Being an at-home mom, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a work-at-home mom, is a rewarding but often stressful experience. The daily juggling of household tasks, childcare, and in many cases, work responsibilities can quickly pile up, leading to feelings of overwhelm. As a mother of two and an at-home mom since 2016, I’ve personally experienced the unique pressures that come with managing a household and raising kids while trying to find balance in everyday life.
In this post, I want to share some practical tips for managing stress as an at-home mom. These are strategies that have worked for me and that I hope will help you too.
Practical tips for managing stress as an at-home mom
1. Prioritize Self-Care
As moms, we often put everyone else’s needs before our own. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout. Over the years, I’ve learned that carving out a small amount of time for myself each day makes a world of difference. Whether it’s a quick morning meditation, a cup of tea, a short workout or or pursue a hobby, finding ways to prioritize “me time” helps me reset and recharge.
Read: understanding real causes of stress as an at-home mom
2. Set Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest stressors for at-home moms is the pressure to do everything perfectly. I’ve had days where I expected myself to finish all the chores, complete work projects, and give my kids 100% of my attention—all while maintaining my sanity. The reality is, that’s impossible. Set realistic goals for yourself, and understand that some days, it’s okay to let things go.
3. Create a Daily Schedule
Having a daily schedule has been a lifesaver for me as a work-at-home mom. Planning out your day can help you manage your time more effectively and reduce the chaos. I recommend creating a flexible routine that includes work hours, time for the kids, and household tasks. A clear structure can alleviate stress by helping you stay on top of what needs to get done without feeling overwhelmed.
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4. Ask for Help
I used to think asking for help was a sign of failure, but I’ve learned that it’s necessary for survival as an at-home mom. Don’t hesitate to lean on your support system, whether it’s a partner, family member, or friend. If you’re working from home, communicating with your partner about dividing household responsibilities can make a big difference. No one should have to carry the full load alone.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness has been an essential tool for managing stress in my daily life. It’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do list, but taking a moment to breathe and focus on the present can help you stay calm. Simple breathing exercises or a few minutes of mindfulness meditation can significantly reduce stress levels.
6. Limit Screen Time
It’s tempting to scroll through social media during downtime, but I’ve found that too much screen time can increase stress rather than relieve it. Comparing yourself to other moms or feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications can add to your mental load. Instead, set boundaries for screen time and use that time to do something that truly relaxes you.
Read: Strategies for Reducing Screen Time as an at-home mom
7. Stay Connected
Isolation can be a significant source of stress for at-home moms. It’s easy to feel disconnected from other adults, especially when your days are filled with the demands of kids and work. I make a point to stay connected with other moms through social media groups or meetups. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone in the journey can ease the stress.
Read: Tips on how to build strong Social Connection and Support for At-Home Moms
8. Break Tasks into Small Steps
When I’m feeling stressed, I try to break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of cleaning the entire house in one go, I tackle one room at a time. This approach prevents me from feeling overwhelmed and gives me a sense of accomplishment as I complete each small task.
9. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress, even if it’s just a quick 15-minute workout. I’ve found that adding physical activity to my routine boosts my mood and helps me handle daily stress more effectively. Whether you prefer yoga, Pilates, or a brisk walk, find what works for you and stick with it.
What to Do: Set aside 5–10 minutes to stretch, do a quick yoga flow, or even dance to your favorite song. You’d be surprised how much better you feel after moving your body for just a few minutes. On days when you’re feeling really stressed, this is a quick way to reset.
10. Get Enough Sleep
As an at-home mom, it can be tempting to stay up late to catch up on work or have some quiet time. But I’ve learned the hard way that not getting enough sleep only increases stress. Prioritize your sleep as much as possible, aiming for 7-8 hours each night. Adequate rest will help you manage stress more effectively and keep you energized throughout the day.
How to Improve Your Sleep: Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screen time before bed, and aim to go to sleep at the same time each night. Even if you can’t get a full 8 hours, consistent, quality sleep will help reduce stress.
11. Mindful Breathing
One of the simplest and most effective ways to calm your mind and body is through mindful breathing. As an at-home mom, the chaos of everyday life can sometimes feel overwhelming. I’ve found that when things get hectic—whether it’s managing a tantrum or trying to meet a deadline—taking a few moments to focus on my breath makes all the difference.
How to Do It: Take a seat in a quiet spot and close your eyes. Breathe in slowly through your nose, count to four, then exhale through your mouth for another count of four. Repeat this process a few times. You can do this anytime throughout your day, even in the middle of house chores.
12. Practicing Gratitude
When I first started practicing gratitude, I didn’t realize how much it could shift my mindset and relieve stress. As a busy at-home mom, it’s easy to focus on everything that needs to be done and what’s not going right. Taking a moment to reflect on what I’m grateful for—my family, my health, or even just a cup of coffee in the morning—helps me center myself and reduce stress.
How to Incorporate It: At the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things; even small moments can make a big difference in your outlook.
