Cosmopolitan

Speak to other mothers and you quickly learn that they each have their own gem of advice that saved their sanity. Here we have compiled the most common tips from mums like you. If you're about to enter the jungle of parenthood, these will save you much time, energy, heartache and unnecessary grey hairs ...

Get organised

Newborn demands, household chores, other kids, a partner and perhaps work will occupy your every minute. Days turn into nights and weeks turn into months before you notice you haven't had time to even book a haircut, let alone see a movie or catch up with a friend. If you commit to some basic time-management rules, you will create more time for your family and partner and even gain some "me" time.

"To survive, I suggest you get organised, delegate, multitask, say no, be flexible, have a routine, prioritise, devise an action plan, don't take on too much and take short cuts where you can."

Joan, 34, mum to Michaelangelo, 4, and Oliver, 1

Re-prioritise

Decide what you really want to achieve for the day, week and month. It should be a combination of what must get done so that you and your family can function, and a range of other things you would like to find the time for. By mixing these two types of demands, you can feel happy and confident that you are achieving what really matters in your life. The trick is to not let yourself get distracted or neglect the things you would like to find time for, and focus too much on the "must do" items.
By mixing the two, you will be able to achieve balance, a sense of purpose and a feeling of satisfaction. If you stay focused on priorities, you will feel like you are getting what you want out of life.

 "I used to put ironing before sex, dishes before coffee and gardening before entertaining. I finally realised that by doing this I was missing out on sacred time with my partner, friends and myself - three things that I relish in life. It took a while to realise that it's not the end of the world if the house isn't looking spotless 100 per cent of the time."

Maxine, 29, mum to Eve, 1

Have a passion

Your individual passions are important because they shape who you are as a person, make you feel more like yourself and give you that personal sense of pride and satisfaction. So give yourself a reason to have some fire in your belly. Identify something, aside from the role of mother, that you really love doing and make room for it in your life. There are ways to make it work for everyone in the  © family so you don't feel like you are neglecting those around you when you do devote some time to yourself.

 "I need to do something for me, otherwise I feel resentful. I love my family to death, but my lifestyle as a taxi driver, maid, cook and everything else gets mundane. Regardless of how tired I am,
I need a break from it all to remind myself that I am an individual with individual needs and interests as well. I've recently started tap dancing of all things!"

Lily, 37, mum to Logan, 6, and Zac and Benjamin, both 2

Get out each day

After being stuck in the house all day, hearing the word "Mum" called out to you a hundred times before lunch and watching the dishes and laundry pile up before your eyes, you will be amazed how quickly fresh air can calm you down, clear your head and help you refocus on the next round. Whether you get out for some fresh air on your own or with the family at the park, you can still benefit by stepping away from surroundings that have a tendency to close up on you sometimes.

"I have to get out of the house every day. Even if it is cold, I will rug up and throw an extra blanket on the baby and go for a walk. It keeps me sane." Vienna, 31, mum to Toby, 1

This is an edited extract from The Mum Who Roared: A Complete A-Z Guide to Loving Your Mind, Body and Attitude After Baby by Christie Nicholas, $29.99 (exislepublishing.com.au). Christie also founded mumswap.com.au.

Get ready for life with bub with more tips in the Autumn 2012 issue of Cosmo Pregnancy, on sale now.