Written by: Olivia Radcliffe, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In today’s hustle culture, it seems that the concept of “self-care” in itself has become just one more thing to check off of the ever-growing to-do list; an irony when you consider how important self-care truly is to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The notion of what constitutes “self-care” has become rather cliche—bubble baths, face masks, and other temporary “treats.” While there’s nothing wrong with any of those suggestions, self-care is more than something you do for an hour or two each month. Self-care is a way of life where you engage in simple, habitual practices that prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health.
It’s not an escape from daily life, but rather the practice of building a life you don’t need to escape from.
Here are 7 ways I’ve incorporated self-care into my routine as a busy solo mom with multiple businesses (sans face masks and bubbles…)
1. Be present
With a million and a half things on your to-do list, it’s easy to get caught up in multi-tasking or thinking about what’s coming up next in your schedule, instead of focusing on the task at hand. Multi-tasking, though, is actually damaging to our productivity. Give yourself permission to be in the moment, intentionally giving your entire focus to what you’re currently doing, whether that’s writing an email to a client or playing with your child.
2. Say no
While the fear of upsetting others or of missing out might have you continually accepting each opportunity that comes your way, the ultimate act of self-care is recognizing and embracing when you need to say no. Before you agree to do something, ask yourself what that “yes” is forcing you to say “no” to in return. Time with friends? A full night of sleep? Your daughter’s soccer game? Saying no doesn’t have to be confrontational—it is an affirmation of your commitment to your other priorities.
3. Move intentionally
Whether you’re hitting the 6 AM pilates class or not, you’re naturally moving your body throughout the day. Pay attention to each movement; how your muscles feel, how your movement coincides with your breath, where your body is flexing and where it is contracting. Bring intentionality to your movements.
4. Laugh often
You know the saying: laughter is the best medicine. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts your mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress (and, as an added bonus, it burns calories, too!). See if you can find the humor in the small things, maybe even in those things that would otherwise be annoying or stressful.
5. Practice mindful eating
In the rush of life as a mom and as an entrepreneur, meals can sometimes become a second thought. Instead, take a moment to practice mindful eating. Pay attention to the colors, textures, and flavors of your food. Chew slowly, savoring each bite. Not only does this contribute to better digestion, but it also allows you to appreciate the moment and the nourishment your body is receiving.
6. Celebrate often
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Mompreneurs often have a seemingly never-ending list of tasks, and it can be easy to focus instead on what has yet to be done. Taking a moment to stop and recognize all you have achieved helps boost your confidence, fosters a positive mindset, and starts to build up the momentum that will lead to even more achievements.
7. Be indulgent
Busyness can also lead to an imbalance in how you are spending two of your most precious resources: time and money. Focus instead on feeling indulgent. Indulge in a family meal with all the fixings. Indulge in a morning routine to get ready for the day, so you walk out of the house feeling confident. Indulge in an extra moment to really feel the hug as you drop your child off at school. Indulgence doesn’t have to mean a weekend trip to the spa or champagne and caviar; indulgence can be slowing down and drinking in every moment while you have the chance.
Balancing the demanding roles of a mom and an entrepreneur requires intentional self-care. By implementing simple, everyday steps, you can nurture your well-being and achieve sustainable success. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for both personal fulfillment and business prosperity.
For more tips about incorporating self-care into your routine, reach out to me directly on my website or find me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Olivia Radcliffe, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Olivia Radcliffe is a much sought-after expert in authentic marketing and business strategy. She works with moms with businesses, meeting them at the intersection of life and business, healing what is holding them back and then helping them use their unique strengths and schedule needs to create a business that stands out and enhances their personal lifestyle goals. Olivia is also a 5-time international bestselling author, women's empowerment speaker, certified Life Coach, co-creator of the Like a Mother Movement, and co-host of the Marketing Like a Mother podcast. Her favorite title, though, is mom to her toddler son and German Shepherd.
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