During the transition back to work after maternity leave, we seem to scrutinise ourselves with far greater intensity than ever before. And perhaps it’s no surprise; it’s a time of emerging conflict between our new role as parent and our work routines of the past; the push and pull of desire and priority, the juggle of two highly significant pillars in our lives.

Employing mothers is a smart move. One CEO I spoke to recently shared that if he had the choice, he would only employ mothers because they are by far his highest performers. But what makes mums such brilliant employees?

I was really conscious that after I had Naima, I didn’t feel like I knew who I was. I was quite early on in my career and I just felt like I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. And I remember that feeling, listening to nursery rhymes all day, wondering - is this all my life is going to become? And if so, I can’t do it - I’m going to be an awful mother.

If you're trying to juggle a job on top of parenting and homeschooling, the idea of creating any calm might seem an impossible task! Here I share how feeling calm can also come from reconnecting. Remembering who you are, your values, your boundaries and talking about it all with others can help you feel a little bit more in control and calmer, amidst the chaos.