Self Care For The Working Mom: It is not Selfish. It is Essential.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Being a working mom is so tough! There, I said it. You have to juggle a ton of different things, and then you add the guilt of not being able to be with your kids all the time on top of that? Really, it's not easy. But you are handling each challenge, task, question, meeting, and errand with such grace, making it all look seamless in such an organized (and sometimes messy) way, my friend. I applaud you! I admire your ability to do it all, and then some. But in the midst of taking care of everyone, and everything, in your life, you've forgotten to take care of yourself. I'll let you in on a little secret. Self-care is not selfish. It is essential.

Being a mother of triplets, the owner of my coaching company - Goal Getter Life, and working a full-time job, I have repeatedly found out that self-care is essential to my health, well-being, success, and productivity. I've also learned that it's okay to take a break from everybody and everything to dedicate some time to recharge my batteries.

Self care used to be one of those "woo woo" words to me as I didn't see the value or the importance of self care because I didn't have time for it. But once I truly opened my mind and removed the blinders on the topic, I became a huge advocate of self care, especially for working moms.

Self-care is the practice of being kind and caring to yourself. I think it is so important to treat yourself with the same respect and care that you would give anyone else. There is nothing wrong with taking time for yourself, and I think it's important to remember that everyone needs some time to be alone.

It all comes down to this one simple point - we are all human and need to take care of ourselves in order to be able to take care of others. Self-care is not something that is just for a certain time of year. It's something you do all year round, especially in times of stress or burnout. Self care can also help you live a more productive life.

We all know how important it is to care for our families and loved ones. However, we often neglect ourselves. I know that I often put my own needs last, which isn’t fair to me or my family. I am sure that I am not the only one who does this. You're probably doing the same thing. This can often happen when you are juggling work, business and family life. When the kids are struggling with their homework, the dog is barking, your partner needs help with the housework, and you are struggling to get your business to the next level, it is easy to forget about yourself.

But if you don't take care of yourself, you're not going to be able to be the best possible mom, wife, partner or business owner. Let's talk about what self care does for you, how it helps the people around you and how it makes you a better mother, business owner, person (and any other roles you can think of).

"Self-care is not selfish. It is essential."

So what does self care look like for working moms?

It can be anything that makes you feel good and helps you relax. It could be getting a massage, going for a run, taking a yoga class, or simply taking some time for yourself each day to read or take a bath. Whatever it is, make sure you're making time for it. Schedule your self care time on your calendar and be sure to set a reminder to ensure you follow through with your self care routine. Your family and business will thank you for it.

You are used to being on the go, doing for others, and neglecting yourself. It's not easy to just stop what you're doing and take time for yourself. But, as with everything else in life, you can make it a priority. When you make self care a priority, it makes the rest of your day much easier. You won't be rushing around to get things done, or feeling so stressed that you can't function.

Self care isn't just something you should do. It's something you need to do. It's an important part of your well-being and happiness. For some of us, self care means taking a bubble bath and reading a book. But it can also be as simple as taking the time to reflect on where you are today, what you want tomorrow, and how you want to feel.

Self care is vital to helping you succeed in business and in life. If you don't take time to care for you, you'll run yourself ragged. You won't be able to keep up with your kids. You won't have the energy to keep up with your business. You'll feel overwhelmed, stressed and discouraged. And that's not what you want at all. You have to take time for yourself. You have to make time for yourself. You have to make self care a priority.

Here are a few ways you can incoporate self care into your daily, weekly or montlhly routines:

1: Make time for yourself

Self care is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It allows you to focus on your own needs and take care of yourself emotionally and physically. Making time for yourself is crucial in keeping your morale high and preventing burnout. When you put your own needs first, you are more likely to be productive and successful.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to take care of yourself. But making time for yourself is important for your physical and mental health. Whether it's taking a few minutes each day to meditate or spending an hour each week getting a massage, carving out time for yourself is a form of self care that should be non-negotiable.

When you make time for yourself, you're able to relax and de-stress, which can help improve your overall mood and well-being. And when you're feeling good, you're better able to take care of those around you. So don't be afraid to put yourself first every once in a while and make time for some self care.

2: Take breaks during the day

Do you ever feel like you can't take a break during the day? Maybe you're constantly working and running around, or maybe you just don't have the time. But does it really matter if you don't take breaks? Yes, it does.

Here are a few reasons why taking breaks during the day is important:

1. Breaks help you to stay refreshed and focused. When you're constantly working, it's easy to get cabin fever and start feeling overwhelmed. Taking a break can help you to feel refreshed and gives you a new perspective on your work. For example, you can take a break every hour to drink some water and stretch. This helps you to stay focused and productive throughout the day.

2 Breaks can help reduce stress levels. Constant stress can have negative consequences on your health, including increased anxiety and feelings of overwhelm. Taking regular breaks can help to reduce your stress levels and prevent these problems from happening.

3. Breaks help you connect with others better. When you're constantly rushing around, it's hard to build relationships with other people especially if you work long hours. Taking regular breaks gives you a chance to connect with your colleagues , family, and friends and can help to improve your relationships.

