Why You Need to Stop Apologising for Wanting Time to Yourself

You’re a high-achieving working mum who’s brilliant at what she does. You’re ambitious, loving, dependable and strong and you’re absolutely shattered. 

You’re the one holding it all together: the work deadlines, the school runs, the family diary and the never-ending laundry pile. You give to everyone, every day and without question. 

What’s often missing is time just for you. 

The Truth About Self-Care (That No One Talks About)

Every moment of your day doesn’t need to be filled. It doesn’t all have to be reserved for work and family. 

What it does need is time carved out for you.

Not earned. Not squeezed in.

Given. Chosen. Protected.

Because the truth is, and I know it’ll land even if you bristle at it, you are the most important person in your life.

Not because your kids or partner don’t matter, but because when you run dry, everything feels heavier. Your spark dims. Your confidence takes a hit. That tired edge creeps into your patience, your joy and your sense of purpose.

The only person truly responsible for looking after you is you.

This is something I often have to remind the women I coach regularly. Not as some fluffy wellness mantra, but as a non-negotiable strategy for sustainable success.

Spare Time? Let’s Talk About the Guilt That Comes With It

High-achieving mums like you often fall into a trap of constant output. Giving, producing and organising. There’s rarely any spare time, and if there is, it’s often spent catching up on jobs or guilt-scrolling. 

You start wondering:

• Why am I so irritable lately?
• Why do I feel a bit numb?
• Where has she gone, the woman I used to be before all this?

You’re not broken. You’re just overdue for reconnection with yourself.

As Michelle Obama once said:
“We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to-do’ list.”

So if you’ve been waiting for permission, here it is. You’re allowed to claim space for yourself. Not later. Not one day. Now. 

Here are 5 things you can do today to give yourself some time.

Put Yourself in the Calendar

Block out 20-30 minutes a day for you. It could be journaling, reading, stretching or meditating. Whatever feeds you. If it’s in your diary, it’s real and it’s more likely to happen.

Say Goodbye to the ‘Should Life’

Are you doing things to keep the peace, out of guilt or to avoid judgement? Ask yourself, “Do I want to do this?” Start noticing the difference between obligation and choice. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.

Declutter Your Energy

What are 3 things you can stop doing this week that drain your energy or time? Delete. Delegate. Delay. Yes it is that simple.