Being a newly divorced single mom trying to find work life balance is tough. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many women have gone through this experience and have come out stronger on the other side.

With a practical approach and a compassionate mindset, you too can achieve work-life balance and thrive both at work and at home. In this article, I’ll share some tips and links for further research to help you navigate this challenging time.

Prioritize Your Time

I know that as a single mom, your time is limited and valuable. It can be overwhelming to try to balance work and family responsibilities on your own. One way to make the most of your time is to prioritize your tasks and focus on what’s most important. I find it helpful to make a to-do list each day and rank items by their importance. This way, I can tackle the most important tasks first and avoid feeling overwhelmed later in the day.

It’s important to be realistic with your time and not take on too much at once. Remember, you’re only one person and it’s better to do a few things well than to try to do everything and feel like you’re failing.

Set Boundaries

I know how difficult it can be to balance work and family responsibilities, especially after a divorce. It’s easy to feel like work and other responsibilities are taking over your entire life. That’s why setting boundaries is crucial for achieving work-life balance. Make sure to designate work hours and stick to them as best as you can.

When you’re off the clock, make a conscious effort to unplug and focus on your family. Don’t let work invade your personal time, and don’t feel guilty for saying no to work requests that interfere with your family time. Remember, your family is your top priority, and it’s important to set boundaries that allow you to be present with them.

Ask for Help

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family members for support when you need it, whether it’s a ride for your kids or someone to watch them while you attend a meeting. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.

Delegating tasks at work or hiring help is also an option if you need it. There’s no shame in accepting help when it’s offered. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child, and building a support network can make all the difference when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You’re doing the best you can, and it’s okay to lean on others for help.

Create a Support Network

Building a support network is crucial for getting through those tough times. You don’t have to go through this alone. Seek out other single moms in your community or workplace and create a support group. This way, you can share tips, advice, and emotional support with one another. You could even take turns babysitting for each other to give yourselves a much-needed break. Trust me, having a support network can make all the difference when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You deserve all the help and support you can get.

Take Care of Yourself

I know how easy it can be to put your own needs on the back burner while you focus on taking care of your family. But it’s important to remember that you can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself first. Prioritizing your own physical and mental health is crucial for both you and your family. So, make sure to schedule time for exercise, hobbies, and self-care activities that you enjoy.

Don’t neglect your own needs, and don’t feel guilty for taking time for yourself. It’s okay to take a break and recharge your batteries. When you feel good, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of single motherhood and work. You deserve to prioritize your own well-being, so don’t be afraid to put yourself first.

Embrace the Chaos

Finally, it’s important to embrace the chaos and accept that things won’t always go as planned. Being a single mom after divorce is a juggling act, and there will be times when things don’t go according to plan. Instead of stressing out and trying to control everything, try to be flexible and adaptable.

Sometimes, you may need to let go of certain tasks or responsibilities to focus on what’s most important. Embrace the messiness and unpredictability of life, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned.

I know that navigating life as a single mom after divorce can be overwhelming, but please know that you’re not alone. With a practical approach and a compassionate mindset, you can achieve work-life balance and thrive both at work and at home. Remember to prioritize your time, set boundaries, ask for help, build a support network, take care of yourself, and embrace the chaos. And if you need additional guidance and support, consider scheduling a growth planning call with me. 

Together, we can work on creating a personalized plan for achieving your goals and finding success and fulfillment in both your personal and professional life. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.