Busy working moms don’t have to go to a weekend spa retreat or take a 90-minute yoga class to practice self-care — unless that’s what they enjoy doing.
Sometimes, all it takes is getting up 15 minutes earlier to enjoy some peace before the household awakens. It’s opting for a scorching shower over mindlessly scrolling through emails. Instead of eating stale leftovers from your kid’s plate, have an authentic lunch.
One more commitment that would cause you to be stretched too thin is being rejected. You may significantly alter how you present yourself to yourself and your family by doing small, regular things.
The most common fallacy?
That self-care has to be extensive.
In reality, it might look like:
Establishing boundaries
Taking a big breath before responding
Drinking water
Sending a text message to a friend to feel like more than “mom”
Going to bed without folding that last load of laundry
The Guilt is Real
And let’s be honest: The guilt is real. Moms always prioritize the needs of others above their own.
However, neglecting oneself does not improve one’s parenting skills. It is not honorable to be exhausted, resentful, or emotionally drained; rather, it indicates that you need to refuel your tank.
Consider demonstrating to your children that loving oneself is just as crucial as loving others. Think of telling them that it’s acceptable to rest, take a break, or say, “I need a minute.”
That is legacy, not only self-care.
Breaking the Burnout Myth
Emotionally intelligent individuals don’t view burnout as something to be proud of because they witnessed their mother prioritize her welfare.
Checking in on your emotional and mental health is also part of self-care. It’s alright to seek assistance if you’re always worried, overwhelmed, or on the verge of breaking down.
Therapy, journaling, support groups, or simply having an honest discussion with a friend can be game changers. You weren’t meant to complete it by yourself.
Too many women have felt alone and weary as a result of the myth of the “supermom.” Knowing and accepting your boundaries without guilt is the true superpower.
Remember Who You Are
And remember the things that make you unique.
While doing laundry, listen to your favorite podcast.
Is that book collecting dust? Before going to bed, read two pages.
Unearth that creative side you had hidden beneath spreadsheets and diapers.
You are free to be a complete individual, not simply a caretaker, provider, or planner. Taking care of oneself means reconnecting with the aspects of yourself that exist outside of work and motherhood.
Your Worth is Not in Doing More
Ultimately, self-care for busy moms is about presence rather than perfection.
In a society where you are expected to accomplish too much, it is about treating yourself kindly. Even when it doesn’t seem like it, you’re giving it your all.
So, please:
Take a break and ask for help.
Say no.
Say yes to yourself.
You deserve to feel good about your own life; you’re not just helping others stay afloat.
And that, Mom, begins with remembering that you deserve the same level of care that you so generously extend to others.
Post Disclaimer
Utilizing my own personal experiences as well as my background as a Registered Nurse, I share my enthusiasm for travel and health on this blog. Though I love what I do and sometimes talk about tactics for modest health improvement, keep in mind that the material provided might not be exact. The material herein is just for self-improvement. The content shared draws on my own experiences, thoughts, and stories. With this in mind, readers should consult their healthcare providers about any concerns they may experience.
Since each person has a different health path, what helps one person may not help another. Readers should consult their personal healthcare providers for personalized guidance based on their individual needs and circumstances. Rather than replacing the professional, my goal here is to inspire, enlighten, and start conversations that improve and make life more fulfilling relations between you and your medical staff.