7 Effective Hacks to Make Life Easier as a Working Mom

You deserve an award if you're a working mom in Nigeria, especially in Awka.

It's like handling five jobs at-a-go between:

• Early morning school runs
• Meetings
• Traffic
• Electricity issues
• And you'll still figure out what to cook by 6 PM

So, if you've ever searched for hacks to make life easier as a working mom on Google or any social media, you're not alone.

The good news is there are ways to make things easier, even if you don't have a full-time nanny or unlimited funds.

We did not write this post to give you the usual advice, such as "Just wake up earlier" or "Be more organized."

Instead, you'll get seven effective hacks to make life easier as a working mom in a town like Awka.

1. Cook in Batches on Weekends and Freeze 

One of the most significant stress points for any working mom is food.

You wake up tired, get the kids ready, squeeze in your routine, and then by evening, everyone asks, "What are we eating?"

That's why cooking in batches is excellent.

Use your Saturdays or Sunday afternoons to cook big pots of soups like Ogbono, egusi, or nsala.

Boil yam, fry stew, and portion white rice or jollof into containers.

Freeze everything.

During the week, defrost and warm; that way, dinner will be ready in 10 minutes.

Suppose you have a deep freezer—even better.

And if NEPA misbehaves, having a generator or inverter can be a lifesaver for your stored food.

Trust me, this single hack can reduce 50% of weekday stress.

2. Use a Laundry Service (You're Not Lazy—You're Smart)

Laundry is one of the most time-consuming chores.

The processes it involves (washing, drying, ironing, repeat) are draining.

And if you live in an apartment in Awka with little balcony space or constant light, it becomes a nightmare.

Why not outsource it? Laundry services like Bukz Easy Clean Laundry offer same-day pickup and 48-hour delivery.

Your children's school uniforms, husband's shirts, and office wear get sorted.

You gain back 4+ hours every weekend.

That's time you can rest, watch Africa Magic, or catch up on that side hustle.

3. Plan Outfits for You and the Kids on Sunday Night

Most Mondays start with ironing in a rush or discovering your child’s uniform is still wet.

One easy way to fix this is by planning weekly outfits every Sunday night.

Line up your clothes, your children's school uniforms, and backup options.

Iron everything ahead of time or send them to the laundry.

This routine gives your brain space in the morning to breathe and enjoy your cup of Lipton in peace.

4. Set "Me Time" Like an Appointment (Even 20 Minutes Helps)

Society expects mothers to do everything, not minding if they work from home or the office.

Ignore the outdated expectations.

Carve out time for yourself and be intentional about it.

• Wake up 20 minutes earlier to sit in silence.
• Lock your door after work and scroll through TikTok guilt-free.
• Go for evening walks.
• On Sunday, do small facials with your favourite skincare products.

The idea is to reset mentally because you can't pour into others when your cup is empty.

5. Automate What You Can  

Ask yourself, what are the tasks you repeat every week that you can automate?

In Nigeria, it might not be "tech automation" per se, but creating systems is key.

For instance:

• Use standing orders for school fees, DSTV, or Wi-Fi payments.
• Set reminders for PTA meetings, immunizations, and birthdays.
• Have a weekly home cleaner that comes every Saturday (even if it's for 2 hours).
• Have a monthly personal grocery shopper for the family.

Little things like these take the mental load off you.

Also, one of the best hacks to make life easier as a working mom you need to incorporate.

6. Don't Try to Be a Superwoman—Ask for Help

Nigerian moms are strong, but strength doesn't mean you must suffer alone.

Whether you live in a nuclear setup or with extended family, ask for help when needed.

Your sister can help babysit while you run errands.

Your husband can bathe the children while you prep breakfast.

If you can afford it, get a lesson teacher, driver, or part-time nanny, even if it's for weekends.

The bitter truth is there's no trophy for you when you burn out.

And no, it doesn't mean you're not doing enough.

It means you're wise enough to protect your peace.

7. Join a Community of Other Working Moms

It could be a WhatsApp group of moms from your children's school or an online community of professional women.

Being around other women on the same journey can reduce your emotional burden.

They're likely to share tips, recommend reliable service providers, or even offer moral support when you're stressed.

A 10-minute chat with a fellow mom can uplift your mood and remind you you're not alone on this journey.

Bonus Tip: Lower the Bar, Not Your Standards 

Let's say this louder for the moms at the back: You don't need to be flawless for everything.

Some days, noodles and fried eggs are dinner, and that's okay.

Some weekends, the house won't be spotless. It's fine.

Focus more on your peace of mind, health, connection with your family, and well-being.

One of the best ways to make life easier as a working mom is to stop trying to meet impossible standards.

Your children won't remember if you didn't iron their bedsheets.

They'll remember how present and happy you were.

Final Thoughts: Hacks to Make Life Easier as a Working Mom in Nigeria

Life as a working mom in Nigeria generally is full of happiness and stress.

But with brilliant routines, some outsourcing, and a good dose of grace, you can make it work and even enjoy the ride.

So next time you feel overwhelmed, remember these tips:

• Batch cook your native soups
• Use a reliable laundry service
• Stop ironing in fright
• Block out time for your peace

With these hacks, you won't just survive being a working mom; they'll help you build a beautiful, stress-relieved life.