It’s been seven and half years since I began working at home. Back then, I didn't have children and working from home was much simpler. Today, I am a work-at-home mom (WAHM) of two beautiful daughters (ages six and two), who is also fortunately employed by a major U.S. company.

Every day is a juggling act of personal and professional, work and family, kids and colleagues. At a moment’s notice, I go from employee to mom … most times, without missing a beat.

There are days when I live in ratty, old yoga pants, and my white and red bathrobe. Right now, my hair is in a scrunchie and my last good hair cut was in February. I have been on mute during conference calls while changing a dirty dipe.

I can’t tell you the last time I got my nails done, took a real lunch break or went out to happy hour with co-workers. Sometimes, I’m jealous of my husband for going to an office five days a week. My wardrobe is horrific and sometimes I think I have lost my ability to interact with adults and socialize in person with people that don’t have children.

Now, please do not mistake this post as whining! Though do realize that working at home — eight to ten hours a day, five days a week, for the past seven and a half years — has been an acquired skill, a ginormous blessing, and much harder to do than you might initially think.

Have a dedicated work space. Having a home office helps to separate work life from home life. At the end of the day, I shut the door and “leave” work. If you have a home office, that’s fantastic! If not, I definitely recommend finding a quiet place away from the main living are where you can focus on work.

Get help with the kids. WAHMs WORK. I’m not watching HGTV and eating peppermint patties all day. There is no way that I could do my job without someone to help me. Whether it’s a nanny, part-time sitter or daycare, research your options to see which solution fits best with your family, job and finances.

Keep regular work hours. As hard as it may seem, keeping office hours are key to successfully working from home. There are days when I login early or work late, but mostly, I efficiently work a jam-packed, standard workday and accomplish way more than I would if I was in the office.

Turn off the phone. I receive a lot of calls throughout the day and into the evening. After work hours and on the weekends, instead of risking that the phone will interrupt dinner, naps or bedtime, I turn off the ringer. This no-brainer tip has been a huge help and lifesaver.

Take each day one at a time! It's hard not to get overwhelmed when you’re trying to balance the best of BOTH worlds. You may feel underappreciated and wonder if you’re making all the right choices.

If you know another WAHM, she’s probably feeling the same things  … reach out to her, swap stories and let each other vent! Though easier said than done, remember to take some time for you. I’ve found that a little treadmill time or a trip to Target (without the kids) can do wonders for the mind and body!