How to deal with anxiety as a working mom: 8 powerful ways

Dealing with anxiety as a business owner or working professional is a tough one. It’s even worse when you have kids you never want to let down.

When I first became a mom, I was stressed out.

I was in the “working mom nervous breakdown” phase. I had work activities to manage and didn’t want to feel irresponsible for not being there for my baby. I was exhausted.

Call it mommy guilt, or whatever—but, it’s a thing.

As an overwhelmed working mom and wife, I knew I had to get out of that phase if I’d ever reach the height I wanted for my life.

So, believe me when I say I know exactly how you feel.

You’re out here constantly creating worst-case scenarios even before they happen. Sometimes, it gets worse. That is, crippling anxiety—such that you can’t move or breathe or do anything else.

That feeling of helplessness sinks deep. And you just want to achieve success in your work and parenting without anxiety getting in the way of your enthusiasm or productivity.

So, how do you deal with anxiety as a working mom?

Here are eight tips that work when dealing with crippling anxiety and stress as a working mom.

1. Open up

It’s okay to talk about how you’re feeling. It’s not a shameful or pitiful thing. It’s you being transparent and ready to help yourself out.

Tell a trusted friend, therapist, or coach about how you are feeling. The more you share, the lesser the weight of anxiety you have to carry all by yourself.

Even better, opening up will lead you on the path to self-discovery.

2. Join supportive communities

One of what’s included in The Thrive Method is access to a community of supportive women. This is because you shouldn’t do everything solo when dealing with anxiety.

Being a loner at this stage can lead you to a deeper level of overwhelm and depression. Be among acommunity of like-minded people. People who are committed to getting past anxiety.

Build meaningful relationships with people who care about your well-being.

3. Ask for help

Sometimes, the thought of doing “everything” all by ourselves makes us anxious. You feel the need to hold up a million things so things can work out.

You want to be there for your baby, job, partner, and self. But, in truth, things aren’t working out the way you’d want them to. Control is moving out of your grasp and it makes you scared.

Here’s what you should do: ask for help

.Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. Sharing your tasks with others will make you more productive and less anxious. You’ll be able to get work done on time—and without losing your mind.

Hire that nanny, virtual assistant, client manager, or social media expert.

4. Revise your expectations

From your goal planning sheet, you should have achieved a number of things by now. But you’re like 70% behind and it’s driving you on edge.

It’s totally cool to set expectations. It makes you an accountable working mom who is committed to growth.

But when things don’t go as you plan, it’s okay to revise your expectation. You set them, right? You made the rules. So, you can bend them a little to relieve your anxiety.

5. Let go of dead weights

Dead weights are some of the things that increase anxiety and you need to let them go. Now, I’m not talking about dumbbells or gym-type dead weights.

I’m talking of past traumas, beliefs, anger, and experience that you’ve worked hard to resolve and step over to success.

Sometimes, our thoughts wander off. But, instead of relieving these unpleasant moments, wecan intentionally re-focus our minds on the present.

6. Take a break

Dear working mom, take things slow.

If your schedule is looking like a sea of tasks, find a way to take a break—you can reset or delete them.

Daily routines and work activities can be overwhelming. So, change the ones you can to fit your availability, not the other way around.

Between your days, weeks, and months, take significant breaks. Taking breaks gives you time to relax, rejuvenate, and rethink.

7. Embark on a journey of self-discovery

One of the best ways to deal with crippling anxiety is to discover yourself.

The anxiousness, helplessness, and lack of control you feel—where do they stem from? Take note of your findings.

Figure out your triggers. Identify those negative internal messages you feel and re-condition your mind to focus on positivity.

8. Talk to a professional

Find a mindset coach or therapist who will help you get over anxiety. Someone who is understanding, empathetic, and aware of the exact situation you’re going through.

And not just their qualities, connect with someone who has viable methods and techniques that work to manage anxiety.

Want aFaster Way to Curb Anxiety and Hit Your Goals?

I’m Margaret, a mindset coach and licensed therapist for 13 years—and a working mom just like you.

I have been through this phase, got control of my life back, and went ahead to help other people struggling with anxiety and stress find fulfillment in living their dream lives.

If you’re here wondering how to cope as a working mom and achieve your goals without it taking forever, I created a personalized life coaching program just for you.