Being a mompreneur comes with its unique set of challenges.
Sighhh…
Balancing the demands of running a business or even starting a business whilst maintaining a 9 to 5 and still managing our household and caregiving responsibilities can be overwhelming. Amidst it all, it’s crucial to prioritize your mental well-being.
Yea, I know easier said than done but it is through our commitment and perseverance that we turn aspirations into reality, overcoming the challenges that stand in our way. After all, we are woman!
To help you out, here are my five mental health practices that you can include in your home routine.
Carve Out “Me Time”
Recognize the importance of self-care and schedule regular “me time” to recharge and rejuvenate. This can be as simple as dedicating a few minutes each day for reflection, journaling, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. It can be personal time spent in the washroom or even in your car before you begin your activities for the day. Prioritize self-care activities that align with your interests and help you find moments of relaxation and personal fulfillment.
Set Clear Limits
Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for maintaining mental health. Create a designated workspace or office area at home to establish a physical boundary between your work and family life. Set specific working hours and communicate them to your family, ensuring uninterrupted time for work and dedicated time for family activities. Learn to say ‘no’. You cannot be everything to everyone and neither should you volunteer to provide a solution or be the solution to everyone’s problem. As the old saying goes, “when you say ‘yes’ to others, make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.
Get Comfortable with Delegating
This one is tricky, but it has provided relief in the past. Ask for help and delegate tasks whenever possible. Dismiss your need to do everything yourself, silence your ego, and reach out to your partner, family members, or trusted friends for support in managing household responsibilities or childcare. Consider outsourcing certain tasks, such as house cleaning or meal preparation, to free up time and reduce stress.
Point to note; anything that is not adding value to your life could be outsourced. Yes, outsourcing comes at a price, but time is the most valuable currency we possess, and nurturing our mental health is the wisest investment we can make. No amount of money can buy back the peace of mind and well-being that comes from taking care of our mental health. Prioritizing time for self-care and mental rejuvenation is the key to unlocking true wealth and living a fulfilling life.
Normalize Healthy Habits
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital for developing your mental well-being. It’s crucial to focus on holistic care, nurturing both your mind and body. A good start is to incorporate regular exercise into your routine, finding activities that bring you joy and help alleviate stress. Fuel your body with nourishing foods that provide energy and support cognitive function. Remember to establish a consistent sleep schedule, as quality rest is the foundation for mental rejuvenation.
Also, be mindful of avoiding unnecessary stress and grievances. Seek healthy outlets to manage and release tension. Laughter is a powerful tool in this regard. It is said that laughter has incredible stress-relieving and tension-releasing properties. Allow yourself to indulge in moments of pure amusement, whether it’s watching funny videos or engaging in lighthearted conversations with loved ones. Give yourself permission to aimlessly scroll on social media in search of those videos that are meant purely for entertainment (only if it appeals to you).
Live in the Present and Give Thanks
Too often, we get caught up in the busyness of life, constantly planning for the future or dwelling on the past. It is important to embrace the practice of living in the present moment and express gratitude, appreciating the small joys in your life. The simple act of being able to open your eyes every morning is a blessing we tend to take for granted.
Taking a few moments each day to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the blessings in your life has immense value. It allows us to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and find contentment in the present. Additionally, there is merit in being discerning, and walking in the shoes of others, both can provide valuable perspective as it reminds us that everyone is fighting their own battles and encourages compassion and empathy.
On top of that… learning to forgive is an essential part of nurturing our mental well-being. Holding onto grudges and resentment only weighs us down, impacting our emotional and mental health. By practicing forgiveness, we free ourselves from the burden of negative emotions and create space for healing and growth.
Hands down, life as a mompreneur can be challenging and demanding, but it’s important to recognize that to see and benefit from the fruits of your labor, you must prioritize your well-being. Self-care and attending to your mental health needs are not optional luxuries but essential requirements for success. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself allows you to show up as your best self for your family, your business, and most importantly, for yourself. It sets a positive example for your children and demonstrates the importance of self-care and well-being.
Prioritizing self-care and attending to your mental health needs is not an option but a must.
Please embrace self-care as an integral part of your journey and watch yourself thrive in both your personal and professional spheres.
