You’ve had a lovely 9 months connecting with your little one and now the realisation of going back to work is fast approaching. It can be a tough transition going back to work. There are a few things that you can do that will really help you feel grounded and less stressed about the return to your career.
Plan, plan and more planning
Once you have agreed your return to work date with your employer it’s time to set plans in action. Ideally your work place will let you have a phased return so that you and your child can settle into a new routine.
You’ll need to get your childcare sorted as well as make sure you budget for it. Do a soft run on what you need to pack for the day as well as how much time you need in the morning to get ready and get to nursery then work on time.
Meal plans and even setting up your clothes the night before are also ways to feel less stressed.
Be kind to yourself
Returning to work can be an emotional rollercoaster and we are often focusing so much on the children we forget to look after ourselves. Remember to take care of yourself, pack yourself tasty enjoyable lunches and treat yourself like the queen you are.
Don’t stay up late, put yourself to bed at a reasonable time. Use your weekends to chill, avoid planning any nights out or big weekends with the family until you are in a good routine. Adjustment takes time and that’s okay.
Treat yourself, when you’re back at work make sure you give space and time for a little treat once a month or so. Buy some new clothes if you can, charity shops have some fabulous outfits to keep prices low and ethical too!
Connect with other working mums
Find yourself a good community of working mothers. Having mums to talk to in a similar situation is always very helpful. They can also offer advice and support in times of need! Being able to share your feelings and emotions during this transition period is important and valid. There are even some facebook groups of working mums in the UK and locally so well worth checking out. There are great apps like Mush Mums and Hoop to connect with like minded parents if you feel you want to.
Looking after your home
Lots of parents go back to work and then worry about how the house and its running will be affected. This is a good opportunity to discuss how you will share the load if you don’t already. We love a good chore rota! If you have older kids they can get involved too.
Plan meals ahead, batch cook (the trusty slow cooker comes into its own here!), make a meal plan board, freeze meals, making your children’s lunch and snacks the night before, getting all the uniform or clothes ready, washed and ironed the night before too. Preparation helps and keeps the morning time less stressful too!
Do all your shopping online, this can also be done in your lunchtime or break at work too!
Chat to your employer
Keeping good communication on the run up to your start date is essential. Work together to ensure your transition is as smooth as can be. Ask them about flexitime, you are within your rights to ask your employer about flexitime or part time hours or even a phased return or term time only options (find more info here) . This can also help tremendously with costs of childcare and for your mental health too and if you are nursing.
Have you just returned to work after maternity leave? We would love to hear how you found going back to work.
