The working mom is someone who is both working and has a family. In most cases, she is also the primary caregiver for her children. This means that she has to juggle a lot of different roles and responsibilities. Sound familiar? The working mom is often seen as a superwoman 🦸🏻 who can do everything. However, this is not always the case. The working mom can often feel overwhelmed and stressed out. This can lead to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, which isn't what anyone wants, especially the mom. If you are a working mom, taking care of your mental health is essential. Trust me; I know this is easier said than done.
This means making time for yourself, managing your stress, and seeking professional help if needed. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this month, keep reading to learn more about mental health for the working mom.
Why mental health is important for the working mom Mental health is vital for the working mom because it can help her manage her multiple roles and responsibilities, of which we all know there are many. Mental health can also help her navigate her working and personal lives more effectively. Good mental health can help the working mom cope with the stress of balancing work and family. It can also help her manage her time better and stay more organized. Easy enough, right? Well...
Mental health can help the working mom manage other stressors, including financial concerns and complex relationships. By being mindful of her mental health, she can better manage her emotions and reduce her stress levels. This can help her improve her overall well-being and be more productive at work and home, not to mention being a pleasing person to be around. I know that my kids prefer me to be happy and content vs. being over-stressed and tired.
Mental health can also help working moms take care of their physical health. Poor mental health can lead to unhealthy eating habits, being inactive, and insomnia. I'm not speaking for myself here at all 😉. However, when she takes care of her mental health, she is more likely to make positive lifestyle choices, such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. Again, easier said than done. I get it.
The unique challenges of the working mom Working moms face many unique challenges that can impact their mental health. Some of these challenges include finding adequate childcare, dealing with guilt over leaving the children and feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of the job itself and family.
She also faces the challenge of balancing work and family properly. She may feel guilty for not being able to give her children the time and attention they need. She also may feel overwhelmed with the demands of motherhood and feel like she is failing in her job or as a parent. Sound too familiar?
Working moms also need to find the time to care for themselves and their mental health. This can be a challenge as she will likely put her family and job before her own needs and end up feeling stressed and drained. Personally, this is hard for me. I would quickly put my kid's mask on first if the plane were losing oxygen, not my own.
Self-care is essential for the working mom and her mental health and shouldn't be an afterthought. Finding the proper balance between work and family, creating routines, and setting aside time for self-care can help the working mom to feel more confident in her abilities and to be happier and healthier.
Tips for improving mental health for the working mom Here are a few tips for improving mental health for working moms: (or anyone for that matter!)
Prioritize your mental health: Set aside time daily to practice self-care. This can include activities such as yoga, meditation, listening to music, or going for a walk.
Spend quality time with your family: Try balancing your job and family. Take some time to spend quality time with your family, whether eating dinner together, watching a movie, or sharing a fact of the day. Don't just sit around near your family but with your laptop on, well... your lap. Nice try, but that's not fooling anyone, and your family knows it.
Connect with friends: Connecting with friends is essential for good mental health. Make time to catch up with your friends, attend networking events and build relationships.
Set boundaries: Set boundaries between your time at work and your time at home. This will help you to focus and be more productive. This goes for those who work from home (me!) -you MUST step away occasionally and not barricade yourself away. Get outside!
Take breaks: Breaks are needed to recharge. Make sure to allocate some time for yourself and do something that you enjoy and that brings you joy. Because if you're not, what's the point?
I'd like you to please take these tips to heart as you work towards improving her mental health, which will make you more confident in your abilities and ultimately take better care of yourself.
Resources for the working mom Many resources are available to help you take care of your mental health. Below are five resources that you may find helpful:
Mental health support groups: support groups provide a space for people to talk openly about mental health. They can provide support and advice on how to cope with mental health issues.
Online resources: there are many online resources available to help with mental health, such as websites, blogs, and forums. These resources offer helpful information and practical advice.
Meditation apps: meditation apps can help to practice mindfulness and take a break from the stresses of life.
Counseling: counseling sessions can be very beneficial for helping to improve mental health and well-being.
Physical activity: physical activity can improve mental health. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and boost happiness and energy.
Above all else, feel free to reach out for support when needed. There's someone out there just waiting for the call to action.
April Eldridge, Owner/Founder of April Eldridge Consulting LLC, is a Fractional COO & Chief of Staff with nearly 20 years of experience in operational management and executive leadership. Working in corporate America for most of her career, April ventured into the entrepreneurship world and focuses her efforts on providing the absolute best support possible to her clients. Agility, resilience, determination, and dependability are all attributes that April is well known for, and she highly values her relationships with those she supports. If you or someone you know is looking for a Fractional COO, or perhaps a Chief of Staff, or both, reach out to April for a free discovery call today. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain! www.aprileldridge.com/booking