We never have just one role in this life, currently my main roles and most important are as a wife, mama, and small business owner. Each of these roles I love because they have helped shaped who I am today, however, they don’t define me.
Since becoming a mum, and like millions before me, I always put everything else before myself in all aspects of life. Somedays, emptying the bin trumps brushing my hair, but that’s just the way life is now. No way am I complaining. I’m extremely happy with my life and thankful that I’m been blessed with the gift of a baby. However, some days things can be overwhelming and it’s hard to know which way is left or right.
For the most part, we’re proud and happy to be in these roles and reap the rewards, but the demands they put on us means that the other elements of our identity seem to evaporate. As superwomen, juggling the world tends to mean that we never have quality time to ourselves and we rapidly lose sight of who we really are.
Here are my top tips on how to find that balance in your life that is essential when you’re being so awesome and running your worlds.
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF EVERY DAY
For a short period of time every day, make yourself a priority and schedule in some ‘me’ time. Don’t use this precious time to catch up on the housework, but use it to indulge your passions that you otherwise wouldn’t have time to do. A little time to yourself can do you the world of good and give you the head space that you sometimes crave.
GET PLANNING!
I swear by planning, it’s the greatest thing that has helped me make heads or tails of my day. When things start to get too much, I consult my planner to help point me back in the right direction. Setting out my goals and tasks for the week have given me the clarity that I need, and in turn, made me more productive with the time that I have.
CLEAR OUT THE CRAP
Ditching all the unwanted crap that’s hidden at the back of your kitchen cupboards and wardrobe is a one road trip to finding yourself again. Holding on to things that we no longer need can cause our minds to become cluttered which then overspills into our lives. By removing the stuff that you don’t need you can concentrate on the things that really matter, feel back in control again and brings a much-needed sense of calm.
I wrote about how having a massive life and wardrobe edit made me feel awesome here.
GO TO BED EARLIER & FEEL FABULOUS
The power of sleep is seriously underrated, not only does it help our bodies function, but it also makes us feel amazing! Try going to bed and hour earlier and making it a regular ritual in your daily routine. Not only will your body thank you for it, but you’re going to feel like a million dollars every morning.
TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING SMALL
When was the last time that you treated yourself to something? I’m not talking about diamonds or a new car, although they would both be nice I’m sure. Treating yourself to something small now and then, like a bunch of flowers, painting your nails or your favourite chocolates is such a mood booster. It’s also a great way to reconnect with the things that you love that you have neglected because you are so busy.
Whatever your many roles in life maybe it can be so easy to lose yourself and let yourself become overshadowed. It’s so important to look after yourself and your well-being, so you’re best equipped to look after your loved ones and everything you hold dear.
Finding a happy balance that works well for you and fits into your life may take some time and experimentation, however, the rewards are bountiful! Not only will you rediscover yourself and feel amazing, your world will feel less pressurised and more organised without any detriment to your own health and happiness.
Jemma this is a most welcome read in the middle of yet another chaotic week reminding me to firstly find some gratitude for the things that are going right and secondly to just clear out the crap that’s holding me back, physically and mentally, then just take s breath – Thank lovely, wise words as usual! X
So happy to hear that you found this post helpful. 🙂 You make such a brilliant point about celebrating the things that are going right, even if their only small victories. x
I’m a big planner. I find it’s the only way to keep track of everything and reduce my stress! x
I love my planner and couldn’t be without one now.
Finding a balance is a bit difficult for me as I likely try to do too much. It’s important for me to try to remember self-care and not pushing myself to do too much.
YES! Finding that balance is so hard.
I’m Mother to five, three of which are still at home; ranging from 18, 16 to 5. It can be quite a challenge. Fitting in everything else can sometimes drive me to distraction. It has been one of those weeks this week, and I feel like I’ve ben fighting off a migraine for the last few days. But, when I know I’ve done enough, I say enough. If something doesn’t get done, then so be it. I used to push myself all the time, but that did me no good. I do need a lot of planning, and a lot of leeway at the same time. Lists are good. Very good. And making time for yourself, even one day a week is a must.
Wow! Your house must be so busy and difficult to find some time in your day just for you. Really happy to hear that you’re not being so hard on yourself and learnt to let it all go.
Planning is always a good one, I have extensive to do lists and it helps me feel more prepared x
Planning works really well for me too.
When I make time for myself, I always make sure I stay off the internet too because it is so noisy and disturbs my me time. I havent been treating myself lately and this is a great reminder to me to make this a habit
The internet can be so noisy and overwhelming sometimes. I hope you get to treat yourself soon.
Me time is so important! I am going to have my hair done tomorrow and I can’t wait! x
Oh wow! Enjoy your pamper session.
You are right, there are too many times when we can’t balance our life and we end up tired, not happy with ourselves. We should take care and treat ourselves from time to time, with something small, as you say, a flower or a chocolate. Otherwise we end up collapsing.
Honestly your posts are very positive and helpful! Totally agree with finding time for yourself, when I do I usually read.
Aww thank you! I hope people find them helpful and find this a positive space.
Making a habit to do some sort of planning is so important for me to go on my day without hassle. Well, of course giving myself a little treat also is a way to reward myself.
Clear out the crap – that is a good tip! I so need to clear out my crap, trust I’m quite a hoarder. Thank you for these tips. xx
I am still struggling to make time for me. I have so much to do with my 3 children that I don’t even get much sleep as someone is bound to wake me when I go to bed early.
Love this post Jemma! I must admit, I’ve been so busy lately that I forgot about myself and ‘me’ time and I really have to stop doing that as it’s not healthy! I will try and change that, thanks for the tips!
This is such an important post – I think striking a balance between work, social and your emotional well-being is imperative to living a less stressful life x
Going to check out your post about cleaning out your wardrobe because I need to do that! I want to read the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”!
Love honest posts like this. I’m a big planner too, friends call me Monica from Friends, haha.
Really important messages here, great post Jemma. We’ve recently ditched the crap from our house as we’ve moved – still brought a load of unwanted and unused stuff though!