Let’s be real. Being a mompreneur can feel like a never-ending cycle of chasing balance while stretching yourself thin. Our culture often praises the hustle, but what’s often ignored is how exhausting it really is to keep all those plates spinning.
Living in a constant state of exhaustion chips away at our ability to enjoy life and connect with those we love. When we run on empty, it quietly pulls us away from what matters most.
The invisible load is real. That mental checklist, the guilt when you pause, and the fear everything will unravel if you step back—it’s exhausting. The real solution isn’t adding to your to-do list, but putting yourself first. When you take care of yourself, your family and business get the best version of you.
I recently connected with Sally Butan, a mom of four and lifestyle influencer who truly understands the demands we face. Our conversation centered on how real mom guilt is, and why prioritizing self-care isn’t just an extra, but a necessity. Self-care is what allows us to keep showing up fully for our families and our businesses, not just for ourselves.
The Reality of the “Do It All” Culture
The pressure to do it all is everywhere. We see messages that make us feel like we should keep up, be perfect at home and in business, and never drop a ball. It’s enough to leave even the most confident mompreneur wondering if she’s enough.
There was a point when I felt completely drained, quietly struggling beneath the surface while holding everything together. Even when I looked productive, I was just going through the motions, always distracted and too tired to truly be present at home or in my business.
Back then, I treated myself like a machine, forgetting I’m human with real needs. Now I see my energy comes and goes. Pushing past my need for rest never made me better at home or in business—it just left me worn out and unhappy.
Burnout leaves us drained and disconnected, robbing us of our strength and joy. Wearing ourselves out doesn’t prove our worth; it just makes it harder to show up fully for anyone or anything.
Shifting the Mindset: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup
The real struggle of self-care isn’t about time—it’s about letting yourself have it. That guilt creeps in the moment you stop to breathe or do something just for you. But the truth is, if you want room to take care of yourself, you’ll have to claim it and believe you deserve it.
During our chat, Sally said something that stopped me in my tracks. It was a wake-up call that I think every mother needs to hear. She said:
“To be a good mom, I have to be alive.”
Neglecting self-care drains your energy, dims your joy, and makes it harder to be patient or present. This is what you lose by always putting yourself last.
You can’t give your best to your family or your business if you’re running on empty. Putting yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s essential for being the mom and entrepreneur you want to be. Self-care is what gives you the energy and clarity to show up fully in every role you play.
Self-care isn’t a prize you earn after checking everything off your list. It’s what helps you find the energy and focus to get through it all in the first place.
Practical, No-Fluff Ways to Prioritize Yourself
Self-care isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about building small habits into your busy life. Focus on what you can realistically do each day, even if it’s just a quiet moment with your coffee, a few deep breaths, or five minutes with your favorite book. The key is to create simple routines that support you, even when life feels hectic.
Let’s get real about what self-care actually looks like on a regular day. Sure, a quiet spa day sounds amazing, but most of us don’t have that kind of time. What truly matters are those tiny habits you squeeze into the cracks of your life. Practical things that work with the mess and busyness, not in spite of it. Here’s what’s helped me, and what Sally and I talked about. These are things you can try out today, not someday when everything magically slows down.
Schedule Your Health Like a Business Meeting
When was the last time you prioritized your own check-up? Don’t put your health on the back burner. Scheduling regular appointments is a simple but powerful act of self-care that keeps you showing up strong for everyone who counts on you.
Start simple: actually put your own checkup on the calendar and go. Get your blood work done and see if you might be running low on iron, Vitamin D, or B12. When Sally talked about this shift, it honestly opened my eyes. Sometimes, just getting answers about your health lifts a weight right off your shoulders. When your body has what it needs, you won’t just survive tantrums and Zoom calls—you’ll meet them with energy you forgot you had.
Move Your Body to Clear Your Mind
Let’s be honest. When life gets busy, exercise is usually the first thing to take a back seat, but movement does wonders for your mood and helps melt away stress. You don’t need a fancy routine; just a bit of activity each day clears your head and helps you show up with more patience and clarity.
Walking is seriously underrated. A quick stroll around your block or even pacing your living room during nap time can do wonders for your mind and mood. If you need a little more structure or motivation, try searching YouTube for free videos like “Walk at Home.” You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership—just a few spare minutes and the willingness to move. I promise, even a short walk can clear your head, shake off brain fog, and help you come back to your day with a bit more patience and clarity.
Building Your Self-Care Village (Even If You Have to Hire It)
Having a solid support system, or building your own village, is essential. Whether it’s leaning on neighbors, friends, or paid help, surrounding yourself with people who lighten your load gives you the space and energy you need for your family and your work.
Hiring extra help isn’t about being “extra”—it’s a smart way to free up your time and energy. Outsourcing tasks gives you space to focus on what truly matters, whether that’s growing your business, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply allowing yourself to rest.
Delegating household tasks frees up your time and mental space, helping you focus on what matters most and maintain your overall well-being.
Including your children in household tasks not only eases your workload but also teaches them valuable life skills and the importance of contributing as part of a family.
Setting Boundaries is Your New Superpower
Learning to set boundaries has been a game changer for me. Saying yes to everything used to leave me stretched thin and exhausted. I’ve realized boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about respecting my own limits so I can show up fully for what matters most.
Setting boundaries is about protecting your time and energy so you can be fully present where it matters most. These healthy limits help you honor your needs and refill your cup, which makes you stronger and more focused—in every part of your life.
Drawing boundaries is a way of honoring yourself. It’s a reminder that your needs are just as important as anyone else’s.
Tools to Support Your Self-Care Journey
Having the right tools can make self-care more manageable and create space for moments of rest you might otherwise miss. Tools that support your routine can help you reclaim small pockets of peace and make self-care feel truly doable in daily life.
One small change that’s really helped me is using these simple self-care tools. They make it easier to carve out peaceful moments in the day and help me reset, even when life feels hectic.
What’s most important is finding self-care tools that genuinely help you feel grounded and bring calm into your day. Let these small supports remind you to come back to yourself, guilt-free.
The Link Between Self-Care and Net Worth
There’s a clear connection between how you value yourself and how your business grows. When you put yourself last, it affects your confidence and the way you show up. Prioritizing self-care teaches you—and everyone else—that you’re worth it, and that belief shapes your success.
When you value yourself, your confidence in business grows. You believe in your abilities, set healthy boundaries, and welcome opportunities knowing you are worthy of them.
Sally put it beautifully when she said:
“Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s like a superpower.”
When you’re rested, nourished, and supported, everything changes. Self-care brings clarity, creativity, and patience, helping you show up with renewed energy for both your family and your business.
If you want a business and family life that thrives, it starts with you prioritizing self-care. Building something lasting means making sure you’re truly cared for, not just getting by. Sustainable success is only possible when you feel alive, present, and whole.
You’re allowed to put yourself first. Give yourself permission to rest and care for your well-being. Lasting success starts with believing you deserve it.
Choose one small step for yourself today and show your mind and body that you matter.
When you prioritize self-care, everyone benefits. You show up stronger and more fulfilled, and it positively impacts both your family and your business. That’s the foundation of true, lasting success.