What does a day in the life of a mom look like? This article is going to explain a typical day in the life of a working mom. I’m going to share my personal routine to help you make yours.
One day, I was walking into an elevator to travel to the fourth floor of an old historic building in Washington, DC, and the doors shut in an alarming way. It was nighttime. I was all alone, and before the doors could open, it shook violently and dropped a couple of feet. I was startled!
Although this may not sound like a large drop, it was certainly enough to make my life flash before my eyes. My immediate thoughts were of regret and my family. I felt confident that I was a loving wife and mom to my two beautiful children, but for some reason, in that moment, I recognized that I had dreams that had yet to be fulfilled.
Procrastination had caused me to be the backup dancer in everyone else’s dreams without recognizing that I had my own unfulfilled aspirations. In my 20s, I had so much ambition. I wanted to be the founder of an inspirational media company and travel around the world, sharing stories that inspired others to change. Yet, I was spending most of my time saying “yes” to things I didn’t want to do and helping people who honestly wouldn’t return the favor.
Jealousy soon arose in my body every time I saw someone accomplishing a goal or dream! I suddenly realized that the root of my jealousy and resentment was my own unmet desires. “If you don’t prioritize your dreams, then you’ll spend your entire life supporting the dreams of others.”
I started to document my day to see where I was actually dedicating my time. I also made a list of what was important to me and took this process day by day. Analyzing my internal response to the requests of others so I could learn to respond more authentically was also part of my new routine.
Over time, I started to feel more at peace, more purposeful. Although I didn’t realize this would be a benefit, I actually noticed that I was able to be a better friend, mom, and wife. I could celebrate others’ accomplishments from a more authentic space because I took the time to prioritize myself.
Oftentimes, women feel like they have to choose one or the other—family or career, friends, etc. Although life balance wasn’t modeled to me in a way that’s healthy for “me,” I began to realize that spending 100% of my day as a mom and wife left me feeling unfulfilled. There was no better time than the present to create a routine for myself. I developed a working mom daily routine that allowed me to make progress in every aspect of my life that meant the most to me—including my family, my career, and, more importantly, my well-being.
Sure, a day in the life of a mom has many disruptions, but once you establish a schedule that works for you, things become manageable without the guilt of feeling like a bad mom.
And that’s why I’m here to share my daily routine as a working mom, from sunrise until I finally put my feet up at night. I hope that you’ll find a few nuggets regarding the typical day in the life of a mom that may help you feel less stressed and maybe even realize you’re doing better than you think.
A Day in the Life of a Mom – My Daily Schedule
Before I started following a set morning routine as a working mom, I would wake up late, rush through my tasks, and feel drained before the day had even begun.
But time made me realize that having a clear structure made a huge difference. It didn’t mean everything ran perfectly—kids have their moods, and I have mine—but it helped me gain more control.
Below, I’m breaking down how I move through each hour, what I do, and why it matters. It’s a rough layout that keeps my day on track. Here’s what a day in the life of a mom like me looks like.
Morning Routine of a Working Mom
6:00 AM – Wake Up & Meditate
Waking up early gives me a head start. I sit up, breathe, and let my mind settle. Then I meditate for around 10 minutes or sometimes relax in bed and plan my day. By not rushing, I start my day feeling calm and prepared.
6:10 AM – Morning Hygiene & Get Dressed
By 6:10 AM, I leave the bed, freshen up, brush my teeth, wash my face, and slip into workout clothes or something comfortable yet presentable. If there’s a gym session planned, I’m dressed for it. I also quickly pick out my outfit for the day.
7:00 AM – Make Breakfast, Prepare Lunches, Wake the House Up
The sun has risen, and now I’m in full action mode. I head to the kitchen and start breakfast. It’s mostly eggs, toast, or oatmeal. While that’s cooking, I prepare lunches for the kiddos, which can include sandwiches or heating up leftovers. At the same time, I wake everyone else up, which is not always perfect. The kids might grumble, and there can be a forgotten homework sheet.
8:00 AM – Start the Day & Check Emails
By 8:00 AM, I’m ready to switch gears into work mode. I first scan my emails to know what’s coming. Is there a meeting I forgot about? Any urgent tasks? I keep it brief—just a look to prepare my mind for what’s next. Alongside I have a small snack, like a banana, to fuel my body before I head for the gym.
8:00 AM – Prep for Gym
A day in the life of a mom doesn’t have to revolve around chores and office work, I also work out. Around 8:00 AM, I get my things together for the gym, fill my water bottle, check my gym bag for gloves, and make sure I have what I need.. When I have my gear ready, I’m less likely to skip out.
8:30 AM – Weight Lifting Session
The life of a mum is draining for the body, so building strength is inevitable. Around 8:30 AM, I’m at the gym and ready to lift. Even when I’m tired, I show up and do what I can. Weightlifting helps me feel stronger, both physically and mentally.
9:30 AM – Complete Workout & Head Home
After about an hour, I leave the gym feeling accomplished. The drive home is a short break between gym mode and the next part of my mom daily life. It gives me a moment to mentally switch gears and catch my breath before I jump into other responsibilities.
9:40 AM – Shower
As soon as I get home, I hop into the shower. I keep it short and simple. A quick rinse, fresh clothes, and I’m set.
10:00 AM – Make Breakfast for Myself & Husband
Next, I head to the kitchen. I make a simple breakfast for myself and my husband. Maybe eggs, some oatmeal, or toast with avocado, depending on our mood. The point is to have something quick and filling.
