As a mum, you’re probably no stranger to feeling overwhelmed. Every day, I hear from mums who are juggling the demands of work, family, and household responsibilities, all while trying to find time for their health and wellness. In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure on mothers has reached new heights, and many are struggling to carve out time for themselves.

Let’s be honest: The life of a modern mum is different from the one our mums experienced. Yes, they were busy, but today’s expectations are more intense. We’re not only raising children, but many of us are working full-time, managing homes, and staying connected socially. Society has placed unrealistic pressures on us to be perfect at everything, and this often leaves us with little to no time for self-care.

But here’s the truth: You can’t do it all. The idea that you can follow the same health and fitness routine you had before children is simply unrealistic. Trying to check off every item on your to-do list is exhausting, and often impossible. Some days, it feels like being a rabbit in headlights—and that’s okay.

Why Dropping Some Balls is Necessary—But Never Drop Yourself

It’s time to accept that some balls will drop, and that’s perfectly fine. What’s most important is that you don’t let yourself be the ball that falls. So many mums confuse basic tasks like cooking meals or cleaning the house with self-care, but these are just everyday responsibilities. You deserve more than just scrambling to meet your family’s needs on the go. Real self-care is about creating moments to nurture yourself beyond survival.

If the thought of self-care feels like one more thing on your long to-do list, don’t worry. It doesn’t need to be elaborate. It’s about finding small, meaningful ways to connect with yourself amid a busy day.

Top Self-Care Tips for Mums to Reclaim Their Health and Wellness

1. Set Realistic Expectations

   Stop trying to follow the routines you had before motherhood. Set small, achievable goals that fit into your current life. Can’t make it to the gym for an hour? Try a 10-minute walk or a quick stretch at home. Adjust your health and wellness plan to be more manageable.

2. Reframe Self-Care

   Self-care doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, a few minutes of deep breathing, or a quick meditation, the goal is to find small moments each day to check in with yourself. These little moments matter.

3. Delegate and Outsource

   You don’t have to do everything. Delegate tasks to your partner, kids, or ask for help from family. If possible, outsource some of your responsibilities, like hiring help for cleaning or using a meal delivery service once a week.

4. Embrace the Imperfection

   Stop chasing perfection. Life with kids is chaotic, and trying to keep everything perfectly balanced will leave you exhausted. Some days the house will be messy, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you don’t lose yourself in the process.

5. Take Micro-Breaks  

   Self-care doesn’t require an entire hour. Take advantage of small windows of time—whether it’s a five-minute breather while the kids nap, a quick meditation, or a few stretches. These micro-breaks can add up, giving you the recharge you need throughout the day.

6. Build a Support Network  

   You’re not alone. Connecting with other mums who understand the struggles of balancing life’s demands is essential. Whether it’s through local groups, friends, or online communities, having support helps to remind you that it’s okay to drop some balls.

7. Prioritise Sleep and Nutrition

   Your wellness starts with the basics: sleep and nutrition. Even small adjustments like getting to bed 30 minutes earlier or preparing healthy snacks can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.

The Takeaway: You Deserve More Than Just Surviving

As a mum, you are more than a to-do list. It’s time to stop just surviving and start thriving. By setting realistic expectations and focusing on small, meaningful changes, you can reclaim your health and wellness. Remember, you are doing an incredible job, but that doesn’t mean you should lose yourself in the process.

So drop some balls—but never drop yourself 💛

Listen here to the full episode talking all things motherhood and business, I share my top tips