Every woman entrepreneur, every supermom, and every individual wearing multiple hats has all heard the self-care buzz. We get it; we should be at the top of our own priority list. I’m right there with you, straddling the line between building a business and raising a family, balancing work obligations and my own sanity. But we’ve got to shake things up – it’s high time we move from just nodding along to the self-care mantra, to actually living it.
The ‘Self-Care Struggle’ for Mothers and Female Entrepreneurs
Navigating the world as a mother and entrepreneur, I can personally attest to the hurdles in striving for equilibrium between work and life. Take it from a 2022 report on Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada: it revealed that a staggering 51% of female entrepreneurs are more prone to feelings of depression, and 40% openly admit that mental health issues hinder their work. It’s quite the revelation, isn’t it?
Now, let’s layer in the complex dynamics of parenthood. We’re at the helm of our businesses while simultaneously managing childcare, school runs and grappling with the unrelenting ‘mom guilt.’ It’s an all-too-familiar narrative that can rapidly spiral into a state of overwhelm. The eventual fallout? A fast track to burnout, a slump in productivity, and a significant toll on our overall well-being.
We are balancing on a tightrope, and it’s time we acknowledged this predicament and fostered a conversation around it.
From my own experiences navigating this never-ending balancing act, I am compelled to underscore the urgent need for women to prioritize their self-care. It is not a luxury – it is a necessity.
Reframing Self-Care As a Necessity: Tips & Tricks
In the hustle and bustle of life, particularly as a woman juggling multiple roles, it’s easy to get so caught up in taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves. But let me tell you, there’s a reason why self-care has been steadily gaining attention. As Jessie Borelli, Ph.D., puts it, we’ve created a culture so absorbed in productivity that we often neglect to carve out moments of enjoyment or pleasure in our daily lives
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Let’s face it, we women, whether we’re entrepreneurs or supermoms, are often left shouldering the lion’s share of responsibilities, both inside and outside the home. We tend to work more hours, often get paid less than our male counterparts, and have to constantly keep tabs on household tasks and childcare arrangements. This mental load, compounded with our professional commitments, can lead to burnout.
But here’s where the magic of self-care comes in. It’s our way of setting aside time to fulfill needs that used to fit naturally into our daily routines. Whether it’s a workout session or a long bath, these are not frivolous acts but vital ones. They’re our way of recharging, managing the stress that comes from carrying this weight and maintaining our overall well-being.
In the whirlwind of everyday life, we must incorporate small acts of self-care into our routines, creating pockets of tranquility and nourishment amidst the chaos. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Hydrate: We all know the benefits of drinking water – it boosts our physical and mental performance and gives our skin a healthy glow. A great way to ensure you’re hydrating properly is to start your day with a glass of water before reaching for that cup of coffee.
- Skin Stimulation: A little extra attention to your skin can go a long way. Simply taking two extra minutes in the morning to massage your moisturizer into your skin or booking a bi-monthly facial can increase blood flow and improve your skin’s appearance.
- Quality Sleep: Quality sleep can sometimes seem like a luxury (especially for busy moms), but it’s essential for our physical and mental health and even enhances our skin. Try to wind down before bedtime with a cup of decaffeinated tea, a skin massage with CBD oil, or some quiet reading.
- Time Management: Time is a precious commodity that needs to be allocated wisely. Find a balance between your work, family, and self-care. This could be as simple as spending a few extra minutes on your skincare routine in the morning or scheduling a monthly self-care appointment, like a full body massage or a hydrafacial.
- Letting Go of Guilt: It’s crucial to ditch any feelings of guilt when prioritizing yourself. Whether it’s ‘mom guilt’ or ‘work guilt,’ remember that taking care of your needs is not selfish; it’s necessary. A helpful strategy is to write down one thing you did for yourself, your children, and your business daily. It’s a great way to see that you’re balancing all areas of your life.
- Setting Realistic Expectations: Perfection is a myth, and it’s important to set achievable goals for yourself. If you’re not a big water drinker, try flavoured water. If your schedule is unpredictable, keep a note on your phone to track moments of self-care. Remember, it’s okay to say no when needed and ask for help when necessary.
Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can help create a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, and remember, self-care is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.
The Way Forward
As women at the helm of our businesses, it’s on us to set the pace. Our day job doesn’t stop at building booming careers– it stretches further to shaping a workspace that’s not just about crunching numbers but also about cherishing the art of self-care. It’s not solely about watching our companies grow but also about nurturing an environment where self-care is seamlessly woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.
This whole self-care gig? It’s not just a passing fad; it’s a rallying cry. It’s a call for every woman boss, every supermom, and every multitasking dynamo to stop putting their well-being on the back burner. It’s an appeal to rewrite our stories, to ditch the self-sacrificing personas and become our own cheerleaders.
So, let’s rally behind this mission to make self-care a vital part of our lives rather than just a luxury we occasionally indulge in. Let’s wake up to the fact that our personal well-being isn’t separate from our professional wins – they’re two sides of the same coin. It’s high time we learned to put ourselves at the top of our to-do lists, because only when we’re firing on all cylinders, can we truly deliver our best – to our companies, our loved ones, and to ourselves.
