Permission to Prioritise Yourself
When did taking a moment for yourself start feeling like a guilty luxury? Motherhood often demands that we put everyone else first, but running on empty doesn’t serve anyone. This isn’t about being selfish; it’s about survival. Permission to prioritise yourself is about reclaiming space for rest, joy, and identity, because you matter, not just as a mum, but as a whole person.
Let’s start with these simple statements we use with clients:
You do not need to earn rest.
You do not need to apologise for needing space.
You absolutely do not need permission to prioritise yourself—but in case no one’s said it lately: you have it. Fully. Freely. Right now.
Motherhood: The Ultimate Disappearing Act?
Somewhere between the night feeds, the nursery run, and the never-ending laundry pile, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself.
It’s not just in the "I haven’t had a haircut in a year" kind of way. But in the who even am I anymore? sense.
Sound familiar?
You spend your days anticipating everyone else's needs before they’re even spoken—kids, partners, schools, appointments—and you’re praised for being selfless. Tireless. Always there.
But here’s the truth:
Constant selflessness is a fast-track to burnout.
And it doesn’t make you a better mum. It makes you an exhausted one.
Why Prioritising Yourself Isn’t Selfish
Let’s reframe this. Looking after your needs doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your family. It means you’re resourcing yourself so you can actually be present—and not just functioning in survival mode.
Think of yourself like a phone battery: You can’t keep running on 1% with ten apps open. Eventually, something crashes.
Self-prioritisation is:
Saying no without guilt
Letting go of the mental load you never agreed to carry
Choosing your own rest, joy, and space—and not waiting until everyone else is sorted first
How to Start (Even When It Feels Impossible)
This isn’t about quitting life and heading to a spa. It’s about weaving small, sustainable space for you back into the day-to-day. Here’s how:
1. Ask yourself what you need
Not what the house needs. Not what the baby needs.
What do you actually want, right now?
A walk alone? A podcast in silence? A proper meal?
Start with one honest answer.
2. Write yourself into the diary
Literally. Book time like you would a doctor’s appointment or school pick-up. Because your needs are not less important than anyone else’s. Even if they’ve been treated that way.
3. Let things be ‘good enough’
The house doesn’t need to be spotless. The packed lunch doesn’t need to be Pinterest-worthy. Use that 20 minutes you’d normally spend tidying to sit down, breathe, or do something that fills you up.
4. Ask for help (and mean it)
Whether it’s childcare, emotional support, or a partner stepping up—this isn’t about weakness. It’s about refusing to martyr yourself. You’re allowed to need help. And you deserve to receive it.
5. Reconnect with who you are outside of 'Mum'
Read the book. Wear the outfit. Book the coaching. Do the thing that reminds you of you.
Because Your Kids Don’t Just Need a Mum—They Need a Whole Person
They need to see a model of a woman who respects herself. It’s up to you to show them how to create boundaries, establish self worth and look after oneself emotionally.
You’re not just allowed to prioritise yourself.
You’re meant to.
Want Support That Puts You First?
That’s what we do. At Mother Brand, we offer coaching for mums that helps you press pause, clear the mental noise, and come back to yourself.
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Book a free discovery call today, because your wellbeing isn’t optional. It’s essential.
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