Not many people know this. When you are a mum, whether you have a career, run a business or you work in the home, THE most important person that you need to look after is YOU.
Yes you.
You need to look after No 1 first.
For many women that I talk to, this comes as a bit of surprise. “So you are telling me that it’s better to spend my time going for a run, than doing the washing up.” HELL YES. The washing up will still be there when you get back. But if you don’t take that pocket of time NOW, you might not get another chance today.
Just imagine … when you are an old lady, sitting in your rocking chair, reflecting on your life, are you going to say “I wish I had washed up more often” or “I wish I had hoovered every day” or “I wish I had kept the hallway neat and tidy“.
Wouldn’t you rather remember “I used to love running in the woods when the sun was shining” or “I made so many great friends at my yoga class” or “I laughed so much when I learnt to tango“.
Still not sure? Let me share just one reason why it is so important to look after No 1 first.
Be the role model you want for your children
As Grainne discovered during my online conference, how we act, behave, talk or work, we are the role models for our children. Whether we realise it or not.
If you want your daughters to grow up knowing that women should expect to feel constantly exhausted, completely overwhelmed, always putting others first, with absolutely no time for themselves and lacking in confidence …
OR if you want your sons to grow up expecting that of their girlfriends or wives, it’s simple. You can probably work out what you need to do.
On the other hand, if you want your children to grow up knowing and expecting that everybody in the household has ‘me’ time (in whatever shape or form is right each individual), you need to be that role model.
Looking after yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally, is a really powerful way of demonstrating to your children how much you value you.
Your self-confidence comes from looking after you. There is only one you. You are unique. You are the best person at being you. Nobody else does it anywhere near as well as you.
To be the very best version of you, it is important to take responsibility for your wellness and put strategies in place to deal with the exhaustion, the overwhelm, and your ‘me’ time.
Your wellness is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
Take time today to do something for you. Please do share in the comments what you will do to inspire another mum like you.
p.s. if you’ve come across my website before, you’ll know that I have not always been good about looking after No 1. 20 years ago, I was on the brink of complete burnout. It’s not a good place to be.
Leave a Reply