Are you, like countless other mums around the world, so busy with juggling work, home and other responsibilities that you often feel guilty about taking time for yourself?
We’re living in a world where cultural assumptions and obligations become ostensibly more important than taking time out to wind down and relax. Mums face a lot of challenges these days.
Unfortunately this crazy lifestyle is not sustainable in the long term. It leads to burnout and negatively affects our wellbeing.
When we compromise our own needs and wants, we sacrifice our self-worth and the opportunity to be the best version of ourselves.
There are many benefits for having some me-time and we should not feel guilty for having it.
6 reasons why you should not feel guilty about taking time for yourself
1. Better person, better mum
One key to being a better mum is becoming a better person. This means finding time to reflect, rediscover your passions and the things that you used to love doing before having kids, or uncover new passions. Take a break and in turn have more of you to give.
2. Your self-care will benefit you and your family
When we honour our own life, purpose and passions, we become better versions of ourselves. By prioritising our own wellbeing and allowing time for self-care, we feel more grounded, happy, engaged and patient. We are more present and definitely less resentful, snappy and stressed which is beneficial to the whole family and everyone around us!
3. Me-time refreshes you and helps you deal with stress
Carving out some regular me-time can help with stress resilience and energy levels. When we’re refreshed we feel like we can take on the world and face any challenge that comes our way. We’re likely to think more clearly and respond to stressful situations in a calm and constructive way.
4. Enhanced lifestyle and increased wellbeing
Taking time to do something for yourself helps to boost your disposition, makes you feel more positive and more fulfilled. High quality me-time enhances your lifestyle and increases wellbeing. Research suggests that those who regularly experience quality me-time enjoy better work-life balance and are more engaged at work.
5. Improved productivity
We often say we’re too busy to take time out and rest. There’re just too many things to do and people to take care of. But not stopping when we need to rest can result in exhaustion and make us feel more run down and less productive. Regular breaks are essential not only for our psychological wellbeing but also for increasing focus and productivity.
6. Good example for your children
We can’t be our best self if we are not treating ourselves with importance and self-respect. Remember, we are the greatest role models for our children. They watch and imitate us. What do you want to model to your children? By taking care of your own wellbeing, you’re setting a good example for your children. The example that you want them to follow when they grow up.
So, let go of your guilt, take time for yourself and invest in your own wellbeing. Remember that YOU are important too!
And don’t just wait for a perfect day when you’ll have plenty of free time. It probably won’t happen. Go ahead and find it today. You deserve it!
