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If you’re a busy working mum like me, you know what it’s like to juggle a hectic personal and professional schedule with a never-ending list of things to do, and that working mum burnout is real. One of the few benefits of the global COVID-19 pandemic is that it has caused many people to pause and reevaluate who and what truly mattered in their lives. I used the time during lockdown to launch my dream coaching business My Life Couch and, more importantly, learn how to take care of myself, respect my own time, and ask for help.

I compare us working mothers–and parents in general–to a very sophisticated smartphone: Running a ton of applications at once, a lifesaver for many, and a constant companion that always delivers value. But what is the use of a phone if the battery is low or not charged? It becomes a very expensive paperweight, right? Or whatever other use you have for a phone that isn’t charged at all (which is at the point that working mum burnout usually hits).

We need to be intentional about carving some time to nurture and care for ourselves more to avoid working mum burnout and not just when the battery has died completely, so we can be the best mum/dad/sibling/friend we can be.

Here are my 5 strategies to recharge your batteries so that you can avoid working mum burnout, be always on and full of energy:

Take some time off

Knowing yourself, what soothes, heals, and recharges you is essential for defining your self-care exactly HOW and WHAT you want it to be. Whether it’s being surrounded by people or staying alone to do some self-discovery, meditation, reading a book, journaling, running a bath, do whatever nourishes your soul.

Learn the power of NO

If like me your natural tendency is to say yes to keep people happy, you will quickly feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of commitment you are taking on, without the bandwidth to matchmaking you at risk of working mum burnout.  By being selective of the responsibilities we undertake, we can truly focus on the tasks at hand and being present – think quality vs quantity–and deliver outstanding results every time, minus the extra stress.

Ask for, and accept help

Asking for and accepting help doesn’t always come easy for working mothers, myself included. I used to see it as a reflection of my inability to “be it” and deemed myself a failure. But you realize that by asking, you are opening your doors, your mind to the kindness of people who in some cases may just be waiting for you to ask.

Asking for help is another way to extend your reach and get things done.  And you have to be willing to accept the help, even if it’s not exactly how you are doing it, aka don’t focus on the HOW it’s done – of course, safety is primordial – but on WHAT is done. At best, you and your family are exposed to a different way of doing things! And you can always repay the favour when someone else needs help.

Move

Get your body going by incorporating movement into your routine. It could be a walk, a run, or even dancing to your favourite tune or playlist. Exercise is proven to release tension and stress and it’s good for your mental health overall so it’s a win-win. Find your movement and practice. I also count singing on top of your voice to a song you like (karaoke nights, anyone?) as exercise, although your family, neighbor, etc., might disagree.

Have your tribe

Have in your circle someone other than your spouse who understands the pressure you may face. It could be another mum, a close relative, or a friend. The point is to have a safe place to show up as you, share your joys, doubts, or vent out your frustrations. It’s a place to be heard, understood, and connect with another person on common topics and interests and get another perspective on things. Bonus point if you combine making a phone call with that friend whilst going for a walk!

Sometimes, we don’t have time to recharge, but let’s not leave it until our batteries are completely out as we experience working mum burnout to put a plan in place. By making time for ourselves on a regular basis, we are filling ourselves up so that we can pour out love, support, focus, guidance, or whatever we can, rather than constantly running on empty. I would love to hear about what works for you and if you need some motivation to create a recharge plan, I’ll be happy to be a part of your tribe!

If you would like to read more about my self-love techniques or learn how to reinvest in yourself and improve your relationships with others, feel free to book a 20-minute complimentary virtual chat with me.

Author bio

Gladys Simen – a life coach for moms who are trying to balance their work and family life.She is a life enthusiast who lived in 5 different countries, mastered 2 languages, and changed several professions. It took becoming a fabulous mama for her to tap into some BIG superpowers within herself. Former quiet introvert, today is passionate about helping women live big, beautiful, shooting-for-the-stars kind of lives right now. Gladys considers herself an advocate for the working mama! 

Cover picture credit:  Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels