Self-care is often talked about in business, but for mums in business it’s far more than a nice-to-have — it’s essential. We hear about ‘self-care’ quite a lot, sometimes it can feel like a well worn phrase, but the reality is, we can’t function without it.
Why Self-Care Often Gets Pushed Aside
Yesterday was a rare day I didn’t shower. Yes, a shower — that self-care basic.
I’m usually strategic with my showers, I almost treat them like well- timed appointments, around exercise or seeing a friend. After all, why jump in the shower if you’re heading for a swim later?
As a woman running her business around motherhood, time is always precious. Some days are “hair and make-up camera-on” days, and others are “quick hair up, do some exercise, crack on” days.
Yesterday was the latter.
A Day Where Self-Care Took a Back Seat
It was one of those days where ‘life happens’ -juggling jobs, meetings, school runs, running errands — dividing and conquering family logistics. No sooner had I stepped back home at 7:45pm, I suddenly remembered a village meeting at 8pm.
I hot-footed it up the road, made it in the nick of time and was brought up to speed on the latest planning applications (which I had only skim read) and formed an action plan with the group.
By the time I got home, it was 10:20pm. The house was quiet, my husband in bed. It wasn’t the time for a shower.
I went to bed slightly grubby, snuggled up to him, safe in the knowledge that he loved me regardless.
The Morning After: A Gentle Reminder
Of course, waking up the next day, I felt groggy.
I felt the weight of not having taken that moment for myself. There’s something about missing even the smallest self-care ritual that lingers with you. It’s hard to shake off.
And seeing as I was planning a quick run, in a bid to get the steps in, it wasn’t until 9am, that I finally jumped in the shower and felt like myself again.
It wasn’t just washing away the day before, it was washing away the chaos– I felt like a ‘fresh canvas’, ready to face the day.
And as I stood in the shower, it reminded me of the early days of motherhood; endless breastfeeding, overnight feeds, the broken sleep, the constant juggling. There were days when the very least I could do for myself was shower, after peeling two young children away from me.
My children might be teenage now, their needs (and mine) might be different, but self-care is still essential.
In fact, it’s the most generous thing you can give — not only to yourself but to your business and your family. Whatever age or stage your children or business.
Self-Care as a Business Mum
At Freelance Mum, we talk about self-care a lot. I always end our online Coffee Morning by asking: “What can you do today that will bring you peace?” Peace can be big — a spa day or a dinner with friends — but often it’s small and messy: sweeping the floor, tackling a task on the to-do list, or sitting quietly in the garden.
Sometimes peace comes in little acts, quietly tending to yourself so you can tend to the rest of your life. A shower, might seem trivial – but for a busy mum in business, it can be a reset button. A way to step out renewed, to bring focus and calm back to your day.
Why It Matters
For mums in business, you are your best asset, so you NEED to look after yourself! It’s part of sustaining your energy, protecting your creativity and being able to show up as your best self — for your business and your family.
It’s also a powerful reminder that you matter too- it’s important to create boundaries to protect ourselves and have the energy to keep going.
And more than ‘keeping going’, it’s recognising that wellbeing matters — not just for your work, but for your life. And maybe, sometimes, it’s about choosing yourself for even just five minutes.
If you’re a mum in business who needs a safe space to share ideas, nuture themselves AND their business, why not join try our community, free for 30 days? We’d love to support you and your business.
