On the outside, your life looks very busy, the school runs, the meetings, the never-ending laundry. But inside? You can feel completely isolated.
As working moms, we’re always surrounded by people, kids, coworkers, family, yet so many of us still feel unseen. You don’t have time to nurture adult friendships. You’re too drained to socialize after work. Even worse if you work remotely. And the constant balancing act leaves you feeling like no one truly gets what you’re going through.
So how do you cope? Here are three things I started doing and honestly, they’ve been game-changers.
Tip 1: Micro-connections matter
Sometimes, it’s the tiny little moments that make the biggest difference. I noticed that sending a quick voice note to a friend, chatting with a mom friend or just smiling at another mom at school pickup can completely shift my mood.
These little check-ins can make you feel less lonely and there is science to back it up. These tiny connections give your brain a small boost of feel-good hormones. And what makes it so good is that they don’t take up much time or energy. So If you can get into the habit of adding these tiny connections into your day, you’ll notice that feeling of isolation start to fade bit by bit.
Tip 2: Blend connection with what you’re already doing
One reason we feel lonely is that, as working moms, our time is already stretched too thin to carve out time for socialising. That’s why it makes so much sense if you can build some sort of socialising into what you’re already doing.
For example, call a friend while you’re folding laundry. Or if you’re taking a walk on your lunch break, invite a coworker to join so you get some movement and connection at the same time.
If a book club is something you always wanted to try to meet like minded people but don’t have the time, try a podcast club instead. My best friend swears by it. She says you can listen while cooking dinner or driving, then hop into a quick group chat to share thoughts.
By layering connections into your everyday life, you don’t feel busier or feel like it’s ‘one more thing’ on your to-do list. It just blends naturally and gives you the connections you crave.
Tip 3: Build one safe space that’s just for you
Every mom needs at least one safe place where she can “vent” or just relax. For me it’s making time to go swimming once a week. For some others, that space can be a close friend we can text at any hour or a small instagram community where people share honestly about the ups and downs of mom life.
In whatever shape or form, what matters most is having a space where you feel safe enough to show up exactly as you are. When you have that, you don’t carry everything bottled up inside. And just knowing that you have that outlet waiting for you can already make you feel less alone.
20 Affirmation Cards for Working Moms
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If you’re looking for more gentle ways to feel supported, I’ve put together a list of books, podcasts, and little comfort items that have helped me and so many other moms — you can check them out below. And if you’d like an extra boost, don’t forget to grab my free encouragement cards below to keep handy on the days when loneliness feels a little too loud.
Little things that help immediately when the loneliness feels too heavy
On some days loneliness will feel more than just a passing thought and it sits heavy on your chest making everything feel harder. On those days, I’ve found that having a few small go-to tools you can reach for can make a big difference.
1.Encouragement cards
Ever tried affirmation or encouragement cards? Having a stack of these cards on your desk or nightstand means you can pull one whenever you need a quick boost. They’re just simple reminders we often forget. They remind you that you’re stronger than the moment you’re in.
20 Affirmation Cards for Working Moms
Enter your email to get the printable PDF instantly. Gentle, uplifting cards you can print or save on your phone.
Your download is ready.
Download NowI’ll also send occasional mom-life encouragement. Unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive helpful updates. No spam, ever.
2. Relatable podcasts for working moms
Podcasts can keep you company. Popping them on with your headphones or speaker while cooking or walking can make you feel like you’re part of a conversation. It’s such a great way to replace silence with voices that inspire and uplift. Here are a few that most moms swear by:
Working Mom Hour (Erica & Mads)
Focuses on the reality of working motherhood: all the craziness, chaos, and moments of joy. Talks about workplace issues, managing expectations, self-advocacy. Amazon Music
The Working Mums Collective (Eileen Lee Parry)
Covers topics that matter: burnout, mum guilt, working full time and how to balance work + home + self. Very practical and supportive. Amazon Prime Music
The Working Mom Happiness Method (Katy Blommer)
Lots of useful advice on time management, boundaries, aligning your life with what matters most, reducing overwhelm and finding energy. Amazon Music
Balanced Working Moms Podcast
Especially useful if you feel stretched thin: this is for moms with ADHD trying to find strategies to manage overwhelm, be productive, and feel less guilty. Amazon
3. Cozy self-care ritual
Want to stay indoors? Light a candle, make a cup of tea, or wrap yourself in a soft blanket. I call these the small sensory comforts that ground you. They are simple and quick self care acts that help calm the nervous system when your emotions feel big, regardless of the time of the day.
4. Journals for writing
Writing is so therapeutic. Writing down what you’re feeling, even if it’s just a few sentences, helps lift the weight off your chest. While it doesn’t stop you from being lonely, it could help with the big feelings and emotions you feel. Don’t enjoy writing? Don’t worry. It doesn’t have to be perfect it just needs to be honest. Just transfer your feelings to paper. And if you’re worried about your privacy? Use a simple printer paper so you can rip it up afterwards. It always feels so great.
Final thoughts
Loneliness is something many working moms can relate to.
Start with the little things: a smile here, a quick call there. These small steps add up, and over time, they can change the way you feel day to day.
If you’re looking for more gentle ways to feel supported, try the list of books, podcasts, and little comfort items I linked above. These helped me and so many other mom friends. And if you’d like an extra boost, don’t forget to grab my free affirmation cards to keep handy on the days when loneliness feels a little too loud.