10:30 AM – Eat Breakfast
By 10:30 AM, I can sit down and enjoy my meal. This is the time block where I might plan out my social media posts or catch up on small tasks. If I feel like it, I scroll my Instagram at this time too.
Office Time of a WFH Mom
I work from home, so my office hours start at 11:00 AM. After I have sent everyone off, had my breakfast, and worked out.
11:00 AM – Check Emails & Calendar
At 11:00 AM, I read through new emails, reply where needed, and mark anything that requires follow-up. I also open my digital calendar and review upcoming meetings, events, or deadlines. If you don’t know how to stay organized as a mom, a calendar helps.
11:30 AM – Review Blog Stats & Content
At 11:30 AM, I go straight to my blog dashboard to look at the latest stats—page views, comments, or shares. If I see something performing well, I note it. If something’s not going well, I note that, too. Then, I decide on a few topics to write about next based on what I’m seeing.
12:30 PM – 30-Minute Walk
At 12:30 PM, I step outside and walk for about 30 minutes around the block or a nearby path to move my body. Not doing enough physical activity is among working mom challenges, so I always take this walk as a break to stay active.
1:00 PM – Client Call
By 1:00 PM, I’m back at my desk with my notes ready. I log in to my meeting platform and connect to the call. We discuss the project at hand, review any progress, and agree on the next steps. Since I have a few people working for me remotely, this is also the time I talk to them.
2:00 PM – Lunch
At 2:00 PM, I head to the kitchen to grab a bite, like a hearty salad, leftovers, or a sandwich.
3:00 PM – Depart for Local Event
Around 3:00 PM, I grab what I need and head out to attend the event on my schedule. It can be a community meeting, a networking event, or a client meeting.
Working Mom Evening Routine
I am done with the work commitments usually by 4:30, let’s now start the third chapter in te working mothers’ daily routine.
4:30 PM – Arrive Home & Start Dinner
At around 4:30 PM, I come home and head to the kitchen to sort out ingredients for dinner. I keep the menu simple—a lean protein, a couple of veggies, maybe some rice or whole-wheat pasta. Before, I used to stare at my fridge, unsure of what to cook. But now that I follow a meal-planning routine for working moms, I know what I’m making.
6:00 PM – Kids’ Practice & Homework
After the dinner is sorted, my focus shifts to kids’ after-school shenanigans. They usually have soccer drills or a piano practice, where I accompany them. During their homework time, while my younger one runs through spelling words, the tween revises a math worksheet. I keep an eye on them to make sure they’re staying on track.
7:00 PM – Family Dinner
Because of my timely prep, our dinner is ready by 7 PM sharp. We all sit down at the table together—there is no TV or phones at this point. We talk about our day, like something that happened at school or at work. We keep the atmosphere light.
Bedtime Routine of a Busy Mom
After a long day, it’s kids’ bedtime (not mommy’s quite yet). Earlier bedtime was part of my new mom struggle as it used to be a mess. The kids would resist bathing, I would lose track of time, and everyone would be cranky. But our new routine has calmed things down.
8:00 PM – Bedtime Routine
Around 8:00 PM, kids do their nighttime steps. They know the drill: a quick bath or shower, brushing their teeth, and slipping into pajamas. I keep it straightforward, no big fuss.
8:30 PM – Read Bedtime Stories & Prayer
By 8:30 PM, we’ve calmed the energy in the house—the kids climb into bed, and I pick out a short book to read. After the story, we say a short prayer or set a positive thought for tomorrow.
9:00 PM – Clean Kitchen & Living Room
The kids are settled by 9:00 PM, and I turn to the kitchen and living room. I don’t deep clean, just enough that the dishes are not piled up and the living room isn’t a wreck. Some days I also wipe down the counters, put away stray items, and straighten the pillows.
9:30 PM – Shower & Prepare for Bed
At 9:30 PM, it’s my turn. I hop in the shower for a few minutes, wash away the day’s sweat and dust, and change into comfortable clothes.
10:00 PM – TV Time with Husband
Around 10:00 PM is the time my husband and I finally are together after my mom daily life and his long work hours. We sit together to watch a short show or a bit of a movie for just about 30 minutes. This small break helps us connect as adults, not just parents.
10:30 PM – Bedtime Affirmations
10:30 PM is when I head to my bedroom and get to set my mind for tomorrow. I note some tasks I need to handle in the morning. I also remind myself that I’m doing my best and I’ll handle tomorrow as it comes.
11:00 PM – Sleep
A day in the life of a mom is long and tiring. She now needs her beauty sleep before another day of new work knocks at the door. At 11:00 PM I turn off the lights and settle in. The kids are asleep, the house is reasonable, and my mind is ready for rest. I close my eyes.
And That’s It!
Before we part ways, remember that every working mom finds her own path. Take one day at a time and cherish each milestone. Thanks for reading, stay strong, and keep exploring what works best for you, really.
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FAQs
How do working moms do it all?
Working moms usually don’t handle every task alone. They delegate and prioritize what matters most. They feel no shame in asking for help when needed. They also accept that balance isn’t perfect, and staying flexible helps them remain productive.
What does mum burnout look like?
Mum burnout can appear as constant fatigue, feeling irritable, or losing interest in daily activities. It can be coupled with guilt or frustration.
How to be a mom and still have a life?
You can have a life if you set aside moments for yourself and protect that time. Engaging in interests, connecting with friends, or enjoying a break will also help maintain your identity. Not letting go of your favorite personal activities helps ensure you don’t lose sight of who you are besides being a mama bear.
