Dear ESME Sisters,
Being a mom, friend, and perhaps a coworker, you probably have a ton of time to devote to your own wellness and prioritize it daily. Sound familiar?
If you’re like most Solo Moms, that first statement is absolutely absurd. Sick kids, school projects, laundry, meal preparation, driving, doctor visits, more driving, packing lunches, more laundry, home maintenance, family drama . . . in sum, life does not leave a lot of time for you.
The result? Burnout.
When I was a Solo Mom with four kids between the ages of three and seven, burnout was my default state of being. It was my normal.
This list from Psychology Today sums up the signs that you might be experiencing burnout, too:
- Constant fatigue
- Feelings of ineffectiveness
- Trouble sleeping
- Forgetfulness
- Inattentiveness
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent colds
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- Lack of productivity
- Isolation
- Detachment
- Irritability
I didn’t call this burnout back then, I called it motherhood. It is easy to get in a rut and normalize a very low quality status quo.
One way you can start feeling more energized and upbeat is to prioritize yourself, both physically and mentally. For Solo Moms, this is a nearly impossible task. Key word here? Nearly. It is not impossible.
ESME is here to help you tap into whatever shred of time and motivation you have to start prioritizing yourself. If you feel guilty at the thought of taking an afternoon nap instead of doing laundry, keep in mind that a healthier, happier you will also benefit everyone with whom you interact. When you put on your own metaphorical oxygen mask first, you will be more effective in all your roles and relationships.
We’re here to connect you with information, ideas, and support. Maybe some days you need a sounding board or someone to give you permission to enjoy some “me time,” we can help you with that, too. Check out our Wellness articles, Sister Chat and be sure to join a Tribe or two!
This space is here to help you take care of you, guilt- and judgment-free.
Welcome, sister! We’re glad you’re here.
