The Act of Prioritising You: A Guide For Busy Mums to Find Balance and Self-Care.

Juggling work and motherhood is an incredibly unique challenge that demands strength, patience, and love in bountiful quantities. Whilst we naturally adore our little ones it doesn’t negate the pressures that we feel from relentless mothering and working, leaving little space for YOU.

 From managing work deadlines to helping with homework and running the household, it often feels like there is no time left. The concept of self-care can sometimes seem like a luxury, something that can wait until “things slow down.” But the truth is, without nurturing yourself first, it becomes much harder to show up for everyone else in the way that you truly want to.

So, how can you, as a busy working mum, prioritise yourself in a world that demands so much of you?

It’s all about finding small moments to punctuate the day that are set aside for YOU, as well as recognising what are realistic expectations, and creating a life where you honour your needs as much as you honour the needs of those around you.

Here are some gentle tips to help you prioritise yourself without guilt, without perfectionism, and with lots of compassion:

1. Recognise That You Deserve It:

The first step to prioritising yourself is acknowledging that you deserve to take care of your own well-being. For too long, working Mummas have been conditioned to put themselves last on the list. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup, a phase we find ourselves repeating a lot in Organic Family Chiropractic. When you take the time to care for yourself, you’re better equipped to show up for your family, your work, and all the things that matter most.

Remember: self-care is not selfish—it's necessary.

2. Start Small: Five Minutes a Day

If the idea of carving out an hour for yourself feels impossible, start small. Five minutes of quiet time is a wonderful place to begin. It could be:

- Sipping your morning coffee while the house is still quiet

- Doing a few deep breaths during your lunch break

- Taking a short walk after dropping the kids off at school

- Stretching or doing a few gentle yoga poses before bed

It’s not about how much time you have, but how intentionally you spend it. These small moments of self-care add up over time and can create a sense of peace amidst the busyness.

3. Embrace the Power of Saying "No"

Do you find yourself under pressure to say “yes” to everything—be it at work, at school, or in your social life?

Learning to say “no” is one of the most empowering things you can do for your own well-being. It’s okay to decline invitations or extra responsibilities if they don’t align with your priorities or if they simply drain your energy.

When you say “no” to something, you're saying “yes” to yourself.

Read that again and really let it resonate.

4. Get Comfortable with Imperfection:

Perfectionism is a trap that many working mums fall into. We feel like we have to do everything perfectly, whether it’s at work or at home, and that can lead to burnout and resentment. But life is messy, and the truth is, you don’t have to do everything flawlessly to be an amazing mum or a successful professional.

Remember your little ones won’t remember how incredible you were at playing with them when they’re older- they’ll just remember you played and you were there.

Give yourself permission to have imperfect days. Lean into the idea that “good enough” really is enough. Your value doesn’t depend on perfection—it’s in your effort, your care, and your heart.

5. Create a Support System:

One of the best ways to prioritise yourself is by asking for help when you need it.

Whether it’s enlisting a partner, a friend, or a family member to pitch in, or reaching out to a colleague for support at work, you don’t have to do everything alone. Building a strong support system makes it easier to create space for your own needs and can ease the pressure of feeling like you have to carry it all.

It’s okay to lean on others. You’re not meant to do everything by yourself.

6. Reframe "Self-Care"

Self-care doesn’t have to mean a luxurious spa day or a weekend retreat (though, wouldn’t that be nice?). It’s about finding small, simple ways to recharge your mind, body, and spirit. For some, self-care could be:

-Reading a book for 10 minutes

-Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts- why not grab yourself some when you’re next in practice?!

-Journaling your thoughts

-Spending a few extra moments to slowly massage your hands with lotion after you go to the loo on your own!

-Listening to your favourite music

-Enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea

Think of self-care as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time event. The more you find ways to nurture yourself, the better you’ll feel in all areas of your life.

7. Set Boundaries Around Work and Family Time:

When you’re working from home or balancing work and family in the same space, it can be easy for the boundaries to blur. Setting clear limits around when your workday starts and ends, and when family time begins, can help protect both your professional and personal well-being. Let your family know when you need focus time and communicate with your colleagues about your availability.

Boundaries create balance, and balance is key to avoiding overwhelm.

8. Celebrate the Wins (Big and Small)

Finally, take a moment to celebrate yourself. Working mums often focus so much on what needs to be done that they forget to acknowledge their accomplishments. Whether it’s a successful project at work or a peaceful moment with your child, take time to appreciate yourself. You are doing amazing work, even on the days that feel tough.

Celebrate the little victories. You are enough.

Conclusion: The Power of Prioritising Yourself

Prioritising yourself as a working mom is not about doing it all; it's about finding a rhythm that works for you. It’s about recognizing your own needs, setting boundaries, and honouring your well-being. Remember, you’re human—and you deserve to nurture yourself with the same care and compassion you give to others.

So, mama, take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and remember: you’re doing an incredible job. You’ve got this.