Real Clever Moms

Juggling all the aspects of your life can make you feel like things have gotten out of control; sometimes it all comes crashing down on you at once. You begin to wonder if you’re doing this, or that, or anything at all, right. When your self-confidence wavers, try some of these tips to shore it up again, take some deep breaths, and give yourself a break.

1. Stop setting the bar so high - You’re not Super Mom. Nobody is. Sit down and list all of your current commitments. Are they all things you MUST do? Think of it this way: “Will someone die or be injured if I stop doing this?” You need to keep that one. Then, “Will my home stop functioning smoothly if I stop doing this?” You need to do that one most of the time; for instance, you probably need to keep feeding the kids and doing the laundry. However, if the answer is “No,” it’s probably something you can fudge on from time to time.

2. Set time aside for yourself - Remember that along with your duties to everyone else, you have one more: to yourself! Budget your time so there is some left over for you. Get a babysitter if necessary, so that you have a regular evening off/out. Do whatever you feel like doing. Take a class in something that interests you (pottery, anyone?), or just relax with a book in the tub. You’ll come back to your other obligations refreshed, and better able to succeed at them.

3. Dress for success. Whether it’s at the office, a meeting with your children’s teachers, or to the grocery store, wear the things that make you feel good. Choose colors that please you, in styles that are appropriate to wherever you may wear them. Get a new haircut, facial, or make-up consultation. Let the real you shine! And don’t worry about wearing workout clothes all day long, either. Whenever you have a chance to work out, you’ll be ready.