It’s no secret that being a mum is tough.
But when you’re also a business owner, it can feel like you’re juggling two full-time jobs and then some.
A US study found that mums work an average of 98 hours per week. That’s the equivalent of doing two-and-a-half full-time jobs!
As today is World Maternal Mental Health Day, I invite you to pause and reflect on everything you’ve achieved – not just as a business owner, but as a mum too. Because balancing both is no small feat, and you deserve some recognition
It’s a juggling act
Running your own business means managing endless tasks:
- Hitting client deadlines
- Responding to emails
- Promoting yourself regularly on social media
- Sending invoices
- Self-development
- Following up on feedback
The list goes on.
Add raising kids to the mix – from meal planning and school admin to keeping them happy and healthy – and it’s no wonder life can feel overwhelming at times.
Top tip
Writing down your thoughts and the tasks you need to complete can be a good way to offload. Or record a voice note if you prefer.
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the thoughts in your head, get them out of your head and onto paper (or your phone).
This will help clear your mind and make things a little less stressful. Then, go through the list and see what you can delegate to other people.
Whether you prefer to do everything because you worry that someone else won’t do it to your standards, or you don’t want to burden someone else with a task, it’s important to remember that you’re only human and you have your limits.
Don’t put yourself last
There are only so many hours in the day. So inevitably, something has to give.
And more often than not, it’s ourselves we put at the bottom of our list of priorities – below the kids, below work, below our partner, and even below the household chores sometimes.
Yet we need to look after ourselves in order to keep everything else going.
If we fall ill, who’ll look after the kids and the partner? Who’ll keep your business ticking over? Who’ll do the household chores?
It may seem completely unachievable but taking a little ‘me time’ can really help clear your head, improve your mental and physical wellbeing, and help avoid burnout.
Outsource where you can
Outsourcing is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s hiring help for your business, having your partner cook dinner, or asking a friend to do the school run, letting go of some tasks frees up time and mental space.
And remember, you’re doing an incredible job – don’t forget to give yourself some credit.
Jo Martin is The Grammar Mamma and writes great content for a living while being a busy mum too. Contact Jo, on 07941 333549 or email jo@thegrammarmamma.co.uk to get your blogs written or support with your social media.
Photo credit: Bexphoto