Running a business from your home as a brand-new mom

At the first glance, running a business from your home may seem like a fine bargain. After all, both your baby and work are under one roof and you can avoid the annoying time-suckers like the commute. However, therein also lies the problem.

Mixing work and life almost feels like you have two full-time jobs to handle. On a brighter note, you are not without aces up your sleeve.

The big challenge

A newborn baby is a big change that requires you to find your feet quickly. Indeed, becoming a parent puts you through many trials, and you have to juggle different obligations and priorities. Yet, there is a way to prevent the joy of giving birth to a newborn from turning into a nightmare for your business.

It all starts with planning ahead of time. First off, it is highly recommended to tweak your business plan before giving birth. Figure out how much and in what way will your daily workflow have to change. It would also be a good idea to inform your clients and explain your new situation.

Right off the bat, you ought to set your eyes on the long-term. Anticipate what course your work and life are going to change. When your baby starts growing, you will have other duties to perform as well.

The art of time management

To really translate your business vision into reality, master the art of time management. Learn the daily patterns and habits of your baby. Fill the gaps with work tasks and try to tackle the most demanding ones when you have the most energy to do so.

If you cannot seem to finish all obligations during the day, make good use of quiet night moments when everyone is asleep. You can, for example, handle email correspondence at that time. Just do not sacrifice too much of your shuteye time because it will affect your overall health and well-being in the long run.

Constantly running on fumes is not the way to go.

A proper workplace

Furthermore, note that your environment has a profound impact on your productivity and work motivation. It pays off to separate your work area, ideally a home office, from the rest of the household.

As numerous studies show, multi-tasking is actually highly detrimental to your productivity because your brain constantly switches back and forth between different tasks.

The separation of work from household is an essential key to running a business from home. (Source)

Work-life balance

Finally, try to achieve a work-life balance. Take care of yourself, and let your friends and family members step in whenever they can. Do not try to do everything on your own. This goes for your business, too: holding all the reins may give you peace of mind, but not enough time for yourself. So, think about hiring an intern or outsourcing and delegating some of the tasks to free up your schedule.

In any event, it is of the utmost importance to get things off your plate, especially during the first three months after birth. Remember that you can also streamline the workload by using a wide array of business productivity apps.

Leave no stone unturned

Rest assured that running a business while looking after a newborn at the same time is both a daunting and rewarding endeavor.

Engage in smart planning and manage your time efficiently. Put a comprehensive strategy in place. Have a support group and strive to find the right balance.

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DISCLAIMER: This article expresses my own ideas and opinions. Any information I have shared are from sources that I believe to be reliable and accurate. I did not receive any financial compensation in writing this post, nor do I own any shares in any company I’ve mentioned. I encourage any reader to do their own diligent research first before making any investment decisions.