by Beth Lewis | Jul 24, 2025 | Beth Lewis, Self Care
The Myth of Putting Yourself Last
If you’re a mum chances are you’ve been told at some point that self-care is something nice to do when you have spare time.
But here’s the truth. For mums self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s survival. There is a difference between self-care and self-pampering!
When you’re running on empty everything feels harder. Patience wears thin. The smallest things feel overwhelming. And the guilt creeps in.
You’re not failing. You’re just depleted. And you deserve to be filled back up.
What Happens When You Don’t Pause
Skipping meals, brushing aside your needs, and pushing through exhaustion are not badges of honour.
They’re warning signs that your nervous system is running in overdrive.
You start to disconnect from yourself. You lose the joy in everyday moments.
And eventually burnout shows up.
The truth is you can’t give your best to your family if you’re constantly giving them what’s left of you.
Self-Care Is Your Reset Button
Self-care is not about expensive spa days or long weekends away.
It’s about coming back to yourself in small, powerful ways.
It might look like five minutes of quiet breathwork in the car before school pick-up.
Saying no to something you don’t have the capacity for.
Choosing a nourishing meal instead of another coffee.
Paying attention to your thoughts and language, and choosing to reframe these to more empowering patterns.
These small moments add up.
They tell your mind and body you matter.
And that changes everything.
That’s Why I Created the Ultimate Self-Care Guide for Mums
This free guide is for the mum who feels like she’s holding it all together – but barely.
Inside you’ll find simple, daily self-care tips that work with your busy life.
Gentle ways to release mum guilt so you can finally put yourself on the list.
Ideas that don’t cost a thing but offer real replenishment.
Tools to create a routine that actually sticks.
And a big dose of encouragement to remind you that you are worth the care you give to others.
You Don’t Have to Earn Your Rest
You don’t have to reach the end of your rope to start caring for yourself.
You can choose a different story. One where your needs matter.
Where rest, and joy, and breath are woven into the fabric of your day.
And where you model to your children what it looks like to honour your whole self.
Take the First Step
Download The Ultimate Self-Care Guide for Mums
It’s free. It’s real. And it might just be the reminder you need that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s how you rise.
by Beth Lewis | Jun 21, 2025 | Beth Lewis, Self Care
For so many mums, the transition into motherhood is both beautiful and disorienting. The joy of raising a child is undeniable, but it often comes with an invisible cost: the loss of self.
Somewhere between the sleepless nights, school lunches, work emails, and endless to-do lists, many mothers find themselves asking a painful question:
“Who the hell am I?”
This sense of disconnection is more common than people realise. It doesn’t mean a mother loves her family any less, it means she’s been pouring from an empty cup for far too long. Her dreams, passions, and even basic needs slowly fade into the background. And when the dust settles, she’s left feeling like a shell of the vibrant, purpose-filled woman she once was… or maybe she has never really met her and she’s dying to come out!?
Here’s the truth: You are in there!
At MYnd CENTRE, I gently guide Mums to rediscover their authentic identity and reclaim the sense of purpose they thought they had lost.
Through a holistic blend of inner child healing, nervous system regulation, and mindset shifts (using Transformational Coaching and NLP techniques), I support women so they can strip back the noise and expectations of modern motherhood. With a deep understanding of how childhood patterns shape adult behaviours and parenting styles, the level of support I offer empowers mums to:
- Explore, (then release), limiting beliefs and generational wounds, so they can live freely on their own terms
- Connect with their voice and values, so they can speak their truth with confidence and live in full alignment
- Prioritise their emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing, so they can feel safe and vibrant within themselves on all levels
And most importantly, to remember who they are beyond the role of ‘Mum’.
If you’ve been feeling lost in motherhood, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck.
Book a chat with me today, and let’s start the journey back to you.
by Beth Lewis | Jun 4, 2025 | Self Care
You finally get five minutes to yourself.
You sit down with a hot cuppa, or sneak away for a solo walk.
And then it hits you…
That sinking, nagging feeling: mum guilt.
You start thinking about the washing, the school emails, the snack requests, the to-do list still growing in your head.
Sound familiar?
Let’s get one thing clear right now:
Taking time for yourself doesn’t make you selfish.
It makes you sustainable.
And there is nothing wrong with meeting your own needs.
