Juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship is an art form – one that requires superhuman resilience, boundless energy, and the frequent gallons of caffeine. But between the board meetings and bedtime stories, it’s easy to lose oneself in the process. Mompreneurs, this article is each one of those go-getter mommy entrepreneurs out there! Here’s why prioritizing workplace wellness is the secret weapon to thriving, not just surviving, in their dual role.
Here’s the truth bomb: prioritizing well-being isn’t selfish, it’s strategic. A happy, healthy self is a powerhouse- more focused, creative, resilient, and most importantly, happy – qualities that translate directly to business success. So, let’s ditch the guilt and dive into some practical ways to weave wellness into the whirlwind life of these women, who have stars in their eyes, and feet on the ground!
Ditch the word ‘Mompreneur’. This is shackled by labeling these women between being a mom and an entrepreneur. There is so much more to a person. A person’s identity goes beyond their parental status and the life stage of their business. As an ambitious professional with other responsibilities including childcare, these women also have their educational identity, social identity, and individual identity. We do not have a term like ‘Dadpreneurs’ do we?
Prioritise self. No, it is not wrong to eat when you are hungry even if others have not eaten yet, it is not wrong to sleep in late if you have had a long day the previous day. It is not long to hang out with friends on the weekend.
Also read: It can be Driven To Create Competitive Edge by Jassu Jain
Your kids eat when they are hungry. So do your family members. None of them feel guilty, and neither should you. Kids go for play dates and birthday parties and sleep late without having long days or bills to pay. Your partner too might hang out with friends after work or on weekends.
Guilt is self-imposed. If one were to articulate what one needs for ‘me-time’ and align those around us, they would all adapt.
Mindful Moments: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even journaling can work wonders for managing stress and anxiety. Spend time with yourself and listen to your body, heart, and mind.
The Mighty Schedule: Block out dedicated work hours, factoring in nap times or school pick-ups. Treat these slots as sacred, just like client meetings. Identify what is negotiable and non-negotiable for you. Ensure that you have only non-negotiables on your calendar and that the negotiables are delegated to others.
The Delegation Boon: Is there a task someone else can handle? Delegate with clear instructions. Remember, letting go doesn’t diminish your power; it amplifies your focus. Grandparents love picking and dropping to those evening classes, or helping with their favorite subjects, monitoring bath time, or babysitting while you hang out with friends or are in an important meeting. Domestic help is another critical resource. If nurtured well, trusted and loyal domestic help can take off mundane tasks like grocery shopping, domestic chores, and even pick up and drop off from school bus stop.
Partner accountability- Make your partner an equal parenting and domestic chores contributor. As the other parent, they are equally responsible for the childcare, upbringing, education, and well-being. If they want to take the credit and bask in the glory of well-raised children, they better do their bit.
The Productivity Power-up: Batch similar tasks together. Emails in the morning, creative brainstorming in the afternoon – streamline your workflow. We have different body clocks. Some of us are most focused and creative in the mornings while others are night birds. Identify what works for you and create your work schedule to pump up your productivity. Remember- you are your boss; you make the rules!
Along with this, prioritize your sleep. Prioritizing sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. When you’re well-rested, your focus sharpens, creativity flourishes, and you tackle challenges with a calmer, more collected mind. Imagine crafting brilliant marketing strategies while your little one naps peacefully – that’s the power of sleep!
Fueling Your Hustle: Nourishment for Body and Mind. We all know the importance of healthy eating for our kids, but how often do we prioritize it for ourselves? Healthy, tasty food is nourishment not just for the body, but for the mind and soul too. Think fresh fruits, whole grains, and lean protein – these powerhouses keep your energy levels stable and your brain firing on all cylinders. Plus, healthy habits tend to trickle down, so you’re setting a positive example for your children.
A happy, healthy self is a powerhouse- more focused, creative, resilient, and most importantly, happy – qualities that translate directly to business success. So, let’s ditch the guilt and dive into some practical ways to weave wellness into the whirlwind life of these women, who have stars in their eyes, and feet on the ground!
Tech Hacks for the Win: Technology can be your best friend in managing time. Utilize apps like scheduling tools and reminders, grocery delivery services, and online bill pay. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones for that critical focus time, even amidst the chaos. Let tech take care of the mundane, freeing up your mental space for the magic only you can create.
Move It, Go, Getter, Move It! Physical activity is a well-documented stress buster, releasing endorphins that elevate mood and promote better sleep. Different moves work for different people, what’s yours? Even a brisk 30-minute walk can make a world of difference. Consider a quick 10-minute walk after every meal? or an online dance class? – find what sparks joy and get your body moving! One Business person keeps a yoga mat and a pair of dumbells next to their workstation. When on a break, the person does three sets of any one exercise.
The Power of “No”: Setting boundaries isn’t rude, it’s respectful – to yourself and the other person too, as it dispels unreasonable expectations. Don’t be afraid to politely decline additional commitments if your plate is full. Remember, a burnt-out, tired person isn’t helpful or productive to anyone.
Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. By investing in yourself, you’re building the resilience to navigate the daily chaos, the bustle, the creativity to find innovative solutions, and the energy to be the best version of yourself for both your business and your family.
There will be days when the to-do list seems endless, and tantrums interrupt conference calls. That’s okay! Embrace the imperfections and celebrate the small wins. Forgive yourself for the occasional slip-up. By prioritizing your well-being, you’ll be a person, a more effective person, and a role model for your both your teams- at home and at work.
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