This month’s newsletter explored self-worth and how for each of us, it ties in with what we believe about ourselves. It can feel as if our belief and values are fixed. In many instances the values we grow up with and are instilled in us, usually from our parents and teachers, are one we take with us through life. They help us navigate the world and give us a sense of ‘knowing’ and belonging. They don’t change much, if at all and they are just what we believe.

When looking at values about ourselves it can be unhelpful for them to be fixed as sometimes the level of value we place on ourselves is far too low to be of benefit and actually works against us, never allowing us to be truly happy because we don’t believe we deserve to be.

Self-value is different to self-esteem. While self-esteem is more about the feelings we have about ourselves, self-value translates into how we treat ourselves. This is why having a low level of self-value can really impact on our ability to enjoy our lives.

A big part of this will be self-care. When we value something we look after it - our loved ones, our homes, designer clothes. We appreciate everything about the things we value and we want to make sure they are cared for even if our loved ones stress us out or our homes could do with some improvements.

Unfortunately, as mums, we can get so wrapped up in looking after everybody and everything else we forget to look after ourselves. Over time, we can feel less and less important as our needs take a back seat to those of everyone else. We start to feel as if we don’t deserve to be looked after and over time this can eat away at our own personal sense of identity and self.

This can make us unhappy and could lead to feeling resentful towards those we care about because in some way they have taken away the ‘space’ we had to look after ourselves.

If we have grown up being shown that there is a greater value for looking after the family or maintaining a tidy home over self-care, this is something we may bring into our adult life and never question it.

Just like a plant we all need nurturing and self-care is important for our general well being, both physically and mentally.

Here are some ways to make sure we can get into the habit of valuing ourselves:

• Practice Self-Care

Committing to looking after our basic needs no matter what is a good start. This could be as simple as taking a bath, eating well or exercising daily. Things we know we should do to take care of ourselves but will often take a backseat to the needs of our family.

• Take Care Of Your Emotional Needs

Self-care is about more then looking after our physical needs. Our emotional well-being is just as important as a our physical. If we are feeling low or stressed it’s important to address those feelings in whichever way works best. This may involve taking time out, speaking to a friend of getting professional help.

• Be True To Yourself

Things of value matter, that includes YOU! We all have the right to live a life in alignment with our values. When we are out of alignment we can start to feel anxious or guilty. If personal health is a value we should make sure we honour that value by looking after our health.

• Do What's Important To You

We feel better about things when we do what we feel is important to us - even if it isn’t viewed that way by others. We each have our own priorities but sometimes we will allow them to take a back seat to the needs and want of others. Take time to do what matters to you.

Start your journey today – achieve confidence, balance and clarity for an easier, happier life!

Empowering Mums is on a mission to empower a million mums and mumpreneurs just like you with greater confidence, balance and clarity to activate your infinite capabilities within! Enabling you to enjoy an easier, happier life alongside running a highly successful business. Aligned with enjoying time out for an essential self-care routine that fulfils your own needs and delight in quality time spent with your children being the mum you really want to be!

For further support please contact Empowering Mums today on 01606 334 015, alternatively visit our website at www.empoweringmums.com for more information.