Being a working mom means juggling multiple responsibilities, from career ambitions to household management, and of course, raising children, somehow maintaining and positive woman self worth. The constant balancing act can often lead to neglecting one very important person—yourself. The guilt of putting your needs first is a real challenge for many moms who feel pulled in every direction. Whether it’s societal norms or internal pressure, many women believe that self-care is selfish, especially when they have families and careers to manage.
*This post includes affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep providing high-quality content on this site for free. Rest assured, I only recommend products that I would personally use and believe will be helpful for my readers.
11 Ways to Put Yourself First Without Feeling Guilty as a Working Mom and Woman Self Worth
Here’s the truth: putting yourself first isn’t just good for you—it’s essential. When you take the time to care for yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally, you’re actually better equipped to care for your family, be more productive at work, and feel more fulfilled in every aspect of your life and truly see the benefits of woman self worth. In this guide, we’ll explore 11 ways to prioritize yourself without feeling guilty, offering practical strategies that help busy moms create time for self-care and personal growth while balancing their demanding lives.
Why Do I Struggle With Feeling Guilty for Putting Myself First?
Many women, especially mothers, often struggle with guilt when they try to prioritize their own needs and have a low woman self worth. This guilt stems from societal expectations and societal norms that have conditioned us from very young ages to believe that a “good thing” is putting everyone else first—our kids, partners, family members, even our careers. These societal standards create a sense that if we focus on our own needs, we’re failing as mothers or not being team players. This mindset is especially reinforced by the highlight reel we see on social media, which often presents other women—especially successful women—as effortlessly balancing everything, further feeding into negative thoughts and a negative view of ourselves.
For many moms, this can lead to feelings of low woman self worth and negative self-talk, spiraling into a lack of self-confidence. The American Psychological Association notes that adolescent girls and young women start facing negative messages about their role and value during their teenage years, which can result in ongoing struggles with self-esteem well into adult women’s lives. We often look for external validation and end up prioritizing external factors—from societal praise to family members‘ approval—rather than our own self-worth. This creates a downward spiral where we feel guilty even considering what we might need for our emotional well-being.
What Does Putting Myself First Require Me to Do?
At the end of the day, putting yourself first requires you to shift focus from what society expects of you to what your true self needs. This involves setting healthy boundaries, acknowledging your personal needs, and recognizing that emotional health, mental well-being, and physical health are all interconnected. The first step in this transformative journey is understanding that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but essential for your overall health and well-being. As Harvard Medical School highlights, when women prioritize self-care and create space for their personal growth, it leads to greater self-confidence and a strong sense of self-worth.
You’ll need to challenge core beliefs that say you must always be the caregiver. By doing so, you create space for your own development, allowing yourself to pursue your full potential. This may feel uncomfortable at first, as it pushes you outside your comfort zone, but over time, you’ll see that prioritizing your needs is a natural process in achieving balance and contentment in all areas of your life on your journey to build your woman self worth.
Am I Allowed to Do Have Woman Self Worth as a Mom?
Yes, absolutely. As a mother, you’re not just allowed to prioritize yourself—you need to. Embracing this powerful truth can change your perspective on self-worth and motherhood. Women, including moms, are worthy of love, care, and self-nourishment. This is not just about you; it’s about creating a better version of yourself to model for your kids—both young women and young men. When you show your children what healthy boundaries look like, you help them develop a healthy sense of self-worth and teach them to value their unique qualities.
Taking time for yourself is an essential part of maintaining your mental health, preventing mental health issues like burnout, and managing your life with intention. Self-care is not a sign of neglecting your family, but a demonstration of self-respect and female empowerment.
1. Acknowledge Your Needs
One of the first and most important steps in putting yourself first is acknowledging your own needs. As moms and professionals, we often get caught up in the needs of others—whether it’s our children, partners, or colleagues. But ignoring your own needs only leads to burnout and exhaustion.
To start putting yourself first, you need to recognize that your well-being matters just as much as anyone else’s. This means giving yourself permission to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health. It could be as simple as recognizing that you need a break when things get overwhelming or acknowledging that you deserve a moment of quiet reflection amidst the chaos.
Start small by identifying areas where you consistently put others first and ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” This simple question can help you realign your focus toward your own self-care without feeling guilty.
Example: A working mom who recently realized she hadn’t taken a break in weeks started scheduling 15 minutes of “quiet time” for herself every morning before the kids woke up.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
Setting boundaries is key to balancing the demands of work and family life with your own personal needs and buildling your woman self worth. Boundaries are essential for preserving your energy and ensuring that you have time to focus on yourself. Yet, many working moms struggle with setting boundaries because they fear they will come across as selfish or uncooperative.
But here’s the reality: healthy boundaries are not selfish—they’re necessary. Whether it’s establishing boundaries with your boss about after-hours work emails or setting limits with your kids about when you need quiet time, boundaries give you the space to breathe and recharge.
Start by clearly communicating your limits. For example, if you need 30 minutes of uninterrupted time in the evening to unwind, let your family know that this is non-negotiable. At work, don’t hesitate to inform colleagues that you won’t respond to emails after a certain time. Doing so can prevent burnout and allow you to prioritize your own well-being.
Statistic: Research from Harvard Medical School found that setting boundaries can reduce stress levels by up to 30%, improving both mental and emotional well-being.
