Guest Blogger: Monica Virga Alborno, Monica is a mom of 2 under 3 who founded 2 small businesses, Wanderlust Family Retreats and VAs for Mompreneurs, while working full time. Her obsession is serving busy moms by finding ways to show up as their best and fit in moments of self-care on the daily. Travel and self-discovery shouldn’t end when children come into the picture, and she loves inspiring families on how to continue the wanderlust spirit and practice a holistic lifestyle all with children in tow.
Is there a secret to finding “balance” as a full-time working mom? Add in the complexity of owning and growing your business and it may seem impossible.
For me, every day is different and my “routine” is fluid. When my little ones hit new milestones developmentally or on days when I’m feeling more rested and energized, things look different.
As I write this, I have a 4-month-old and a 2-year-old, and in addition to two small businesses I founded during my maternity leaves in 2021 and 2023 respectively, I also work full-time for a global energy company in engineering. I have to be so intentional with my time, set realistic expectations, and outsource admin tasks in order to find my balance and truly enjoy all of the moments I am experiencing. Being able to make time for myself and my family is key to finding joy in the life that I am building.
I’m sharing today 5 tried and true ways I find balance and fit in self-care (sometimes, with my family, too!):
1. Focus on the small moments.
In today’s fast-paced world, taking time for oneself has become a luxury. However, self-care is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a big, time-consuming task. Small moments of self-care throughout the day can make a significant difference in our overall well-being and the good news is, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
One way to do this is by stepping outside daily for a few deep belly breaths. When we’re stressed, our breathing becomes shallow, which can lead to increased anxiety and tension. Taking five deep breaths, where we inhale slowly through our nose, and exhale through our mouth, can help to calm our nervous system and promote relaxation.
Another way to practice self-care is by mindfully eating a nutrient-rich snack. Instead of mindlessly reaching for a bag of chips or a candy bar, try selecting a healthier option, such as an apple or a handful of almonds. Take a moment to appreciate the colors, textures, and flavors of the food. Chew slowly, and focus on the sensation of eating. This will not only nourish your body but also promote a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment.
Incorporating small moments of self-care into our daily routine can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health. These small acts of self-care can help us to stay grounded and centered, even in the midst of a busy day. So, step outside, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy a nutritious snack – your body and mind will thank you.
related article: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Starting a Side Business
2. Don’t be afraid to include your family.
Daily movement is an important aspect of self-care and what better way than engaging the entire family in this practice? Going for a nature walk with our loved ones is a great way to get some fresh air, exercise, and connect with nature. Walking is a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, and it’s a perfect opportunity to chat and catch up with our family members while getting some exercise.
Another fun way to include our families in our self-care routine is by having a dance party. Dancing is an excellent way to get our bodies moving, release endorphins, and relieve stress. We can create a playlist of our favorite songs, and have everyone take turns picking the music. Not only is dancing a great form of exercise, but it’s also a fun way to bond with our loved ones and create memories together.
Incorporating our families into our self-care routine can help us to stay motivated, make it more fun and enjoyable, and create a sense of togetherness. So, grab your family and head out for a nature walk or have a 30-second dance party in your living room!
3. Write it down.
Taking the time to write down our goals and tasks for the week is an essential aspect of self-care. Why? Because when we have a lot to accomplish, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed, leading to burnout. By setting realistic expectations and writing down our goals (using a physical pen and paper is best!), we can manage our time more effectively and reduce our stress levels. When we set unrealistic goals for ourselves, we set ourselves up for failure and disappointment, leading to a negative impact on our mental health. And using a physical avenue as opposed to digital grounds us even further in the mind-body connection.
Be sure to include both professional and personal goals in the weekly planning to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. It’s important to remember that self-care isn’t just about taking care of our physical and mental health; it’s also about achieving our goals and fulfilling our aspirations. By taking the time to write down our goals, we can identify what’s important to us and ensure that we’re making progress toward achieving them.
related article: Things #BossMoms Do Who Rise Before 6 am
4. Plan a getaway for yourself – or bring the family (both count!)
Planning a getaway for your family is an excellent way to combine self-care time and bonding time. Taking a break from our daily routines and responsibilities can help us to recharge and relax, while also creating lasting memories with our loved ones. If you’re looking for a family-friendly retreat that’s focused on self-care and connection, then be sure to check out the space we created exactly for this reason – Wanderlust Family Retreats.
Wanderlust Family Retreats offers a unique space for families to come together and experience mindfulness, wellness, and adventure. Their retreats are designed to provide families with the tools they need to connect with each other and with nature. They offer a variety of activities that are suitable for all ages, including yoga, meditation, hiking, and creative workshops.
Regardless of where you go, planning a family getaway that includes self-care time and bonding time is a fantastic way to prioritize your mental and physical health while creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
5. Disconnect and just be present.
It’s no secret that in today’s digital age, it’s become increasingly difficult to disconnect from electronics and just be present. Our smartphones, tablets, and laptops are constantly vying for our attention, and it can be challenging to resist the urge to check our emails, social media, and other notifications. However, taking the time to disconnect can have significant benefits for our mental and physical health, making it an important aspect of self-care.
Disconnecting allows you the opportunity to recharge and reset. It gives our brains a break from the constant barrage of information and stimuli, which can improve our mental clarity and creativity. We also reduce our exposure to blue light, which can disrupt our sleep patterns and lead to a host of health problems.
Turning off devices can also boost our productivity when you do return so you can come back feeling more refreshed, creative, and productive, making it an essential aspect of our self-care routine.
Finding balance as a full-time working mom while owning and growing a business may seem impossible, but it can be achieved by implementing a few simple routines into your daily life. Taking a break from your daily routines and responsibilities will help you recharge and relax while creating lasting memories with your loved ones so you can find more joy in the life that you are building – even in the midst of a busy day.