An Array Of Great Survival Points For Exhausted Working Mums

Have you ever wondered how you keep going, working on pure adrenaline to survive, yet still function well at work and cope with all the other requirements of being a busy mum?

You realise that you would do well if you could work to a schedule and manage things much more effectively, but your new arrival is not aware of your need to schedule things, at all! During these crucial formative years, the baby is entirely dependent on your response and it sometimes feels as if you are working a 9-to-5 shift in reverse at night, as you answer to your newborn baby's requirements.

You are loving your new life as a devoted mother, but often feel as if you are at your wits' end as you struggle to find that extra bit of energy to conquer seemingly mundane tasks. How are you going to get through the new work week which is rapidly approaching?

While we have already determined that it is difficult to maintain a schedule and if someone mentions the phrase "time management" to you once more, you are going to scream, but it is nevertheless important for you to establish as close to a routine as you possibly can.

Unless we have a routine, we will just bounce from one problem to another and build up an increasing level of stress, compounding and affecting other areas as we go. Although you might not like to think that you have to do so, it's important for you to get into a routine as soon as possible.

When mornings roll around, try to keep it as simple as you possibly can. Getting up can be a real wrench if your night-time rest has been disrupted by baby's needs. However, you have things to do and you should do them in the same order every day.

Your top priority must be your exercise regime. This is most important and you should not be tempted to lay for 15 minutes extra in bed. Position your treadmill so that you can view the headlines, traffic problems and the weather on the TV ahead of you, even as the coffee is brewing in the kitchen. At the appropriate time, get the children out of bed and ensure that they do their own chores as well, to help you out.

After a while, you will get this procedure down to a finite science, every single day. This can be the most stressful time of the day as you are trying to wake yourself up and focus on what you have to do. By insisting on a clockwork routine and making sure that all your family are "on board" with this concept and that they help you, you'll be ready to get out of the door running, on time.

Even though you may think you have no time for anything other than work and looking after the baby, you have to keep in touch with your social life and with "me" time as well. Take time to foster a good relationship with a caregiver and understand how important this person can be to you.

At work, you will, also hopefully, have a very understanding boss. Never take advantage of the situation though and only call in any favours or use any delay allowances or personal days if absolutely necessary. If you always play fair, whenever emergencies come along, you will be more able to deal with this situation and to meet with your boss's favour.

Try not to schedule anything that is too demanding, technically for you at work in the morning and at all times, do not overload your schedule unrealistically.

During your 9-to-5 routine at work, time management is very important, as you don't want your work requirements to spill over into your personal time.

In most cases, professional coaching can focus your attention on key areas of your life. Many in your position have used dedicated coaching for women and have often been able to get past "the wall" by turning to online life coaching solutions.

Amanda Alexander is the Director of Coaching Mums and a widely renowned ICF-accredited coach who delivers professional coaching programmes to working mums across the globe who long for more time, balance and fulfilment in their busy lives. Download our free eBook especially for working mums with 5 easy ways to achieve balance.