Read: sample of gratitude prompt ideas for at-home mom
13. Taking Regular Breaks
As an at-home mom, I’ve often found myself working non-stop, either around the house or on my blog. But over time, I’ve learned the importance of taking regular breaks throughout the day. It’s easy to push through, thinking there’s always more to do, but burnout becomes a real risk.
How to Do It: Set a timer for every hour or two and take a 5–10 minute break. Use this time to stretch, grab a snack, or step outside for some fresh air. These small pauses help prevent stress from building up over time.
Read: Regular break for at-home moms
14. Journaling
I’ve kept a journal for years, and it’s become one of my favorite ways to release stress. Sometimes, just getting all my thoughts and worries out on paper is enough to help me feel lighter. Journaling allows me to process what’s happening in my life, and it often helps me find clarity and solutions to what’s causing my stress.
How to Get Started: Set aside 10–15 minutes a few times a week to journal. Write about your day, your feelings, or anything that’s on your mind. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this is just for you.
15. Creating Boundaries
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned as a work-at-home mom is how important it is to set boundaries—both with work and with my family. Without clear boundaries, I often found myself feeling overwhelmed and stressed, constantly trying to be available for everyone at all times. By creating boundaries, I’ve been able to carve out time for myself and manage my stress more effectively.
How to Set Boundaries: Let your family know when you need quiet time or when you’re working. Designate specific times for work, chores, and personal time. Make it a point to stick to these boundaries so that you have space to recharge.
How to set boundaries as an at-home mom
16. Decluttering
A cluttered environment can add to stress, and I’ve definitely experienced this as an at-home mom. Between the kids’ toys, laundry, and household items, things can get chaotic fast. Taking time to declutter and organize has a huge impact on my stress levels.
How to Start: Pick one area of your home that feels overwhelming. Set a timer for 15–30 minutes and tackle that space, getting rid of anything you don’t need. A clean, organized environment helps you feel more in control and less stressed.
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📝 My Personal Experience
There was a time I felt like I was constantly behind—on chores, my blog, my children’s needs. My stress level was high, and my joy was low. When I started journaling in the morning, planning only 3 priorities a day, and practicing grace over guilt, everything changed. I became more present and less pressured.
Essentials to Help Manage Stress as an At-Home Mom
As an at-home mom since 2016, I’ve learned firsthand how stressful it can be to juggle the many responsibilities of both a stay-at-home and work-at-home mom. From daily chores to work deadlines and endless parenting duties, the stress can easily pile up. Over the years, I’ve discovered some great tools that have helped me manage stress better. In this post, I’m sharing a list of products that have personally worked for me in creating a stress-relief toolkit.
- Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
- Why it works: Aromatherapy can instantly create a calming environment. I use lavender or eucalyptus oil to relax after a long day.
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- Weighted Blanket
- Why it works: This blanket provides deep pressure stimulation, which helps reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It’s my go-to for those stressful nights.
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- Yoga Mat
- Why it works: Daily yoga or stretching sessions help me center myself. It’s a simple, effective way to decompress physically and mentally.
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- Mindfulness Meditation App Subscription
- Why it works: Meditation has been a game changer for managing stress. I use an app for guided sessions in the mornings or evenings, helping me stay grounded.
- Download apps like Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/) or Calm (https://www.calm.com/)
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Why it works: Blocking out the noise, even for just 10 minutes, lets me focus on breathing exercises or enjoy some calming music without distractions.
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- Herbal Tea Set
- Why it works: Drinking a calming tea like chamomile or peppermint can be a small but powerful way to unwind. It’s part of my evening self-care ritual.
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- Daily Planner for Time Management
- Why it works: Keeping my schedule organized reduces overwhelm. I write down my to-do list and prioritize tasks, which has been key to managing my stress levels.
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- Massage Gun
- Why it works: After a busy day, I use this handheld massage gun to relieve tension in my muscles, especially after long hours of sitting or lifting kids.
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- Blue Light Glasses
- Why it works: As a work-at-home mom, I spend a lot of time in front of the screen. These glasses help reduce eye strain and headaches, making screen time less stressful.
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- Gratitude Journal
- Why it works: Writing down things I’m grateful for each day has helped shift my mindset from stress to appreciation. It’s a simple practice that makes a big difference.
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These products have made a noticeable difference in my stress levels and overall well-being. Incorporating even one or two into your daily routine can help manage the pressures of being an at-home mom. I hope these suggestions help you on your journey to stress relief! If you’ve found other tools that work, I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments. Let’s support each other!
Stay calm, stay strong!
Conclusion
Managing stress as an at-home mom is a daily challenge, but it’s not impossible. By incorporating self-care, setting realistic expectations, and building a support system, you can reduce stress and find balance. As a mom who has been navigating this journey since 2016, I can confidently say that these strategies have helped me, and I believe they can help you too. Remember, being kind to yourself and making space for rest and rejuvenation are essential to thriving as an at-home mom.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a work-at-home mom, these tips are meant to remind you that you’re doing a great job.
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Start your peaceful mom routine today with the Daily Grace Check-In printable—designed just for moms like you.
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Let’s Connect!
What are your favorite ways to manage stress as an at-home mom? Share in the comments below or tag me on social media with #MomCareMoments.
