What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed & The Key to Getting Everything Done

Working moms may sometimes feel overwhelmed trying to balance work, home, and even going to school. Here are some tips to help handle it all.

Here’s the final installment of a 3-part abbreviated interview (not word for word) with my friend Samantha, from Have Sippy, Will Travel. Read what she had to say about How to Be a Working Mom and Go To School and How to Avoid Working Mom Guilt.

1. Do you think your laid back demeanor helps prevent stress?

I am a planner, with an “I don’t care” attitude. Sometimes people interpret that as not caring. I can’t be bothered with crap. I don’t memorize my schedule and tasks. I count on my calendar and I take it one day at a time. It keeps me from getting overwhelmed, by just focusing on one day at a time.

2. How did you tackle this project of growing your blog?

I’m authentic, and I work hard to give my readers what they want.

3. What are your guilty pleasures?

Photography, traveling (although I’m always traveling, but never on vacation), school, eating (especially during travels), and most anything that’s not work-related.

4. What makes you different/strange?

I think people like to feel overwhelmed and accomplished. I live in the now and don’t worry about the future. I can’t process it all at one time. I don’t talk about myself a lot (even on my personal social media accounts–I just talk about blogging). Basically, I just don’t brag about myself and my stuff.

5. Describe a typical day at your house.

I work from home and my son is in school full time.

wake up
blogging, social media, work on a post
take my son to school
volunteer at school for lunch or library
I keep strict work hours: while my son is at school, I write for magazines, social media, blogging
pick him up around 2:30
once home, get dinner started
son’s bath
husband home
dinner together as a family
we all go out to the park or do something fun
product posts done while he’s sleep

6. How do you stay organized?

I use a monthly calendar, a pocket calendar, Gmail calendar, and email on my phone.

7. How do you handle meal planning and meal preparation?

I am the worst cook on the planet. Typically, I take out food to defrost and my husband enjoys cooking. He wants me to do it the same way he would. He thinks he’s helping me.

8. How do you handle cleaning?

It’s difficult to manage. I have a small house that’s cluttered, but clean. I vacuum everyday. I sweep and mop weekly. I do laundry as needed.

Key Takeaway: Don’t try to memorize your schedule and tasks. Count on your calendar and take it one day at a time. It will keep you from getting overwhelmed, by just focusing on one day at a time.

Samantha is a writer and blogger. She works with Wyndham Worldwide’s Women on Their Way as a Travel Blogger, writes syndicated columns, and was ranked in the Top 10 Most Influential Moms in Social Media. Catch up with her on her blog Have Sippy, Will Travel where she writes about travel, product reviews, food, and kids.