If you’re a working mom, you know the struggle: it can feel impossible to know when to start work, when to stop, or how to truly separate “work mode” from “mom mode.” And if you work from home like I do, those lines get even blurrier—because let’s be real, you literally live at your office.
That’s why setting boundaries isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary.
Here’s what’s helped me (and maybe it will help you, too):
When the workday ends, really end it
For me, the workday usually wraps up around 5 p.m. When that time comes, I shut the laptop, silence the notifications, and give my full attention to what matters most: my personal wellbeing and time with my family.
Yes, emails can wait. If something truly urgent comes up, I might log back on after the kids go to bed—but that’s the exception, not the rule. Most things are not as urgent as they seem. You know what happens when you keep answering emails? You get more emails.
Start your mornings for you
It’s tempting to roll out of bed and dive straight into work—especially when your “office” is just down the hall, or like it is in my case, right in my bedroom. But I’ve learned it’s so much better to start the morning with time that’s just for me.
For me, that looks like:
- Waking up before everyone else
- Going to the gym
- Reading my Bible and/or devotional
- Listening to an audiobook
- Showering, putting on makeup, and getting dressed in work clothes (yes—even at home!)
- Sitting down to have breakfast before work starts
This routine helps me feel grounded, refreshed, and ready to give my best when it’s time to work.
Give work your full attention—then walk away
During work hours, I try to be all in. That means turning off distractions and focusing on what really matters. And yes—taking a real lunch break. We have a nanny, my husband also works from home, and my kids are homeschooled so that means I get to spend that hour with them. Sometimes we’ll sit here and eat and if time allows, we’ll get outside and move our bodies on a walk or at the playground.
I used to not understand when people said they “forgot to eat lunch,” until I found myself doing exactly that. It’s easy to get caught up in tasks, but your body (and mind) need that break. Take it. I typically block my lunch hour on my calendar. On occasion a meeting will get scheduled during that time, but it is not the norm.
Use your time off (really!)
I used to pride myself on barely using vacation days, coming to work sick, and checking emails late at night. I thought it made me dedicated—but really, it just made me exhausted. Tired. Burnt out. Whatever you want to call it. It wasn’t fun.
Now, I’m intentional about taking vacation and sick days when I need them. It’s not selfish—it’s healthy. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Remember your priorities
At the end of the day, my list looks like this:
- God first
- Me second
- Everything else comes after
When your faith and your wellbeing come first, everything else tends to fall into place.
If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, know this: Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you care less about your work. It means you care about your family, your health, and showing up as your best self—at work and at home.
You deserve that. Your family deserves that. And your work will actually be better for it.
What about you? Do you struggle with setting boundaries as a working mom? I’d love to hear what’s helped you! Drop a comment below. 💛
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