Hello, and welcome back to our Work-Life Balance for Mothers newsletter series!
A few years ago, I recorded a “grumpy mummy” video series on Instagram. Click here to watch the video. This video series was right at the tail end of the fear, confusion and uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation— wasn’t that a stressful time? Well, guess what? That information is even more relevant now as we all settle back into routines and habits that might be cranking up the stress levels for working or studying moms like you who are juggling a million things.
In this week's article, I'm turning the tables and looking back to that series to revisit a question I know is on a lot of your minds: “How can I go from a grumpy mummy to a happy mummy?” Well, it only takes ONE small step!
Let's get started!
First things first, introductions! I'm Dr. Masi, and I'm here to help busy mums like you who are struggling to find a balance between family, work or studies and creating a life you love. Whether you're chasing that promotion, starting your own business, or simply aiming for that next salary level, I'm here to show you how to achieve your goals without sacrificing your family, health or well-being.
So, what exactly is a "grumpy mummy?"
Think of it as that feeling of being a little on edge, frustrated, or moody. We all experience it sometimes, especially when we're stretched thin. The reasons can vary: maybe you're lacking motivation, feeling like you have no time for yourself, or simply drained – mentally, emotionally, and physically. This can also lead to internal conflicts – you want to do things for your family, but you also crave some "me time."
Here's the thing: a survey done by Sheryl Sandberg (then Facebook COO!) revealed that even before the pandemic, full-time working moms were spending a whopping 70 hours a week on housework, childcare, and all the other responsibilities that come with the territory. The pandemic just made it all a lot more obvious, adding homeschooling and working-from-home chaos to the mix.
But wait, there's hope!
The secret to becoming a happier mummy lies in taking care of yourself. It might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. When you prioritise self-care, you become a role model for your children, showing them the importance of self-love. Plus, a happier, more fulfilled you means you'll have more energy and patience for your family – it's a win-win!
So, what are the biggest roadblocks to self-care for busy mums?
My own survey of 100 amazing women revealed the top three culprits: time, motivation, and energy. It's easy to feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day, and finding the motivation and energy to squeeze anything else in can seem like a mission impossible.
That's where my HERSELF HEALTH philosophy comes in!
HERSELF is an acronym that stands for HER Sport, Exercise and Lifestyle Foundation. Our philosophy is based on the five pillars of a happy and healthy you. The best part? You don't need to overhaul your entire life to make it work. It's about incorporating small, sustainable changes into your daily routine.
Yes, the unique beauty of HERSELF HEALTH is that we’re about integrating self-care into your daily life, not adding extra tasks. It's about small changes that make a big difference.
The five "happy mummy" pillars
Here's a quick rundown of the five "happy mummy" pillars
Physical Activity: Move your body! Go for a walk, do some yoga, or join a sports team.
Mental Activity: Challenge your mind and manage your emotions. This includes personalised coaching to train your brain to rewire to develop a more positive and empowering mindset.
Sleep: It's not a luxury, it's a necessity! Prioritise getting enough quality shut-eye.
Nutrition: Nourish your body with healthy foods and drinks to fuel your day.
Social & Soulful Connection: Connect with loved ones, friends, and yourself. Make time for activities that bring you joy and purpose.
Ready to take that first step towards becoming a happier mummy?
Think about which of those three roadblocks (time, motivation, or energy) is holding you back the most. Once you identify it, you can start to explore strategies for overcoming it.
In the meantime, remember that a happy you is a better you for your family and your career. I'll be back next week with more tips to help mothers achieve work-life balance. Until then, have a wonderful week!
Want to learn more about how HERSELF HEALTH can help you create a work-life balance that works for you?
Head over to our website at www.herselfhealth.com There, you'll find resources and information to help you become the healthy, happy, and successful woman you were always meant to be!
Want to see the original video?
Click this link to watch the video
Stay tuned for more self-care strategies and tips for achieving work-life balance for mothers in future articles!
Let's make your success healthy & happy!
Dr. Masi
Founder & CEO, HERSELF HEALTH | Burnout Prevention & Executive Health Coach | Specialising in Corporate Health & Well-Being for Leaders & Their Teams
Disclaimer: The content in this blog and related posts is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Views expressed are those of Dr. Masi Njawaya and Herself Health and not any official organisation. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice. Use this information at your own risk.