It can be so difficult finding time to do anything as a working mom, trying to achieve a balance during every day while being pulled from all directions. It seems that unless you have an advanced degree in time management you just cannot find the available time to attend to the needs of the kids, your job, housekeeping and the other myriad tasks that seem so necessary today.
If we put off something until tomorrow, we feel guilty about it and this only serves to increase those daily pressures. Budgeting can be quite a challenge and if you only have a limited source of income you will always feel pressured to spend it on the kids and other household items, relegating yourself to last place in the pecking order.
As a working mum, you need to remember one thing - you represent the "engine" that runs the entire family and without you, available in tip top form and shining condition, the family machine will just not work as well. Therefore, you should place any feelings of guilt in the back of your thoughts and remember that when you decide to invest in yourself it's actually a well-spent investment in the family "machine," your children and your overall existence. You need to feel good about yourself or, over the course of time, you will become more and more burdened, depression may set in and this can become a downward spiral.
One of the more important goals for you should be to create a strong support network around you. It's a good idea to remember to lean on your close friends for support - you know who they are, they're the true friends you can always turn to in situations like these at any time. Just remember that support is a two-way street. You may already have close family members who help you out, but don't be afraid to seek the help of a professional coaching expert, specifically coaching for women in your situation as well.
If you're lucky, maybe you've got a really good friend who is willing to babysit for you, so you can have some precious "me time" all to yourself. There is always a way around and a way to find time to make you feel "yummy" rather than slummy! Always keep in mind that no matter how much chaos seems to reign everywhere around you on a daily basis, you have to take control over the factors that you can manage.
Looking and feeling fabulous on a low budget is not that difficult. Your toughest challenge will be in setting aside the necessary time to truly pamper yourself. Once you actually accept this as a fundamental priority in your life, you need to make this happen regularly.
The best investment you can make in yourself is to commit to daily exercise and we don't mean lugging bags of groceries around or cleaning the house! A dedicated period of cardiovascular exercise is ideal, or you could even get started by working with a small set of free weights while walking through the streets of your own neighbourhood.
See how this will make you feel better mentally and physically and how it will make you look better - your skin tone will shine. You can pick up supplies to do a really great home manicure and pedicure, schedule a visit to a beautician or hairstylist and just focus on your personal time in the bathroom more often.
Always remember that feeling great is simply a state of mind. This process usually begins with a renewed focus on setting aside time for you, and then giving this time an equal priority.
For more hints and tips on how to feel great as a low-budget mum, check out the numerous online life coaching resources available!
Amanda Alexander is the Managing Director of Coaching Mums. She is a celebrated ICF accredited coach, who for over six years, has been helping thousands of working mums from around the World bring balance back into their lives, lose their guilt, find the time to explore their passions, and generally, to have a lot more fun! For fantastic articles and hot professional coaching tips, sign up to receive "Inspire," our famous free newsletter today!
