STAY CALMIt’s not easy having a to-do list 100 items long at home, being a career mom, and trying to squeeze in some actual relaxation time. For me, it’s inevitable to just let something go during the busy work week. Whether it’s backing off extra hours at work, leaving the house a mess, or forgoing my gym routine –most of the time something has got to give.

Keeping a cool head in the midst of my busy schedule can be difficult to say the least. I have learned to find pockets of time. Times when I am feeling most creative, I work on my mom blog activities. Other times when I am stressed to the max, I take 30 minutes and work out.

It’s hard for me to admit that sometimes I would love to just throw everything aside and be a stay-at-home mom. Their lives seem so simple, carefree and most importantly, stress free. Would my days at home be less stressful if I didn’t have to worry about work on top of caring and playing with my child?  I get that being home all the time has its ups and downs, and I am not trying to start a debate here. The bottom line is-I know myself well enough to know that the stay-at-home job just isn’t for me. Instead, I function at a very high level when I am maxed out (weird, I know).

Come up with a strategy.

If the 5 pm terror time hits your family (as it does mine) every night, figure out a way to mix it up. I remember when my little sister was young, we would do the 5 o’clock waltz in the kitchen every night to break things up.

Pre-plan your meals.

I know this sounds annoying, but life is easier if you have a plan for making dinner, who is going to get it started, etc. after a long day of work.

Have family dinner.

NOT in front of the TV. Talk to each other about your days -the good, the bad, the ugly.

Mix it up after dinner and do a family activity.

Change environments, go for a walk (SPRING IS HERE!!!) play in a different room in the house, change it up.

Remember to have fun and let go.

Life is too short and at the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is your family.

How can you keep a cool head when you are constantly maxed out during the week?