Finding Calm in the Chaos: A Working Mom's Guide

 Life gets busy—there’s no denying it. The work emails keep coming, your kids need your attention, and the to-do list grows even after you've checked things off. It’s easy to feel like calmness is some far-off dream, reserved for a time when everything magically falls into place.

Life will always come with its challenges, its moments of overwhelm. The key isn’t about waiting for calm to find you—you can learn how to create it for yourself, right where you are.

1. Let Go of the Myth of Control

As moms, we often feel like we have to hold everything together. But trying to control every little detail of life is exhausting—and it’s a losing battle. The sooner we accept that life will always have its curveballs, the sooner we can focus on what really matters: how we respond.

Calm doesn’t come from making the chaos disappear. It comes from realizing you don’t have to fix it all. You can choose to take a deep breath, focus on what’s within your power, and let the rest unfold.

2. The Power of a Pause

Have you ever felt like you couldn’t stop, even for a second, because there was so much to do? I’ve been there. But the truth is, the moments we feel we can’t pause are often the ones when we need to pause the most.

Taking just one minute to step away, breathe deeply, or sit in silence can shift your whole perspective. That short pause is like pressing reset on your nervous system. It doesn’t stop the chaos, but it gives you the clarity and energy to face it with more ease.

3. Perfection Is Not the Goal

There’s a lie many of us buy into: that calmness is something we’ll achieve once we get everything “just right.” Once the house is clean, the kids are settled, and work is under control—then we can relax.

The truth? That perfect moment doesn’t exist. Calm isn’t about finding perfection; it’s about finding peace in the middle of the imperfection. When you embrace the messiness of life, you stop waiting for calm to show up and start creating it for yourself.

4. Set Boundaries Without Guilt

I know this one’s tough. Saying no can feel impossible, especially when you’re used to putting everyone else first. But setting boundaries is one of the most loving things you can do—for yourself and for those you care about.

When you prioritize your own energy and well-being, you show up more present and calm for your family and work. Start small—whether it’s turning off work emails after hours or carving out time for yourself—and remind yourself that your peace matters.

5. Anchor Yourself in Your Values

When life feels overwhelming, grounding yourself in your values can help you stay centered. Think about what’s most important to you—whether it’s family, health, or personal growth—and let those priorities guide your decisions.

When you align your choices with your values, it becomes easier to let go of unnecessary stress and focus on what truly matters. It’s a gentle reminder that not everything demands your attention—and that’s okay.

The Real Secret to Calm

You don’t need a perfect life to feel calm. You don’t need to control every detail or have everything figured out.

Calm comes from within—from the way you pause, set boundaries, embrace imperfection, and ground yourself in what matters most.

So, the next time life feels overwhelming, remember this: you have the power to create your own calm, regardless of what’s happening around you.

I’m Marialva Ventura, a life balance coach dedicated to helping working moms reclaim their energy, confidence, and peace through practical, sustainable strategies. If you found value in this post, subscribe to my newsletter for more tips and insights on creating balance, reducing stress, and thriving in both work and life.