Do you feel like you’re constantly racing against the clock, struggling to keep up with everything that needs to be done?

If so, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, many mothers today feel too busy to take control of their lives. But the truth is, if you don’t take the time to prioritise your life and make changes, you’ll continue to feel overwhelmed and stressed. In this blog post, we’ll explore why taking control of your life is essential and provide tips for doing so, even when you’re busy.

What You May Already Know

I have always been an ambitious girl. Since I was young, I have had big dreams and goals I wanted to achieve. I wanted to be successful in my career, have a great social life, and have time to pursue my hobbies and interests. However, as I grew older, I found myself becoming more and more busy.

I have a large circle of friends and family members I love spending time with; on top of that, I was always involved in various community projects and volunteer work. I was always on the go, busy, striving to achieve more. I would attend all the events I got invited to, leaving very little time to reflect on myself and my goals.

Despite my hectic lifestyle, I always felt like I was in control. I was good at multitasking and had a knack for effortlessly juggling my responsibilities. But deep down, I knew that something was missing. I had never thought about what I wanted in life or to pursue my dreams and passions.

At one point, I felt like my life was spiralling out of control. I  was always rushing from one thing to the next, never really taking the time to stop and reflect on what I was doing or where I was going. I felt like I was on a treadmill, running faster and faster but never really getting anywhere.

Then I got married, started to have babies, and my Twin Angels arrived. It was challenging to stay on top of my social life anyway, but I got involved in things that no longer served me. I was constantly prioritising others over my own needs.

As the years passed, my life became even more busy and complicated. Having Twins requiring care around the clock meant even more responsibilities and less sleep.

Despite all this, I tried to keep up with everything. I woke up early every morning and went to bed late at night, barely taking any breaks in between. Some nights, I hardly got any sleep. I ate on the go, skipped meals, and relied on caffeine to keep me going.

One day, I hit rock bottom. I was exhausted and completely overwhelmed. I started to experience severe chest pains, which the doctors diagnosed as stress and severe burnout. This was a wake-up call for me. I knew I needed to take control of my life, but I couldn’t find the time or energy to do so. I realised I had been too busy caring for everyone and everything else and neglected my well-being and happiness. I decided to step back from my job and social life and focus on myself for a change.

I started by setting some boundaries for myself. I decided that I would only take on projects and commitments that genuinely mattered to me and that I would learn to say no to things that didn’t align with my values and goals. Looking back, I now realise I had always been too busy to take control of my own life. But now, I have learned that the key to true success and happiness is not in doing more but in doing what truly matters and enjoying the journey.

Motherhood can be a challenging journey for every mum, but when you add the responsibilities of raising a child with special needs, it becomes an entirely different story. In today’s fast-paced world, we often need help to keep up with our responsibilities, commitments, and goals. Between work, family, friends, and other obligations, feeling overwhelmed and stressed is easy.

But, ask yourself this? Why are you too busy to take control of your life?

Why Taking Control Of Your Life Is Important

You may feel unfulfilled and dissatisfied when you’re too busy to take control of your life. You may be so focused on getting everything done that you don’t have time for the things that matter to you, like spending time with loved ones or pursuing your passions, even setting up that side hustle you have always dreamt about. Additionally, being constantly busy can lead to burnout and other health issues.

Taking control of your life can help you feel more fulfilled and content. It can also help you achieve your goals and live the life you truly want. By making intentional choices about how you spend your time and energy, you can prioritise the things that matter most to you.

Recognise The Signs of Being Too Busy

Some common signs include feeling stressed, tired, and overwhelmed, neglecting your health and relationships, and struggling to stay focused and productive. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate your priorities.

You’re Overcommitted

It’s easy to take on too much, whether it’s work, family obligations, or social commitments. When you’re overcommitted, finding time for yourself, let alone taking control of your life, is tough. To avoid this, try prioritising what’s most essential and learn to say “no” when necessary.

You’re Distracted

Distractions are all around us, from social media to email notifications. It’s hard to take control of your life when you’re constantly being pulled in different directions. To combat distractions, set aside time for focused work without interruptions and limit your use of social media and other time-wasting activities.

You’re Stressed

Stress can make it difficult to focus on anything other than the source of your anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking a step back and evaluating your priorities is essential. Look for ways to reduce stress, such as mindfulness practices, exercise, or time spent in nature.

How to Take Control of Your Life

Identify Your Priorities

What matters most to you? Is it your health, family, career, or hobbies? Once you clearly understand your priorities, you can start making intentional choices about how you spend your time. This might mean saying “no” to certain obligations, delegating tasks, or reorganising your schedule.

Create a Schedule That Works for You

One of the biggest challenges of being busy is finding time for everything. If you’re too busy to take control of your life, it’s likely because you need to manage your time effectively. By creating a schedule and sticking to it, you can ensure you’re making time for the things that matter most. Start by blocking out time for your top priorities, then fill in the gaps with other tasks and responsibilities. Be sure to leave some time for relaxation, too!

Manage Your Time

Managing your time effectively is vital to taking control of your life. Use a planner or calendar to schedule your activities and prioritise your most important tasks. Consider delegating or outsourcing tasks that aren’t essential or that you don’t enjoy.

Learn to Say “No”

One of the most important things you can do to take control of your life is to learn to say “no.” It’s okay to decline invitations or requests that don’t align with your priorities or values. Remember, your time and energy are valuable resources, and using them wisely is important.

Delegate Tasks

If you’re overwhelmed by your to-do list, consider delegating some tasks to others. This might mean hiring a cleaning service, outsourcing projects, or asking family members for help with household chores. By delegating tasks, you can free up time and energy for the things that matter most.

Take Care of Yourself

When you’re busy, it can be easy to neglect your own needs. But self-care is essential for overall well-being. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly or physically. Taking care of yourself will help you feel more energised and focused and better equipped to handle the demands of daily life.

My life remains busy today, but I have learnt to prioritise my well-being and happiness. I am grateful for the wake-up call that made me realise the importance of taking control of my life.

Food For Thought

Are you truly the CEO of your life, or are you content with letting others and external circumstances make significant decisions for you?

Until the next time!

Gee xx