If you’ve ever googled “how to build a daily routine,” you’ve probably come across advice that sounds great… if you have unlimited time, no children, and magical powers that let you create extra hours in the day. According to most of the internet, your ideal daily schedule should start with a morning routine that looks like this: wake up at 5 a.m., meditate for 30 minutes, journal your intentions, cook a healthy breakfast, do a 10-step skincare routine, and somehow have time to run 5 miles before you sit down to work. For working moms, this is nothing short of laughable. If you’re a working mom juggling family life, work, and school activities, you probably laugh-cry at the thought of doing even one of these things in your daily life without multiple family members yelling your name by 6 a.m.
The reality for most of us is that we’re lucky if we get five minutes to shower alone. The idea of “finding time” for elaborate self-care routines simply adds to the stress. So, let’s ditch the unrealistic advice and get real about what works for busy, stressed-out working moms.
So why does the traditional advice fall flat? And how can we busy moms set up a routine that works *for us* and doesn’t leave us feeling like bad moms for not achieving a flawless morning ritual? Furthermore, how can routines advise that a typical day for a mom will be very different, depending on whether you work full-time, part-time, remote, hybrid, or in the office?
What you’ll learn about the mistakes working moms make in their daily routine in this post
This post will tell you all the reasons why traditional routine advice often doesn’t fit the unpredictable lives of working moms, who juggle work, kids, and home responsibilities. You’ll also learn how and why this is a risk factor for burnout. Rigid routines with early starts and structured “me-time” don’t match the demands of your days. Instead, you should focus on your natural energy peaks, aligning high-focus tasks with times when you feel most alert, rather than sticking to rigid schedules. Embracing micro-routines—small, flexible daily routines—allows for manageable accomplishments without the pressure of a perfect routine. Working with children’s schedules rather than against them helps you to feel more balanced and reduces stress. Creating flexible core routines, like meal prep or tidying, provides an anchor without the need for a strict timetable. Simple evening routines, such as preparing for the next day, can also make mornings more manageable. And finally, it’s essential to accept that some days will be messy; routines should adapt to real-life demands. These approaches allow working moms to build routines that support their unique lives without unnecessary stress or guilt. Read on to learn how to do this!
About the author:
I’m Dr Claire, and I’m a UK-based family doctor. I’m also a mama of 2 who has struggled with time management, the demands of work, and being a good mother. My own experience with burnout means that I am a firm believer in helping working moms achieve that elusive work-life balance. I now work as an expert in workplace mental health and wellbeing, and I am passionate about supporting women in the workplace.
Let’s start by talking about why traditional routine advice doesn’t help working moms.
Why traditional daily routine advice doesn’t help working moms
Traditional routine advice often assumes that you have hours of free time to devote to self-care and productivity hacks. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for working moms who are already juggling a full-time job, the demands of kids, and the household chores. According to a study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, moms spend twice as much time as dads on housework and childcare, even when both parents work full-time.
And then there’s the “motherhood penalty”—that nagging fear that if you take too much time for yourself, you’ll fall behind at work or somehow be seen as less committed. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that mothers often feel this pressure, leading to burnout. Traditional routines don’t take into account the emotional and physical load that working moms carry.
Let’s be real: working moms need daily routines that fit into their busy lives, help reduce stress, and—if we’re lucky—create tiny pockets of calm in the chaos.
Most routine advice for a “successful morning” assumes a world with enough hours in the day, uninterrupted “me-time,” and a level of work-life balance that only happens in social media dreams.
The 6 mistakes working moms make in their daily routine
Here are the 6 things that you are told to do, in order to have a successful daily routine:
1. Wake up early (before anyone else in the house, of course).
2. Meditate for 10-20 minutes to clear your mind.
3. Journal for a bit of “me-time” and self-reflection.
4. Exercise– because we’re all meant to get those *productive hours* in before dawn.
5. Have a nutritious breakfast without interruption (lol)
6. Review your goals for the day and get your mindset ready.
Sounds nice, right? There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of the advice above. But for some of you, this just doesn’t cut it. Here’s why:
Why typical daily routine advice doesn’t work for working moms
1. The myth of me-time
– The idea of waking up early for extra “me-time” sounds nice until you realize that the baby was up all night or a young kid needs help finding a favorite water bottle right first thing in the morning. Hectic days don’t magically create extra time just because you set an alarm.
