6: You Deserve a Break: Finding Time for Yourself Without the Guilt

Hey there, Supermom! Whether you're a returning reader or new to the Stress Free Supermoms community, I'm thrilled to have you here. I’m Deanna Hart, and I created this space for busy moms like you—moms who juggle chaos every day—to discover strategies that bring more calm into your lives. Today, let’s chat about something crucial: taking a much-needed break for yourself without any guilt. Yes, you read that right—you deserve it!

On the GO? Listen to this episode here!

Why Prioritize Yourself?

Balancing family life and work is no easy feat, but prioritizing yourself amidst all of this is essential. It’s about preventing burnout, reducing stress, and improving your health.

A study in the Journal of Women's Health revealed that self-care interventions significantly improve women's physical and mental well-being. Women who engage in self-care activities like mindfulness, exercise, and stress management experience:

• Reductions in anxiety
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Enhanced overall well-being

This research underscores the importance of prioritizing self-care for long-term benefits.

My Journey to Self-Care

I'll admit, I've always struggled with taking care of myself. Like many of you, I naturally prioritize others—kids, husband, pets, the whole nine yards. But what’s critical is recognizing how this impacts everything, from clarity in problem-solving to staying calm under pressure.

Looking back, it’s clear that prioritizing myself is what I needed all along to tackle life's challenges like problem-solving, staying calm, and managing anxiety. I embarked on a personal growth journey focused on mental wellness and health. Over time, I gradually incorporated meditation, deep breathing, healthy eating, and exercise into my routine. These practices have increased my resilience and clarity, helping me stay calm amidst chaos.

Finding Time for Yourself

Here are some strategies I’ve found helpful—hopefully, they resonate with you as well:

1. Start Small: Find small pockets of time. My quiet moments are usually in the morning before the household wakes up, giving me around 30 minutes of peace.
2. Set Non-negotiables: Establish daily or weekly activities that are solely for you, like enjoying a shower or a peaceful morning coffee.
3. Ask for Help: I know this can be daunting, but asking for help is crucial. Delegate small chores to family members. For instance, my son cleans up his room before heading out to play, which lightens my load.
4. Schedule Your Self-Care: Treat self-care like any important appointment. Whether it’s reading, meditating, or a monthly mani-pedi, schedule it so it becomes habit.

Remember, It's Your Oxygen Mask Too

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s about putting your oxygen mask on first so you can be stronger and more present for your family.

A simple affirmation I use often is, “I deserve a break.” It serves as a great reminder to keep prioritizing myself.

So, I encourage you to take one small action today—whether it’s setting aside a quiet moment or delegating a chore. Remember, I’m here for you. I understand how overwhelming life can be, and I’m committed to helping you live a happier, healthier life.

Next time, we'll discuss lightening your load and building your support network—a journey I’m on too!

I’d love to hear your experiences with self-care in our Stress Free Supermoms Facebook group. Whether good or challenging, every story matters.

Until next time, stay calm, stay strong, and keep thriving, Supermom!