💛 Why ‘Me Time’ Is So Hard for Mums
We’ve been conditioned to believe that “good mums” are:
- Always available
- Always selfless
- Always putting others first
But that belief leads to burnout, resentment, and emotional depletion.
You weren’t meant to pour endlessly without being refilled.
You’re not a machine. You’re a human. And humans need rest, joy, space—and care.
🌿 The Truth About ‘Me Time’
Taking time for yourself is not about escaping your family.
It’s about reconnecting with yourself so you can show up from a place of fullness, not fatigue.
Because let’s face it—when you’re exhausted, touched out, and overwhelmed, everyone gets your leftovers. And that doesn’t serve anyone.
But when you take even 10 minutes just for you?
- You respond instead of react
- You have more patience, presence, and perspective
- You remember that you matter too
✨ What Happens When You Let Go of the Guilt
When you give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and breathe, you start to:
- Feel more like yourself again (not just “Mum”)
- Model self-respect and boundaries for your kids
- Strengthen your emotional resilience
- Reclaim parts of your identity that might’ve been lost in the chaos of motherhood
And perhaps most importantly—you begin to trust that you are worthy of care, not just as a mum, but as a woman.
🫶 Still Feeling Guilty? Try This Reframe:
Ask yourself:
“Would I want my child to feel guilty for taking care of themselves someday?”
Of course not.
So why do you believe you’re any less deserving?
You’re not lazy. You’re not indulgent. You’re not neglecting your family.
You are investing in your ability to show up—calmer, happier, and more connected.
🌸 10 Simple ‘Me Time’ Ideas That Actually Fit Into Mum Life
Because let’s be real—you don’t need a spa weekend (although, yes please). You need accessible moments that remind you you’re more than the mess.
Try:
- A walk around the block—solo.
- Journaling for 5 minutes with a candle lit.
- Listening to your favourite podcast or playlist.
- Sitting in the sun with a coffee.
- Saying no to a commitment that drains you.
- Buying yourself fresh flowers.
- Meditating or breathing deeply for 3 minutes.
- Reading a chapter of a non-parenting book.
- Watching a show that you choose.
- Doing absolutely nothing (and loving it).
🌈 You Are Allowed to Take Up Space
Dear Mumma, your worth is not tied to how much you do for others.
You are enough—even when you rest.
You are enough—even when you say no.
You are enough—even when you take time to care for yourself.
So next time that guilt creeps in, remind yourself:
“I am allowed to rest. I am allowed to enjoy. I am allowed to exist outside of what I do for others.”
And let that truth sink deep into your bones.
Because your wellbeing matters—just as much as everyone else’s.
by Beth Lewis | May 29, 2025 | Self Care
If you’ve ever said yes to something you really didn’t want to do…
If your calendar is packed with commitments that drain you…
If you find yourself snapping at the kids because your tank is completely empty…
It might be time to strengthen your boundaries, Mumma.
And that starts with one powerful word: no.
But here’s the truth:
Saying no doesn’t make you selfish.
It makes you strong, self-aware, and emotionally healthy.
Let’s talk about why boundaries are essential in motherhood—and how to start setting them with more clarity, confidence, and love.
What Are Boundaries (and Why Do Mums Need Them)?
Boundaries are the limits we set to protect our time, energy, wellbeing, and emotional safety.
They are not walls—they are bridges to healthier relationships, including the one you have with yourself.
As a mum, your time and energy are constantly in demand. Without boundaries, you risk:
- Burnout
- Resentment
- Overwhelm
- Disconnection from your own needs
Boundaries are a form of self-respect. And when you model them, your kids learn to respect theirs too.
Why Saying No Feels So Hard
Most mums are natural nurturers. You want to help. You want to be there. You want to do the right thing. But…
- You don’t want to disappoint anyone
- You feel guilty for not being “nice”
- You’re scared people won’t understand
- You’ve been taught that your worth comes from doing for others
Sound familiar?
The truth is: people-pleasing might win you approval, but it won’t give you peace.
Saying yes to everyone else while saying no to yourself only leads to emotional depletion.
The Benefits of Saying No (Yes, There Are Many!)
When you start setting healthy boundaries, you’ll notice:
- More energy for what actually matters
- Less resentment toward the people you love
- Greater self-trust because you’re honouring your own needs
- Stronger relationships built on mutual respect, not obligation
And best of all? You start to come home to yourself.
