Do you feel like you’re only a “good mother” if you always put your needs aside to care for your family’s needs first? This misguided standard of selflessness may be the reason why many mothers feel burned out and discouraged. The tendency to experience overwhelm isn’t unique to just working or stay-at-home (SAH) mothers. It affects all moms who believe that they should consistently put everyone else’s needs before their own.
While it’s important to make sure your family is healthy and well-cared for, you can’t continue pouring water from an empty bucket. If you keep putting your own needs last, you may never have time to get to them. As a result, your physical, mental, and emotional health will suffer. You’re also more likely to feel exhausted, deprived, and possibly even resentful. Here’s why it’s crucial for moms to prioritize their own health, not just their family’s.
Balanced Moms Tend to Have Better Mental and Emotional Health
Moms who learn how to achieve a healthy balance between caring for others and themselves tend to have better mental and emotional health. Consequently, they tend to manage stress better and struggle less with mood swings and mental health disorders. Moms who make time for self-care often have more energy to be there for the people they love most.
If you struggle with mental or emotional health despite trying to make more time for things you enjoy, don’t panic. You may have some unaddressed traumas or undiagnosed mental health conditions holding you back. Talking to a skilled therapist can help you overcome these challenges and give you the skills you need to achieve balance in life. If you’re working with a tight budget, remember your mental and emotional health are worth the expense. Plus, there are plenty of affordable therapy options available, thanks to the rising popularity of online therapists.
Self-Care Strengthens Family Connections
Contrary to what you might think as a conscientious mom, taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your family. Many hard-working moms are surprised to discover that self-care can actually strengthen family connections. The well-being of the family is closely tied to the well-being of its most loyal caretaker: Mom. When a mom feels well-rested, restored, and content, she has an improved capacity to be emotionally available for her family members. She’s able to provide better support for children struggling with emotional issues because she’s not already emotionally overwhelmed.
A well-grounded and balanced mom also has an easier time dealing with family issues in thoughtful, kind, and effective ways. Therefore, putting time aside for adequate self-care makes it easier for moms to help build strong families. When Mom takes time to retreat and recharge, it helps create a nurturing environment that benefits the entire family.
Burnout Leads to Poor Health
You want to be there for your family for many years to come, right? Then, it’s time to stop sacrificing your own health on the altar of your family’s health. Doing so will likely backfire by causing you to sabotage your own well-being so you can no longer properly care for your family. It’s possible (and preferable) to prioritize your own physical and mental well-being so you can become a better caregiver to your family.
According to a study conducted by Yale University, burnout and the chronic stress that comes with it could shorten your lifespan. Prolonged stress increases the risk of health conditions such as heart disease, gastrointestinal diseases, and metabolic disorders. It can also contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and immune disorders. So, the next time you’re approaching burnout as a busy mom, make time to pamper yourself. Managing your own health first will make it easier to support the health needs of your family.
Taking Care of Yourself Sets a Good Example for Your Family
Children rely on their parents to model a healthy approach to life and health. If you consistently put your own needs on the back burner, your children will get the impression that self-care isn’t important. They may also start to treat you with less respect when they see that you have very little respect for yourself. On the other hand, if you prioritize self-care, you show your children the value of self-respect and health.
You can make self-care a family affair by involving the entire family in fulfilling, restful, or rejuvenating activities. For example, consider taking a weekly family walk on a mountain or park trail. Spending time in nature can have a positive impact on physical and mental health and well-being. You could also teach your children how to practice mindfulness and gratitude and explain the positive impact these practices can have on their mental health. Involving the whole family in self-care activities can foster lifelong healthy habits.
Conclusion
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important and influential things you can do as a mom. When you prioritize your own mental, physical, and emotional health, it’s easier to support and nurture your family. Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice your own well-being to ensure your family’s needs are being met. Embracing self-care and thoughtfully attending to your own needs allows you to be the best version of yourself for your family.
