- Folding laundry while listening to a podcast.
- Clearing my desk at the end of the day.
- Opening a window for fresh air.
As a teacher, I know how much environment shapes behaviour—same goes for us. When my space is calmer, my brain feels lighter.
6. Prioritize “Tea Time” (Or Whatever Refuels You)
Mamas tend to put themselves last. I used to tell myself I’d do something for me once everything else was done—but everything else is never done.
Now, I build it in like it’s non-negotiable:
– Morning Sip & Pause – Even if it’s just one slow sip of tea or coffee before the chaos begins.
– Hydration Check – A glass of water before reaching for caffeine. (Because we both know tea doesn’t count.)
– One Screen-Time Boundary – Even if it’s just putting your phone in another room for 10 minutes.
– One Meaningful Connection – A cuddle with my little one, a check-in with a friend, or a quick “How are you?” text that actually means it.
It doesn’t have to be big—just something.
Balance Isn’t a Thing You Find—It’s a Thing You Make
I used to think finding balance as a busy mama meant having everything in order all the time. Now, I know it’s something I create every day, based on what I need in the moment. Some days, I’ll focus on work. Other days, I’ll focus on family. Some days, I’ll just survive. And that’s okay. Balance isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about figuring out what works for you in the moment. And if you’re in a season of juggling kids and tasks, just know—you’re not alone.
So, what does balance look like for you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear! And if you want more real talk on balance, self-care, and mama life, join my newsletter for weekly encouragement. 💛
Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.
– Jana Kingsford