How to Set Boundaries Without the Guilt
✅ 1. Check In With Yourself First
Before agreeing to anything, pause and ask:
“Do I really want to do this?”
“Is this a yes from obligation or alignment?”
If it’s not a genuine yes, it’s a gentle no.
✅ 2. Start Small
Practice with low-stakes situations:
- Decline a playdate you don’t feel up for
- Say no to volunteering (again) at school
- Skip the event that’s more stress than joy
You don’t need a huge reason. Your peace is reason enough.
✅ 3. Use Kind But Clear Language
You can be firm and kind at the same time.
Try:
- “Thanks so much for thinking of me, but I’ll have to pass this time.”
- “I’m not available, but I hope it goes well!”
- “That doesn’t work for me right now.”
No explanation needed. No apology required.
✅ 4. Remember: No is a Full Sentence
You don’t owe anyone an essay.
People who love and respect you will honour your boundaries. Those who don’t? That’s a reflection of them, not you.
✅ 5. Teach Your Kids by Example
When you say no with grace, your children learn that it’s safe to express their own needs too.
You’re not just protecting your energy—you’re modelling emotional intelligence and self-worth.
But What If People Get Upset?
They might.
That’s okay.
Not everyone will understand your boundaries, especially if they’ve benefited from you not having any. That discomfort is temporary. But your wellbeing? That’s long-term.
Saying no may ruffle feathers, but it also makes space for relationships that feel mutual, respectful, and aligned.
Saying No Is Saying Yes to You
Saying no isn’t just about turning things down.
It’s about turning toward what really matters: your peace, your family, your energy, and your joy.
You deserve to live a life that feels light, not loaded.
So next time you feel the pressure to say yes, take a breath and ask:
“If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to in myself?”
And trust that sometimes, the most loving thing you can say—to others and to yourself—is simply:
No.
by Beth Lewis | May 14, 2025 | Beth Lewis, Self Care
Let’s be real—motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also relentless.
From sleepless nights to endless mental load, emotional meltdowns (theirs and yours), and the constant juggling of everything—you’re expected to be the glue that holds it all together. But what happens when you’re the one coming undone?
That’s where emotional resilience comes in.
Emotional resilience isn’t about being strong all the time. It’s about having the inner resources to bend without breaking—to feel the feelings, ride the waves, and still come back to yourself.
And the best part? It’s a skill you can grow.
What Is Emotional Resilience?
Emotional resilience is your ability to bounce back from stress, overwhelm, or adversity.
It’s what helps you:
- Stay grounded during chaos
- Recover from tough days faster
- Respond instead of react
- Handle challenges without losing yourself in the process
It’s not about perfection. It’s about flexibility, self-awareness, and self-compassion.
Why It’s So Important for Mums
Mums are constantly giving—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Without resilience, it’s easy to become:
- Emotionally reactive (hello, mum rage)
- Mentally drained
- Physically exhausted
- Disconnected from yourself and your joy
Building emotional resilience gives you the tools to cope with daily life without burning out. It’s one of the kindest things you can do—for you, and for your family.
7 Practical Ways to Build Emotional Resilience (Without Adding to Your Overwhelm)
1. Feel It, Don’t Fight It
Resilient mums don’t suppress emotions—they honour them.
When you feel sad, angry, frustrated, or depleted, let yourself feel it. Journal it. Cry it out. Talk to someone safe. Emotions are messengers, not enemies.
“I’m allowed to feel this and still be a good mum.”
2. Create Micro-Moments of Calm
You don’t need a full hour of self-care. Start with 2 minutes:
- Breathe deeply
- Sip tea slowly
- Stand in the sun
- Put your hand on your heart and check in
Tiny moments of regulation help build long-term resilience.
3. Build a Self-Compassion Practice
Would you speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself on hard days?
Replace harsh self-talk with supportive words. Say:
- “I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got.”
- “It’s okay to have a hard day.”
- “I’m still learning, and that’s enough.”
Self-compassion isn’t fluffy—it’s fuel for resilience.
4. Strengthen Your Support Network
You don’t have to do this alone. Lean on friends, family, a therapist, or a coach. Join a mum’s group. Talk to someone who gets it.
Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
5. Prioritise Sleep and Nourishment
You can’t be emotionally resilient when your body is running on empty. Sleep, real food, water, and movement are foundational—not optional.
