What a “Normal” Day Looks Like in My Study.Work.Mum Life💗

Because normal doesn’t mean calm — it means real.

There’s this idea that once you find a routine, everything becomes easier.

That motherhood settles.

That studying fits neatly into nap times.

That working part time leaves “plenty of space.”

But the truth is, a normal day in my Study.Work.Mum life looks less like balance… and more like constant adjusting.

Some days are productive.

Some days are survival mode.

Most days are a mix of both — with snacks, emails, cuddles and deep breaths in between.

This is what a normal day really looks like for me.

🌅 Morning: Controlled Chaos

Mornings start early — and loudly.

Before I’ve even had a sip of coffee:

• someone needs a snack

• someone can’t find their shoes

• someone is already emotional

• and I’m mentally running through everything the day needs from me

Breakfast is simple.

Getting dressed is optional (for them — not me 😅).

And leaving the house on time feels like a small miracle.

Some mornings go smoothly.

Others start with tears before 8am.

Both count as normal.

🧸 Mid-Morning: Mum Mode Fully Activated

Once the day is in motion, it’s full-on mum mode.

If we’re at home:

• play happens around me

• toys slowly take over the house

• I answer questions while making snacks

• I mentally plan my study tasks between interruptions

If we’re out:

• the pram becomes storage

• snacks become currency

• and every trip takes twice as long as expected

I remind myself often:

This stage isn’t meant to be efficient.

💻 Nap Time / Quiet Time: Tiny Productivity Pockets

This is where study and work try to fit.

Sometimes I:

• open my laptop

• answer a few emails

• write notes

• reread something three times because my brain is tired

Other times… I sit in silence and do absolutely nothing.

And that’s okay too.

I’ve learned to stop waiting for perfect conditions.

Progress happens in small pockets — not long, uninterrupted hours.

🍽️ Afternoon: Energy Dips & Emotional Spikes

Afternoons are unpredictable.

Energy drops.

Patience wears thin.

Someone usually needs extra reassurance.

This is when I lower expectations again.

• simple meals

• easy activities

• more cuddles

• fewer plans

Not every day needs to be productive to be meaningful.

🌙 Evening: Reset, Reflect, Repeat

Evenings are slower — and louder in a different way.

Baths, stories, negotiations, one more cuddle, one more drink of water.

When the house finally goes quiet, this is often when study happens again.

Not because I’m motivated — but because it’s the only space left.

I don’t always get as much done as I hoped.

But I showed up.

And that counts.

🤎 Final Thoughts: Normal Is Enough

A normal day isn’t polished.

It’s not aesthetic.

It doesn’t look like anyone else’s highlight reel.

A normal day is:

• trying

• adjusting

• loving

• surviving

• and doing your best with what you have

And in this season of study, work and motherhood — that’s more than enough.

Rachel x