"You can't pour from an empty cup."

3: Get enough sleep

Self care is very important, and getting enough sleep is a big part of it. If you're not getting enough sleep, your body will start to break down. This can lead to problems like weight gain, mood swings, and more. It's important to make sure you're getting the sleep you need to function properly.

Getting enough sleep is a form of self care that is often overlooked. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, but some people may need more or less. Sleep is important for overall health and well-being, and it can help to improve mood, memory, and focus. Getting enough sleep can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. If you are having trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to help yourself: avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, establish a regular sleep schedule, and create a relaxing bedtime routine.

4: Eat healthily and on a regular basis

Eating healthily and on a regular basis is very important for both your mental and physical well-being. It is important to not only eat the right types of food but also to make sure that you're getting the right amount of nutrients. Eating healthy can help you lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid diseases. It can also help you feel better mentally and emotionally.

There are countless benefits to eating healthily and on a regular basis, not the least of which is improved physical health. However, eating healthy can also be a form of self care. When you fuel your body with nutritious food, you are giving yourself the tools you need to function at your best. Eating regularly helps to regulate your metabolism and provides you with sustained energy throughout the day.

Making healthy eating a part of your daily routine can help to reduce stress and improve your mood. When you make time to care for yourself, you are better able to cope with the demands of daily life. Eating healthy is a simple and effective way to show yourself some love.

5: Exercise regularly

Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for overall health, but it's important to remember that self care is just as important as exercise when it comes to staying healthy. You need to make sure that you are taking care of yourself both mentally and physically in order to stay on top of your health. Exercise is an essential part of that equation, but you also need to make sure that you're eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep. Self care is key for maintaining good health no matter what else you do!

6: Practice meditation

Meditation can be a powerful tool for self care. It can help to quiet the mind, focus the thoughts, and promote relaxation. When you meditate, you can connect with your innermost self, and access a place of peace and calm. This can be enormously helpful in managing stress and anxiety.

There are many different ways to meditate, so it's important to find a method that suits you. Once you've found a comfortable position and settled your mind, simply focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. You may find it helpful to count each breath or to repeat a mantra or affirmation. Allow yourself to drift into a state of deep relaxation, and simply be.

"Your well-being is essential for your work and your loved ones. Take care of yourself."

7: Relaxation techniques

There are numerous benefits to taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically. When you feel good both inside and out, it's much easier to be productive and take on new challenges.

Here are a few relaxation techniques that can help you de-stress:

1. Take a yoga class: Yoga is a great way to relax your body and clear your mind. It can also improve your flexibility and balance.

2. Get a massage: A massage is another great way to de-stress. It can help reduce tension in your muscles, promote relaxation, and improve circulation.

3. Listen to calming music: If you don't want to get massages or go to yoga classes, listen to some calming music instead. Music has been shown to have a variety of mental health benefits, including reducing stress levels. Try using streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music for some relaxing tunes that will work well for any mood or activity!

8: Journal or keep a diary

There are many forms of self care, and keeping a journal or diary is one of them. This can be a way to process and release emotions, document your thoughts and feelings, and reflect on your day-to-day experiences. It can be a helpful tool for managing stress and anxiety and can be a space to just be yourself without judgment.

Journaling allows you to reflect on your experiences and thoughts in a private setting of your choice. This can help you to learn from your mistakes, grow as a person, and become more understanding of yourself. Additionally, by keeping a diary you can track your progress and make sure that you are making headway in your goals.

If journaling on a blank page seems a bit daunting to you, like it does for me, consider using a guided journal which has prompts to help guide you through your feelings and thought process. Check out The Pathfinder, which is a guided journal with 365 prompts covering 19 different areas of focus.

Conclusion

As working moms, we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our busy days and feel as if we don't have time to focus on ourselves. From work to kids to running errands and even finding time to cook a healthy meal, it can all be too much at times. Taking some time to relax, however, is important for our health and well-being.

Hopefully, by now, you too can see that self care is not selfish, it is essential. Take some time to treat yourself. Take a bubble bath. Get a massage. Go to the spa. Whatever self care activities you like to do, make time to do them. This will help you feel better and be more productive. By taking the time to care for yourself, you will be able to be more productive and stay on top of your game.

I'll leave you with this poem to remind you about the importance of self care as a working mom.

You're a working mom starting to blossom.

You've been working hard and now it's time to focus on self.

You need some time to relax and rejuvenate

So you're going to take a few minutes each day to yourself.

Maybe drink some tea, read a book, or take a bath.

This is your time to relax and forget about life's stress and strife.

You'll do this until you feel refreshed and renewed

Then you'll go back to work and continue to flourish and enjoy your life.

Thank you for reading and allowing me to spend a little time with you today.

I hope this blog post was able to help you find some ways to restore your energy and rejuvenate your mind. If you have any questions about self-care for working moms, please feel free to contact me.

The Pathfinder

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