When it comes to balancing career and motherhood, one of my main focus areas is doing everything while maintaining a healthy mental state. After all, mental health is the foundation to everything in our lives. It’s super important that we feel emotionally healthy for ourselves, our careers, and most important, our kids.
I am extremely blessed to have encountered so many kind, strong, and successful women so far in my adventures. Some of them moms, some not. The cool part is that we keep each other balanced, all the while checking in to make sure we are caring for our physical health and mental health. In short, these wonderful gals and I keep each other strong.
It is the wisdom from these relationships that inspires the tips I’m about to share with you. My hope is that these suggestions will help keep you the strong, mountain-moving mama you are.
Set aside specific “me” time.
It sounds cliché, but real “me” time is necessary, and sometimes even a life-saver. Ask some friends or family members to occasionally watch the kids while you go do whatever it is that helps you relax. It sounds crazy, but sometimes a mere 45 minutes of legit “me” time can feel like an entire day at the spa.
Consistently give yourself one very important reminder.
If there’s one thing you need to remember on a daily basis, it’s this: You do NOT have to be everywhere and doing everything at all times. Perhaps some moms can do that, and cheers to them. But the rest of us simply don’t have the time or energy to be all things to all people at all times. Leave yourself a Post-It if need be so you can remind yourself that you really are doing your best – and that that is truly enough.
Use social media to your advantage.
Here’s an important one: Regulate your social media. I personally think it can benefit you to see other moms balancing being a working mother, but if you think it will just result in you comparing yourself to other women who you think are doing “more” than you, ditch the Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for a while. In other words, if a particular social media platform isn’t bringing you joy, you don’t need it.
Give yourself some quiet time.
I know. This sounds nearly impossible. But I promise you this: If you take even one minute in the morning to sit in silence, you will feel so much more relaxed as you kick off your day. Again, I promise it will help.
Make the most of your treasured friendships.
Hey! When was the last time you checked in with your closest friends? If it’s been a while, it’s time to change that. Even five minutes a day with a different friend is a wonderful way inspire you and remind your most cherished friends that they mean the world to you.
Thoroughly analyze your relationships.
I strongly suggest that you try to surround yourself with positive, non-judgmental people. If you need to distance yourself from certain friends or family members while you analyze who fits that criteria, that’s fine. Sadly, it’s sometimes the closest people in our lives who bring the most negativity. It’s more than okay to take a break from folks like that.
Stop comparing yourself with other moms.
Unless you’re doing it to inspire yourself, I recommend not comparing yourself with other moms. Everyone has their own path and everyone has certain struggles that you are unaware of. Be the best you you can possibly be, and everything will fall into place.
You’ve got this, Mom. You have all the tools necessary to maintain the type of mental health you want and need for you and your loved ones.
The Music Mom: Eileen Carey 