Try to:
- Eat meals that stabilise your blood sugar
- Move your body gently (walks, stretches, dancing in the kitchen)
- Create a wind-down routine at night
You deserve to feel good in your body too.
6. Use Breathwork to Reset
Your breath is your built-in calm switch. When life gets intense, breathwork helps regulate your nervous system and bring you back to centre.
Try:
- Box breathing (4-4-4-4)
- Long exhales (inhale 4, exhale 8)
- A few loud sighs (seriously—try it)
It’s like a nervous system reset button you can press anywhere, anytime.
7. Celebrate the Small Wins
Resilient mums notice what is going well—even when things are hard.
Instead of focusing on what you didn’t do, celebrate:
- “I got everyone out the door today.”
- “I stayed calm during that meltdown.”
- “I took a breath before responding.”
It’s not about the big wins—it’s about stacking small moments of self-trust.
You Are Stronger Than You Think
If you’re feeling stretched, reactive, or emotionally frayed—you’re not alone, and you’re not failing.
You’re a mum in the thick of it.
You’re allowed to feel deeply and still rise again.
Emotional resilience doesn’t mean you won’t struggle. It means you know how to take care of yourself through the struggle. It means you show up with softness and strength. It means you keep coming back to yourself—with love.
And you deserve that.
by Beth Lewis | May 8, 2025 | Beth Lewis, Self Care
Let’s be honest—parenting can feel like a constant juggle. Between making lunches, wiping down benches, breaking up sibling arguments, and replying to school emails… it’s easy to get stuck in survival mode.
And in all the chaos, we can sometimes miss the most important part of it all—connection.
One-on-one time with each of your kids doesn’t just sound like a sweet idea. It’s one of the most powerful ways to help them feel seen, heard, and loved for exactly who they are.
No interruptions. No sharing your attention. Just you and them.
Even five minutes can make a world of difference.
Why One-on-One Time Really Matters
Because each of your kids is a whole world of their own.
And as much as you love them all, it’s hard to truly tune in when everyone’s talking over each other, someone’s yelling from the bathroom, and you’re trying to cook dinner without burning the rice (again).
When you spend time with one child at a time:
-
You get to slow down and really see them
-
They get to feel special, not just “one of the pack”
-
The tension between siblings often softens (because they’re not competing for your attention)
-
They’re more likely to open up, cooperate, and feel connected
You’ll probably notice: their behaviour shifts, their energy calms, and your bond deepens.
And yours does too.
Why It Feels So Hard to Do
You might be thinking:
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“I barely get five minutes to pee alone.”
-
“My schedule is already full.”
-
“I feel guilty I haven’t done this already.”
Hey—no guilt needed here.
You’re doing your best with what you have. One-on-one time isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing small moments with more intention.
How to Make It Happen (Without Overcomplicating It)
You don’t need a full day or a Pinterest-worthy activity. Connection lives in the tiny, quiet, everyday moments.
1. Use What You’re Already Doing
Turn ordinary into meaningful:
-
Take one child grocery shopping and let them pick a treat
-
Ask one to help you cook (yes, it’ll be messier—but they’ll love it)
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Sit on the edge of their bed for five minutes and ask about their day
2. Schedule It (Even 15 Minutes)
Pop it in your calendar like you would a meeting or appointment. A simple “You and Me Time” on a Sunday arvo or after school can go a long way.
Let them know it’s their time. It builds anticipation and deepens the bond.
3. Let Them Take the Lead
Ask: “What would you love to do, just you and me?”
It could be playing LEGO, drawing, a walk around the block, or just cuddling on the couch watching Bluey. It doesn’t need to be fancy.
4. Embrace Micro-Moments
If all you have is five minutes in the car or while folding laundry—use it. It’s not about the amount of time. It’s about how present you are in it.
Put down your phone. Look them in the eyes. Listen fully.
That’s the magic.
If You’re Feeling Behind…
Please don’t beat yourself up if this isn’t something you’ve done lately. Life is busy. You’re likely giving your all and then some.
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.
You don’t need to get it “right.” You just need to show up.
Even the smallest moment of one-on-one time can leave the biggest imprint on their heart.
What They’ll Remember
Not the toys. Not the snacks. Not even whether you were late to school pick-up.
They’ll remember how you made them feel.
They’ll remember when you listened.
When you laughed at their joke.
When they had you—all to themselves.
And you’ll remember it too.
Because these are the moments that refill your cup as much as theirs.
