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This is a guest post from Cheryl at Wellness Central.
We all know these are challenging times. Your to-do list can seem never-ending, you’re managing schedules and household upkeep, and as a mom, you carry a heavy share of the burden of family care. Add into that the stress of running a business and the kids’ virtual schooling, family members on top of each other, and so forth, it can feel like a perfect storm. In fact, Time reports women are three times more likely than men to feel mental health consequences than men, thanks to the pandemic.
If you feel like you are drowning and losing touch with your true self, you are not alone. It is a common feeling for any mother, but particularly for young moms who are trying to keep their business up and running. It is important to remember that you are an example for your kids, and they are looking to you to see how you care for yourself. Setting a good example is important not only for your health but for their futures. Consider these ways to still look and feel your absolute best even when surrounded by kids at home.
Make a List of Goals
When your focus is on your family and your entrepreneurial success, you may start to lose sight of your wants. Home has distractions such as technology, and if you do not have a clear plan in mind, it can be difficult to achieve your goals. Writing them down helps make them concrete and puts them at the forefront of your mind.
There are a lot of resources online that can help you connect with other moms and even provide you with productivity tools. Thanks to technology, you can even take courses from home and at your own pace. Create your goals and make them a reality by researching additional programs and tools online.
Set Boundaries
Your kids have a schedule, but you should also block out some time just for you to relax or work. Be realistic about what sort of schedule is possible. You do not have to sacrifice your kids’ activities, but maybe enlist help from family members to ensure you get the “me” time you need.
Get Physically Active
Did you know that when it comes to regular exercise, around 95% of adults fail to work out for 30 minutes a day? Simply going for a walk around the neighborhood for a half-hour is enough to lift your mood and keep your muscles active. Take that a step further by getting deeper into greenspace, which NASA says can help boost your well-being even more.
Working out and a healthy diet are the building blocks of losing weight, but you can maximize your efforts by adding supplements to your daily routine as well. If you plan on using supplements, make sure you research reviews and product features thoroughly to figure out what works best for you. Before making drastic changes to your diet or adding in supplements, consult your physician. Everyone’s needs are different.
Pamper Yourself Once in a While
You do not have to go to the salon or spa every week, but indulging in some self-care and pampering once in a while can help boost your sense of self-worth. It can be as simple as reading a book in your bedroom alone or as extravagant as a full spa day complete with a facial and massage. A little pampering may help lower stress levels and reinvigorate you to tackle the busy schedule next week or work toward your personal goals.
Dress Up (for Any Reason)
Self-confidence often relates to your appearance, so StyleRail suggests dressing in a way that empowers you. Most importantly, choose clothes that are appropriate for the occasion (soccer game versus meeting), that fit properly (this flatters your figure more) and that are suitable for the season (maybe avoid shorts in winter, for example).
Looking after yourself sets a good example for your kids to also learn the importance of self-care. To feel more productive in your business and at home and to gain back a sense of self, try setting goals and boundaries, getting physically active, pampering yourself and dressing for success. Finding the habits that work best for you will take you to a whole new level of good mothering and entrepreneurial success.
Visit The Mama Matters for more ideas and tips for moms who want to stay happy, healthy and productive!