2. The Unrealistic “Start of the Day”
– You might set intentions for a perfect morning, but school days, extracurricular activities, and getting lunch boxes packed means you’re lucky if you’re dressed by 9 a.m. Mornings become a race against the clock, not a mindful ritual.
3. The Pressure of “Best Start” Expectations
– Being told to start each day with a perfect routine can trigger mom guilt. When life throws curveballs, we’re left feeling like we’re not doing enough. It’s hard to feel like a good mom when society tells you that your morning smoothie will set the tone for the entire day.
4. Different Schedules, Endless Juggling
– Traditional advice assumes a one-size-fits-all schedule. But every mom’s life has unique twists—part-time work, full time work, hybrid schedules, older kids, babies, toddlers. These routines rarely account for the juggling act that moms face daily.
5. The Overwhelming Focus on Productivity
– We’re often told that more productivity equals a more successful life. But when working moms hear that, it feels like just one more area where we need to overachieve. Sometimes, getting everyone out the door with shoes on is a huge win.
Working moms are more at risk of burnout
Traditional routine advice can be a fast track to burnout for working moms because, honestly, it sets a completely unrealistic bar. These routines are designed with the idea that your day is predictable, that you have uninterrupted time, and that “getting up earlier” is the solution to all your problems. But the reality is, for a working mom, there’s rarely a predictable day. You’re constantly juggling—the kids might be up at night, the morning might start with a missing shoe crisis, and by the time you sit down to work, you’re already in catch-up mode.
Trying to force a routine that’s rigid and doesn’t account for the unpredictable nature of mom life just creates this feeling of never quite being good enough. When you can’t fit in that peaceful meditation or the early morning workout everyone says is the “best way” to start your day, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing. Over time, this constant self-criticism and the pressure to achieve a picture-perfect daily routine can drain you, mentally and physically.
Plus, traditional routines often ignore the emotional weight moms carry, like mom guilt or the mental load of remembering everything from doctor’s appointments to who likes which lunch box. This kind of advice doesn’t leave any room for flexibility, for those days when you’re running on empty, or when a sick kid means your morning is flipped upside down. Constantly chasing a routine that’s incompatible with real life means you’re always pushing yourself to meet expectations that weren’t built for you. And that constant push? It’s a one-way ticket to burnout.
13 practical and pragmatic daily routine tips that *actually* work for busy moms
The key to a *good routine* is flexibility, compassion, and a healthy dose of reality. Here are some ideas that might look a little *different* than the standard advice but will help you feel more in control of your *busy day*:
1. Let Go of the “Ideal Morning”
There’s no such thing as a “perfect start.” Focus on just two non-negotiables every morning—ones that make you feel ready for the day without adding *mom guilt* or extra pressure. Maybe it’s a five-minute stretch or even a warm shower before anyone else is up. Alternatively, aim for a 10-minute reset when you wake up. Grab a coffee or tea, breathe, and spend a couple of minutes stretching or mentally prepping for the day. This tiny ritual can help you start your day feeling a little more in control, without the pressure of an hour-long “self-care” routine. Bonus: Doing this can give you a mental boost, helping you show up more focused and productive at work.
2. Plan Around Your Energy Peaks (Not the Clock)
Use your productive hours wisely. If you’re sharpest in the afternoon, schedule high-focus work tasks then, not at 5 a.m. when the world says you “should” be at your best. This allows you to create a routine that feels natural.
3. Embrace “Micro-Routines” for a Busy Schedule
Not every routine has to happen every day, at the same time. Think about routines as smaller, flexible tasks. Maybe it’s drinking a glass of water before each meal, or a quick tidy-up of the living room after the end of the day. Micro-routines are achievable without requiring an entire day to manage them.
4. Work with, Not Against, Your Kids’ Schedule
Make routines that fit into your kids’ rhythm. If your young kids need your attention in the mornings, save your high-focus tasks for the *second shift* after bedtime. Adjust your day around school activities or childcare without fighting it.
5. Build a “Flexible Core” Routine
Have a couple of core tasks—daily tasks like meal prep or laundry—that anchor your day, but leave the timing open. This helps you adapt to interruptions. Whether it’s doing the dishes after family dinners or folding laundry after work, flexible core routines can happen whenever you have enough time.
