The Importance of Self-Care: Letting Go of Judgment and Prioritizing Yourself
Hi, friends! It has been a hot minute. Since the holidays, my life has been a cycle of endless tasks. Then, throw in a few viruses and a dog that has now developed a food allergy, and BOOM, you’ve got yourself a recipe for mommy overdrive followed by an inevitable mommy crash!
But here’s the thing: as moms, we somehow keep going. We show up for the ones we love the most, even when we’re running on fumes. We juggle responsibilities, push through exhaustion, and handle everything life throws at us. And while that resilience is amazing, it’s also draining if we don’t take the time to care for ourselves.
Over the past couple of months, I have been MIA, and that’s because balancing a business while being the person I want to be to myself and my family, is hard. Running a business is hard, but trying to keep afloat on a sinking ship feels like a losing battle if you’re running on empty. I realized that if I didn’t step back, take a breath, and make myself a priority, I wouldn’t have anything left to give to the people who matter most and this business isn’t a race for me, its started as a dream and has evolved into a journey of self-exploration and I am incredibly lucky to have a supportive family that is cheering me all of the way.
This post is all about spreading awareness, about self-care and about not caring what others think when you put yourself first.
The Guilt Trap: Why Moms Struggle with Self-Care
We live in a society that glorifies busyness. If you’re not running on coffee and stress, are you even doing enough? Moms face pressure to be everything to everyone, perfect parents, successful professionals, devoted partners, and always available friends.
But let’s get real. You can’t pour from an empty cup. And yet, when we take time for ourselves, whether it’s getting a workout in, reading a book, or just sitting in silence, we often feel guilty. It’s as if prioritizing our own well-being is somehow selfish, and it’s not.
Why Self-Care Matters
When you take care of yourself, you’re not just benefiting yourself, you’re benefiting everyone around you. A rested, mentally strong, and happy mom is better equipped to handle the chaos of life. Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (though those are great, too!). It’s about setting boundaries and saying no when needed and giving yourself permission to rest without guilt. Taking care of your physical health through exercise and proper nutrition and prioritizing mental and emotional well-being by doing things that bring you joy. The hardest part is letting go of unrealistic expectations and focusing on what truly matters.
Stop Caring What Others Think
One of my biggest roadblocks to self-care is the fear of judgment. What will people think if I take a break? If I don’t answer that email right away? If I let the laundry sit for another day?
The reality is people are too wrapped up in their own lives to be judging yours as much as you think. And even if they are? Who cares? Your happiness and health are far more important than meeting someone else’s definition of what a “good” mom, wife, business owner, or friend looks like.
Making Self-Care a Priority
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, drained, or just plain exhausted, take this as your sign to slow down. Start small. Take five minutes for yourself today. Go on a short walk. Breathe deeply. Do something that fills your cup. The world won’t crumble if you take a step back, but you might find that when you return, you’ll have more energy and joy to share with the people who matter most.
So here’s to self-care. To putting yourself first without guilt. To knowing that you are enough just as you are. And to letting go of what others think, because your happiness is worth it.
How do you prioritize self-care? Let’s chat in the comments!
XO,
Sandra