Dealing with Stress as a Working Mom in India

If you’re a mom juggling a newborn, a toddler, work, household chores, and life itself, let’s take a moment to acknowledge something important: 

You are a superhero. 

Seriously.

Balancing diaper changes, toddler tantrums, work deadlines, and somehow remembering to eat?

That’s next-level multitasking.

But even superheroes need a break. 

Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and, let’s be real, stress-inducing. 

If you’re feeling stretched thin, let’s talk about real, practical ways to manage stress and stay (somewhat) sane—especially in an Indian household where help is available but expectations are high.

1. Accept That You Can’t Do Everything

(And You Shouldn’t!)

One of the biggest stressors for moms is the feeling that we have to do it all. 

Cook fresh meals, keep the house spotless, manage kids, and excel at work—all while looking Instagram-perfect. 

Let’s drop that idea right now.

💡 Delegate like a boss:

• If you have access to house help, let them handle cleaning and cooking. There’s no shame in outsourcing!
• Hire a nanny/baby-sitter for work hours. That way you have to option to prioritize work while not overlooking child care.
• Grocery delivery apps like BigBasket and Blinkit can save hours of shopping time.
• If your partner or family members can help, let them. Ask them. Demand it if needed. 
• This is a shared responsibility, not a one-woman show.

2. Structure Your Day

(But Be Flexible!)

With two little humans depending on you, a routine can be a lifesaver. 

It won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. 

But having a rough structure can make things feel more manageable.

✅ Divide the day into manageable blocks:

• Morning Rush: Get the toddler ready, feed the baby, grab a quick breakfast.
• Work Hours: If you’re working from home, plan around nap times and use a baby carrier if needed.
• Evening Wind-down: Simple dinner, light playtime, and a no-screen bedtime routine for the toddler.

💡 Pro Tip: If possible, sync the toddler’s nap time with the newborn’s (even if it’s just 30 minutes). That’s your golden break.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

(Yes, You Too!)

This is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. A stressed-out mom is not helping anyone.

💆‍♀️ Quick self-care ideas:

• 5-minute deep breathing before starting the day.
• Enjoying a hot cup of chai (without reheating it 5 times).
• A short walk outside while babywearing.
• Watching a light-hearted show while feeding the baby.
• Skincare counts too—a simple face mask can feel like a spa day!

Even small pockets of self-care can recharge you.

4. Make Mealtime Easier

(Without Guilt!)

Cooking three elaborate meals every day? 

Not happening. 

And that’s fine!

🍲 Stress-free meal tips:

• Have a cook prepare basic meals.
• Meal prep in advance—chop veggies, make dosa batter, or store dal in the fridge for quick cooking.
• Shortcut meals: One-pot khichdi, pre-made rotis, and instant idlis are lifesavers.
• Order in once or twice a week—a little Swiggy or Zomato never hurt anyone.

5. Manage Work Stress with Realistic Expectations

If you’re working, balancing a job + two kids is a challenge.

Some things that help:

📅 Work smart:

• Block “deep work” hours when the kids are napping.
• If working from home, communicate clear boundaries with your team.
• Lower the guilt. Taking care of kids is just as important as work deadlines.

6. Handle Toddler Tantrums

(Without Losing Your Mind!)

Toddlers are adorable, but also tiny chaos machines.

And when you have a newborn, their tantrums can feel even more overwhelming.

👶 Toddler survival tips:

• Give them attention in small doses (10 minutes of undivided playtime can do wonders).
• Involve them in baby care—let them “help” with small things like bringing a diaper.
• Have easy activities ready—coloring, stickers, or even a special “big sibling” toy.
• Accept that screen time will happen sometimes. Just aim for balance.

7. Sleep Deprivation: Survive, Don’t Fight It

With a newborn waking up every few hours, sleep is a distant dream. 

But there are ways to cope:

😴 Sleep hacks:

• Nap when you can. Even 20-minute power naps help.
• Let your partner take one night feed (if you’re bottle-feeding or pumping).
• Lie down with the toddler while they nap—even if you don’t sleep, just resting helps.

The exhaustion won’t last forever, even though it feels like it.

8. Find Support

(Because You Deserve It!)

Motherhood can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do this alone.

🤝 Where to find support:

• Mom groups (online or offline) can be lifesavers—try WhatsApp communities or Facebook groups.
• Call a friend—even a 10-minute rant session helps release stress.
• If you feel overwhelmed, get help. Postpartum stress and anxiety are real—talk to a doctor if needed.

Final Thoughts:

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough.

But you are. 

Your kids don’t need a perfect mom—they need a happy, present one.

So if the house is messy, if the toddler had Maggi for dinner, if work emails are piling up—it’s okay.

Your love, effort, and presence matter more than any of those things.

You’ve got this, mama. 

And if no one has told you today—you’re doing an amazing job.

Sending you all the good juju! 💛