6. Have a Realistic Evening Routine
For moms, evening routines might be less about “unwinding” and more about preparing for tomorrow. Small changes like packing bags, getting water bottles ready, or planning for school days will give you a better chance to handle the next morning with less stress.
7. Accept the Messy Days
Not every day will look the same, and that’s okay. Working moms have different schedules, busy schedules* and sometimes very little predictability. Embrace those long days where routines don’t happen and remember that every day is different. Celebrate the little things and keep moving forward.
8. Time Block the Non-Negotiables (Work and Life)
Time-blocking is an old productivity hack, but it works for working moms when you use it to carve out space for both work tasks and life essentials. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a massive to-do list, block out time for your most important work tasks and the non-negotiable life stuff—like school runs, meal prep, or kiddo’s bedtime. And yes, schedule breaks. It might sound counterintuitive, but even a 15-minute break helps with focus and reduces burnout.
9. Batch Small Tasks Like a Boss
Have you ever found yourself answering work emails while simultaneously cooking dinner, helping with homework, and replying to the group chat? Spoiler alert: multitasking isn’t the most efficient way to manage your day. Instead, batch similar tasks together. Need to knock out emails? Do them all at once in a dedicated block. House chores piling up? Set a 20-minute timer and tackle as much as you can in that window. This helps reduce decision fatigue and gives you a little more mental breathing room.
10. Sneak in Self-Care (In Tiny Doses)
Forget hour-long meditation sessions or bubble baths. For working moms, self-care needs to be quick and realistic. Sneak it in where you can—five minutes of deep breathing before your first Zoom meeting, stretching while the kettle boils, or listening to a favorite podcast while tidying up. The key is consistency, not duration. Tiny moments of self-care throughout the day help recharge your batteries without derailing your schedule.
11. Set Work Boundaries That Stick
When you’re working from home (or even in a hybrid role), it’s easy for work to bleed into every corner of your day. However, setting strict work boundaries is essential for reducing stress. Set a clear “end time” for your workday and stick to it. Once that laptop is closed, it stays closed. Communicate your boundaries to your boss or team—most of them will respect it if you’re consistent. Tip: Use technology to help. Schedule an email “pause” after work hours, or set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid getting sucked into work tasks at night.
12. Delegate Like You Mean It
Here’s the thing—if you’re trying to do everything yourself, you’re setting yourself up for burnout. Get comfortable with delegating tasks, whether it’s at work or home. At work, delegate smaller tasks to coworkers or use productivity tools to streamline your to-do list. At home, involve your partner (if you have one), and get the kids to help with age-appropriate chores. Asking for help is not a failure; it’s survival.
13. End the Day with a “Closing Routine”
Just like your workday has a start, it needs an end. Create a quick “closing” routine to signal the day is done. This could be something as simple as tidying your workspace, writing a quick to-do list for tomorrow, or enjoying 5 minutes of meditation. It gives your brain permission to switch off from work mode and helps you wind down for the evening. Bonus: This also helps prevent work thoughts from creeping into family time, giving you more emotional presence at home.
Final thoughts on building realistic daily routines for working moms that avoid burnout
The “perfect” routine advice you see on social media often misses the mark for organized working moms. When you’re juggling a job, and family, and trying to find a moment to breathe, your day won’t look like anyone else’s. The key is building a flexible, compassionate approach to routines that work for you, not for some idealized version of what a mom “should” do.
After all, the best routines are the ones that fit your real life—not a flawless Instagram post. So forget the 5 a.m. smoothie if it doesn’t work, and make room for *quiet time* whenever you find it—even if it’s five minutes after the washing machine stops. That’s how you create a routine that works for your world.
Creating daily routines for working mums isn’t about adding more things to your plate—it’s about finding small, manageable ways to reduce stress and regain a sense of control. These routines are designed to fit into your busy life, not disrupt it, helping you feel calmer and more balanced at both work and home.
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal here. It’s about progress—tiny steps that make a big difference over time. With the right routine, you can tackle your day feeling a little more like you and a little less like a headless chicken.
As always, feel free to ask me any questions you have about stress, burnout, and work in the comments. I’ll respond personally to every single one.
PS. If you loved this article, then you really love the other articles I’ve written for working moms just like you. Click here to read more!