3. Schedule “Me Time”
In the busy world of work, kids, and household chores, finding time for yourself can seem impossible. But the secret is to schedule it just like any other important appointment. “Me time” is not something you should hope for or wait until you “have the time”—it’s something you need to carve out intentionally.
Put yourself first by scheduling personal time into your daily or weekly calendar. Whether it’s a 20-minute walk, a yoga session, or simply reading a book, these moments are vital for recharging. Block out this time on your calendar the way you would a work meeting or a school event, and treat it as non-negotiable.
Example: A busy mom with two young kids and a demanding job started blocking off Saturday mornings for herself. She spends this time doing what she loves—biking, meditating, or simply enjoying coffee without interruption.
Statistic: According to the American Psychological Association, people who schedule regular “me time” report higher life satisfaction and lower stress levels compared to those who don’t.
4. Let Go of Perfectionism
As women, we are often conditioned to believe that we must be perfect in all roles—whether as moms, professionals, or partners. The pressure to have everything “just right” can lead to stress and self-criticism when things don’t go according to plan. Letting go of perfectionism is a vital part of putting yourself first.
Remember, it’s okay if the laundry isn’t folded perfectly or if dinner isn’t a gourmet meal. What matters is your well-being. Let go of the unrealistic expectations and focus on doing your best, not being perfect.
Example: A mom of three who struggled with perfectionism began letting her children help with household chores, even if the results weren’t flawless. This helped her reduce stress and embrace imperfection in daily life.
5. Seek External Support
Sometimes, we all need a little help, whether it’s from family, friends, or a therapist. Seeking external support is a healthy way to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed by responsibilities.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s asking your partner to take over some household duties or joining a support group for working moms. Therapy and life coaching are also excellent options to work through any guilt or stress you may feel about putting yourself first.
Statistic: Studies show that women who have strong support networks are 40% less likely to experience burnout compared to those who don’t.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools that can help you stay present and reduce feelings of guilt when putting yourself first. Taking even five minutes a day to focus on your breathing, meditate, or practice mindfulness can significantly improve your mental clarity and emotional health.
Example: A working mom who found herself constantly stressed started practicing mindfulness during her lunch breaks, which helped her feel more centered and less guilty about taking time for herself.
7. Develop a Self-Care Routine
A consistent self-care routine can help you stay grounded and remind you that your needs are important. Whether it’s skincare, exercise, or journaling, having a self-care ritual ensures that you’re dedicating time to your personal well-being.
Create a self-care checklist that includes activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This routine doesn’t need to be lengthy—just consistent.
Example: A mom of two started dedicating 15 minutes each evening to journaling and skincare as part of her self-care routine. This small commitment helped her unwind and feel refreshed.
8. Focus on Your Strengths
Instead of dwelling on your perceived shortcomings, focus on what you excel at. Recognizing your strengths can boost your self-esteem and remind you that putting yourself first is necessary for your personal growth.
Take a moment to reflect on your unique talents, whether they’re at work or in your role as a mom. Celebrating your strengths will empower you to prioritize your needs without guilt.
9. Accept Help and Delegate
No one can do it all alone. Learning to accept help and delegate responsibilities is crucial for working moms and buildling your woman self worth. Whether it’s at home or work, letting go of control and allowing others to assist you will free up time for self-care and reduce stress.
If your partner or family members can take over certain tasks, let them. At work, delegate responsibilities when possible to maintain a healthier balance.
Example: A corporate executive mom who used to handle everything herself at work began delegating tasks to her team members. This gave her more time for family and personal growth without sacrificing her professional success.
10. Learn to Say No
Many working moms find themselves saying yes to every request, whether it’s a last-minute work project or volunteering at their child’s school. Learning to say no is an essential skill for setting boundaries and putting yourself first.
Example: A mom who constantly found herself overwhelmed learned to say no to extra tasks at work and unnecessary commitments in her personal life, giving her more time for herself.
11. Embrace Personal Growth
Putting yourself first also means investing in your personal growth. This might involve taking up a new hobby, learning a skill, or simply dedicating time to reflection and self-discovery.
Personal growth allows you to feel more fulfilled and less guilty about focusing on your needs. Whether it’s enrolling in a class, reading self-help books, or working with a coach, committing to your personal development will lead to a more balanced life.
Example: A busy mom enrolled in a life-coaching program, which helped her rediscover her passions and reframe her mindset about guilt and self-care.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for working moms to feel like they must put everyone else first. However, prioritizing your own well-being is not just essential for your health but also benefits your family and career. By implementing these 11 strategies, you can start putting yourself first without guilt and lead a more fulfilling, balanced life.
FAQs for Woman Self Worth Questions
1. Why do moms feel guilty when putting themselves first? Moms often feel societal pressure to always be available for their families and work. This creates internal guilt when they focus on their own needs.
2. How can I set boundaries without feeling selfish? Setting boundaries is about protecting your mental health. Clear communication and explaining your need for personal time can help reduce guilt. Woman self worth starts by setting key and healthy boundaries.
3. How do I schedule personal time with a busy work and family life? Start by blocking off small chunks of time each day for activities that recharge you, such as exercising or relaxing. Time blocking can help you in many aspects of your life.
4. What if I don’t have anyone to help or delegate to? If you don’t have help, prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones, leaving room for self-care. Woman self worth cannot be accomplished if you do not fill up your own cup too.
