MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health Tips for Working Mamas
Published on: 19 February 2024
I am Cindy Christian, a mom to a beautiful
3-year-old girl, wife, mental health professional (HPCSA: Registered Counsellor and Research Psychologist), and PhD candidate. I've spent the last decade working in public and private higher education in South Africa and private counselling practice. I am passionate about community mental health, psychology education, research, and counselling. I enjoy accompanying people on their journeys through difficult obstacles to regain mental wellness. As a mom, wife, and working professional, I constantly strive to find balance in everything I do (which is no easy task!). Being mindful and making conscious decisions to review habits that serve me and those that don't help me achieve my goals. I am proud to be a working mama!
Written by
Cindy Christian
The word 'busyness'is often linked to motherhood. Being a working mom is challenging. Expectation surrounds everything we do. We must perform at work and quickly snap into "mommy mode" for the evening routine.
In all the busyness, it is so easy to forget to take a moment to center yourself and reflect on the day, but this is needed to sustain your mental health. Motherhood is not only about ticking every box on the to-do list. It's a privilege to be the core of our families. Raising children allows us to witness the investment of time, sweat, and tears poured into the next generation, who will continue our legacy long after we're gone. This responsibility brings the importance of our mental health into focus.
A few simple habits can help create a sustainable means to take care of your mental health as a working mama - these include:
(1) Taking a moment to sit quietly and reflect on the small wins- during the chaos, there are always wins,
(2) Doing something for yourself that is valuable to you- you give so much to everyone else, you owe it to yourself,
(3) Being kind to yourself - as mothers, there is constant pressure to be more, to do more, and to show up for everyone. You cannot pour from an empty cup and schedule time to practice healthy habits that hold long-term benefits for your mental health.
I've heard many moms say: "If I only had a few more hours in a day, I'd be able to..."…we know this age-old story. So, I want to encourage all working moms to pause regularly and remember your strength as a woman.
Unburden yourself of the busyness, and don't forget to take in the simple joys of being a mother.