1. Be in the moment
Live for now, stop thinking about what has to happen tomorrow all the time, or how ordered things used to be, because it will stress you out. Being ‘in the moment’ is a really simple thing and, once you do it, will bring you instant stress relief.

2. Ask for help
Never be too proud to ask for help. You will probably have plenty of offers, so take them up! It’s about developing a partnership with the people who want to lend a hand, be that your mum, mother-in-law or friends.

3. Exercise
It’s really important. Not just for post-baby toning, but to help keep you sane. Find something you like, from walking, swimming, yoga, or even a visit to the gym. Do what works for you. The adrenalin rush, the headspace – just some time away from the kids – will do you the world of good.

4. ‘Mummy time’
Time for you is so important. We can hear you say loudly: ‘I never get any’ or “I never get enough’ or ‘when?’ And to a huge extent it will depend on your support network. Mummy time can be as simple as a half-hour daily walk or a bath after your children go to bed.

5. Deal with losing it
If you, like us, start to seriously lose it one day with either your kids, your partner or just at home by yourself, here’s some tips you may find helpful:

• Stop, breathe and reassess what you are doing
• Remove yourself. Put your baby in the cot so you know they’re safe and go to another room where you can’t hear them scream. When you are calm and ready you can go back and comfort them
• Call a friend to come over and help
• Call a counselling service or hotline – they are in the phone book
• Lie down and have a nap if you can
• Have a long shower

We have three copies of “The Working Mothers Survival Guide” to give away to our readers. To enter, tell us the three biggest challenges you face when trying to juggle a family and work. Email your answer to promotions@heatgroup.com.au with the following subject line: “Working Mum”

REFERENCES

This is an edited extract from Sunrise presenter Melissa Doyle and communications consultant Jo Scard’s new book “The Working Mothers Survival Guide”. Published by Allen & Unwin, RRP $29.95. For more information visit www.workingmotherssurvivalguide.com