I am stretched too thin. What can I do?

💡 We all know the feeling of being stretched thin....

But for many women, especially those juggling demanding careers and families, our personal energy well can run dangerously dry.

That feeling of never having enough time, never having enough energy, never being enough can be a constant companion. Sound familiar??
The constant demands on our time and energy regularly force us to allow our own needs to fall by the wayside, as our cup continues to empty without any prospect of replenishing it.

This was the situation facing Norah, a senior executive I recently worked with. Four teenagers, a relentless workload, and a dwindling inner energy reservoir had brought her to a crossroads. She knew she couldn't continue at this pace, but the prospect of doing anything about it was even more overwhelming.

🛑 Here's the harsh truth, ladies!
As a Corporate mum, you are not a bottomless well of energy and resilience.
While giving your all is admirable, neglecting your own needs is a simple recipe for burnout. And I don't say that lightly, I say it from a place of personal experience. Yes I too thought I could do it all......until I couldn't.

So, how do we reconcile our ambition to succeed in a demanding corporate role, and the desire to please those around us, with the need for self-care? Here are a few tips to get you started:
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1. Start small: Do not overwhelm yourself with a complete lifestyle overhaul overnight. Begin with small manageable changes preferably just one. Maybe it's a daily 20-minute walk, a 5-minute meditation, a relaxing bath before bed, or delegating a task at work. Pick something that is meaningful for you.

2. Reframe self-care as essential, not indulgent: Think of it as preventative maintenance for your well-being. It's not a luxury; it's the fuel that keeps you performing at your best in all areas of your life. Without it you cannot keep doing what you are doing.

3. Identify your biggest energy drainers. Take time on this one and be brutally honest with yourself. Are there social obligations that leave you absolutely depleted? Are there work practices that zap your time, energy and focus? Look at how you could minimise or eliminate these energy sappers. Stay focussed on your energy well, visualise these tasks or obligations slowly draining the energy from your well depleting you of that priceless energy that you could channel into something more rewarding or nourishing for yourself.

4. Connect with your support network. You don't have to do this alone. Lean on your partner, friends, or a close colleague. Start to ask for help and ruthlessly delegate what you don’t personally need to do. Do you really need to do all those runs you are currently doing? Do you need to cook dinner from scratch every night? Feel how empowering it can be to delegate. Be confidently you.

Remember, prioritising yourself isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. By taking the time to refuel, you'll be better equipped to tackle the demands of your career, nurture your family, and yes, even continue to inspire those around you.

What is your top tip for managing self-care in a demanding life?