Embracing Self-Care and Intentionality: Navigating Burnout for Mompreneurs and Career Moms” by The Medical Mompreneur® Natasha C. Miller, MSHIM, RHIA, CPC, CPB, CRC
Juggling the roles of a mother and an entrepreneur (or a working mom) can be exhilarating yet overwhelming. The dual responsibilities can leave many of us feeling drained and under-appreciated. Burnout is real, and it's vital we acknowledge it and find ways to navigate through these challenging waters.
The Burnout Epidemic
Recently, I attended the Own Your Brilliance Summit by Coach Renee Howard where Dr. Kim Klein, an expert in burnout and wellness, shed light on this pressing issue. She highlighted a staggering fact: Professional burnout is a national epidemic. Even more concerning, the World Health Organization (WHO) now recognizes burnout as a legitimate medical condition.
Dr. Klein identified the three components of burnout:
1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
2. Increased mental distance, feelings of negativism, and cynicism related to your job
3. Reduced professional efficacy
For us mompreneurs and career moms, the layers of responsibilities can intensify these feelings.
The Importance of Self-Care
Taking time for oneself is not a luxury; it's a necessity. As the adage goes, "You cannot pour from an empty cup." We need to ensure that we are taking care of ourselves to be effective in our professional and personal roles.
Relaxation Techniques to Consider:
Deep Breathing: Taking deep breaths can help regulate our heart rate and calm our mind. Just a few minutes a day can make a difference.
Meditation: You don't need to be an expert. Guided meditation apps or simply focusing on your breath can help ground you and reduce stress.
Physical Activity: Whether it's a brisk walk, a run, or a dance class, moving your body releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
Aromatherapy: Scents like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus have been known to promote relaxation. Using essential oils in a diffuser or in a warm bath can help induce feelings of calm.
Massage: Rather it’s getting a massage on a monthly basis or self-massaging areas like your temples, neck, or hands can help reduce tension. Using a foam roller or tennis ball can assist in releasing tight muscles in your back or legs.
Finding Support Systems
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Connecting with like-minded individuals who understand your challenges can provide emotional support. Join local or online groups, participate in workshops, or simply talk to a friend. Share your experiences, learn from others, and most importantly, lend a listening ear.
Intentionality in Giving and Receiving
Dr. Klein emphasized being intentional about "giving what you can and getting what you need." For me, this was a game-changing perspective. It's about setting boundaries, knowing when to push forward, and when to pause. It’s also about recognizing when you need help and seeking it without guilt.
To sum it up, as mompreneurs and career moms, we need to be vigilant about our mental and emotional well-being. Recognize the signs of burnout, prioritize self-care, and be intentional in your actions. As Dr. Klein so eloquently put it, understanding and addressing burnout is about giving yourself permission to thrive, not just survive.
I subsequently listened to Coach Lashon Dorsey discuss "Your Wellness is Your Framework."
At the summit, Coach Lashon Dorsey, FNP, MSN-PH, passionately discussed the theme of "Your Wellness is Your Framework." She beautifully intertwined the concept of personal well-being with our broader responsibilities and callings in life.
Coach Dorsey poignantly remarked, "My calling, my oil, motherhood, rides on my framework." This statement underlined the idea that our ability to fulfill our deepest callings and roles, whether it be a professional vocation or the sacred duty of motherhood, heavily depends on our personal wellness. If our framework - our mental, physical, and emotional well-being - isn't sturdy and nurtured, then everything built upon it, including our most cherished roles, stands on shaky ground.
Coach Dorsey emphasized that when we maintain our health and prioritize our wellness, we not only ensure our own flourishing but also lay a strong foundation for our responsibilities and passions. This holistic wellness doesn't just impact our personal aspirations but also radiates outwards, touching and elevating all aspects of our lives and the lives of those around us.
In essence, Coach Dorsey's message was a call to action: to see self-care not as a luxury but as a vital pillar supporting our life's purpose and the roles we hold dear.
Coach Debbie Renee Howard: Unleashing Brilliance at the Summit
The pinnacle of the summit was undeniably the session by Coach Debbie Renee Howard, the mastermind behind the "Own Your Brilliance Empowerment Summit." Her drive and passion for empowerment radiated throughout the event.
Coach Howard shared her mantra, "Unleash Your Brilliance - You Are Worth It!" It was a powerful call to action for every attendee. She emphasized the importance of being genuine in all endeavors with her advice to "Be authentic." Moreover, she championed the idea that one should "Occupy any space that you are in" - a reminder to be present, assertive, and confident in any situation or environment.
But what truly resonated was her focus on the essence of relationships. She passionately conveyed that we must nurture and prioritize our connections, reiterating that "relationships matter." Coach Howard posed a thought-provoking question, asking us, "What motivates you to be your best?" This challenge was an invitation for self-reflection, urging everyone to find their driving force and channel it into their journey of personal growth and brilliance.
Tiffany James: The Heartbeat of the Summit
Serving as our MC, Tiffany James was more than just a voice guiding us through the summit's agenda; she was our personal beacon of encouragement. Her vibrant energy was infectious, and she seamlessly facilitated the flow of the event. One of her most impactful messages was a poignant reminder that "we are human beings, not human machines." In those words, she captured the essence of self-care and the importance of recognizing our own boundaries and limits. Tiffany's presence undeniably enriched the summit, making it a memorable experience for all attendees.
Conclusion:
The journey of balancing motherhood with a career or entrepreneurship is indeed challenging, but it’s one filled with immeasurable rewards. The Own Your Brilliance Summit served as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-awareness, self-care, and community in navigating these challenges. As we learned from Dr. Klein, Coach Lashon Dorsey, Tiffany James, and Coach Debbie Renee Howard, the path to thriving is paved with intentionality, authentic relationships, and the commitment to our own well-being. Let’s remember to be kind to ourselves, seek support when needed, and always prioritize our wellness. After all, our brilliance not only lights up our path but also brightens the way for those around us.
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Written by:
Natasha C. Miller, The Medical Mompreneur®
MSHIM, RHIA, CPC, CPB, CRC, CPC-I