Six months ago, I felt lost.
I was lost under the weight of endless proposals, relentless deadlines, and a never-ending task list. Every hour felt like a race against time, and the concept of delegating? It seemed like a luxury I couldn’t afford.
As a mompreneur, I was deep in “superhero mode,” wearing all the hats and determined to manage it all alone.
But as time marched on, I felt the toll.
I acted as if I was sitting in a volcano. No Penguin my 8 years old or Mr. Fabulous, my husband to escape my frustration or agony scream.
At work, my creative spark dimmed, stress became my constant companion, and exhaustion replaced the joy I once found in my work.
That’s when I realized I was running on empty, and if I wanted to continue this journey, something had to change.
Remember that familiar phrase from flight attendants? “Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.” It’s not just wise advice for the skies; it’s an essential life lesson for us, especially as mom-entrepreneurs.
The Routine That Saved Me From Burnout
At MAS Digital and BEADS, we’re no strangers to the hustle, operating six days a week. And I, having committed to a full seven days until 2026, knew I needed to find a sustainable way to power through my demanding schedule.
Here’s a glimpse into my day, restructured to prioritize self-care, productivity, and balance:
- 4:00 a.m. – I wake up and take a few minutes to warm up my body, shaking off the sleepiness.
- 4:30 a.m. – With a warm cup of tea in hand, I start preparing my kid’s day and tiffin box. Organize the home, Penguin is still allergic to tiny specks of dust mites and cobwebs. Another challenge, I find in tier II cities like Bhubaneswar, getting the right domestic help is tricker than closing client’s sales calls.
- 8:00 a.m. – My work begins, whether I’m commuting to the office or am working from home.
- 9:15 a.m. – I hold a team meeting to align our goals and tasks for the day.
- 10:00 a.m. – I carve out an hour for focused solo work.
- 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – This time is blocked off for client meetings and handling external communications.
- 1:00 p.m. – Lunch break.
- 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Three solid hours of deep work, tackling high-priority projects.
- Evening – A brief break, followed by wrapping up for the day.
- 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. – My time. This is my hour to pause, breathe, and rejuvenate. Whether it’s reading, sipping tea in silence, or just reflecting on the day, this moment is non-negotiable.
How Prioritization, Delegation, and Planning Changed Everything
- Prioritize Wisely: Not everything on your to-do list deserves immediate attention. I learned to identify my highest-impact tasks for each day, ensuring I give my energy to what truly moves the needle.
- Delegate Strategically: Superhero mode may sound empowering, but it’s unsustainable. Delegating tasks, even ones I once thought only I could do, lightened my load and allowed my team to grow.
- Plan Ahead: Keeping a structured schedule and blocking out dedicated time for specific activities transformed my work. I ensure that meetings, client interactions, deep work, and self-care have designated slots, making it easier to stick to my priorities without feeling overwhelmed.
The Mantra That Changed My Life
Self-care isn’t just an indulgence; it’s the fuel that keeps the engine running.
When I started taking time for myself—whether it was my peaceful 9 p.m. hour or a midday pause—I found I could show up better for my family, my team, and my clients. Because a happy, rested me isn’t just nicer; she’s unstoppable.
To all themompreneur juggling life, work, and everything in between: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take a beat, sip that tea, read that book, or bask in a moment of silence. Your well-being isn’t just about surviving the week—it’s about thriving through it.
