Mums we admire share their tips

Take care of yourself. . . Prioritise

Set aside some time that you can devote to yourself. This should be just as high on your list of things to do as your other chores. Think of some activities for this free time, be it reading, painting or simply watching some TV. If you live with your partner, make sure they respect your need for time alone, whether it's for a walk, gardening, private time to read or to take a hot bath. You need your time to refuel; make sure you find that time.

Naps

Weekends are a great time to get caught up on housework and time with family-and naps. Even if it's for 20 minutes, naps work wonders for the soul and sanity.

Succumb to PMS

You can't make it go away, and, as a working mother, you can't sleep it off. So, first alert your partner at its onset (to be forewarned is to be forearmed). Eat the bad food. Sleep a little more when you can. Keep a low profile at the office on the really bad days.

Keep your sense of humour

The next time you're about to blow a fuse, make a joke of it. Keep things in perspective and learn to laugh. You may be gritting your teeth, but your co-workers will respond better, and your family will too.

Network

A problem shared is a problem halved, so find someone in the same situation as you to chat to. Start a dialogue with other working mothers and see what conversation gets started. It's great to find someone who is experiencing the same things you are and a great way to vent frustration and share some fun.

Take a break

Lots of mums work through lunch in what they see as atonement for not being able to stay late; but going out to lunch, at least occasionally, or getting away from your desk for a short walk will recharge your energy and creativity.

Do laundry once a week

Do it, fold it, and put it away all in the same session. If you do one load at a time it never ends. Doing it once lets you focus, get it done, and not think about it for another week. One mum calls this her "Friday night out." After the kids go to bed, she finds an old movie, sits next to her mountain of laundry (literally!) and folds, while being entertained and unwinding. It's therapy so that the rest of the weekend is free of that commitment. While hitting the local pub with friends might be more fun, this allows her to focus on her kids the rest of the weekend.