You can’t pour from an empty cup: Tips to manage a Full-time Career and Self-Care as a mom

The Need to Feel Like Superwoman   

Maintaining a successful full-time career is hard work, now add being a mom into the mix, and you could often feel overwhelmed and anxious-trying and failing to be Superwoman. Being fully present for your kids and giving 100% at work can feel impossible. It is understandable to feel this way when you are navigating schedule changes, hormonal changes, and the ever-shifting sleep schedule. Setting a good example for your kids and working hard to provide them with love and a good life is worth the struggle. What do you do when you are feeling overwhelmed? 

Rely on Your Village  

Having a support system is one of the first ways to build a solid foundation. You check in with one another, offer a listening ear, and help encourage self-care: physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Find people who can relate to what you are going through and be a positive influence in your life. Remember, to be a strong link in a village, you will need to make sure your cup is filled enough to help fill others.   

How do I fill my cup?   

Here are some tips:  

• Quiet Time: Each morning, set aside time, even if it is for one minute, breathe, and think of something or someone you are grateful to have in your life. Take deep breaths, focus on the positives, and regulate your nervous system.  

• Positive Affirmations: Speaking kindly to yourself can go a long way. You may feel silly at first; however, you will begin to realize it feels nice to remind yourself that you are capable, and your best is enough. Create phrases that relate to your life and repeat them to yourself. Set a reminder on your phone a few times a day to pause and speak kindly to yourself.  

• Regulating social media: Being mindful of your time spent on social media can help decrease those negative thoughts and feelings of comparison. On the positive side, social media can help us find support groups of other mothers who may be facing the same mountain. Find the amount of time that is healthy and works for you.   

• Dress to Impress (Yourself): Take the 3-5 minutes to put some light makeup, your favorite t-shirt or jacket, and tell yourself you look good! Whatever makes you feel beautiful! 

• Honesty: Pretending you have it all together all the time will create even more stress. This may also lead to feelings of loneliness because it is a false sense of reality. Be honest! Share those challenging occurrences because often someone else has experienced them too. You may inspire someone to feel less alone. This is an opportunity to build your village.   

You are Capable!  

Remember, you can’t be perfect. Focus on gratitude, and your positive feelings will overflow to your kids. To them, you are superwoman. Don't put pressure on yourself to incorporate all the tips and tricks you hear, but try to remember to be kind to yourself at least once a day. Enjoy this new chapter of your life and embrace it. To read more tips and tricks, check out Motherly.