I wonder if you can help or offer advise for my current situation so I could feel calmer, more positive and energised for the day!

I have two small children, who I obviously adore more than life itself, but I tend to snap at them and get angry easily (perhaps it’s because of the summer holidays). I see other mothers being so calm and together around their children, but I get so frustrated as I can’t seem to be able to keep on top of my laundry, cooking, housework, emails, other day-to-day jobs, plus looking after them. There doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day!

I think perhaps it doesn’t help that I’m trying to look after my sister (although she doesn’t live near me) who is suffering from terrible depression, anxiety, insomnia and PTSD. She doesn’t want other friends and family knowing what she’s going through, so I feel very responsible for her wellbeing. She texts all through the night every now and again, and I worry that if I don’t answer the texts she will do something silly as she has tried to take her own life before.

I would love any tips on how to try and stay on top of things, and be as positive as I possibly can to everyone around me!

Jody says…

Wow, it sounds like you have a very busy life, juggling lots of things. With this, comes a need to set some clear and healthy boundaries, so you can also find time to care for yourself in all of this. It’s natural to feel frustrated if you aren’t making time for yourself.

You are a VIP in your world and in order to serve other people (especially family members) you need to be able to recharge your own energy. Think of the example of putting on your oxygen mask first, so you’re able to take care of others. It’s the same. Unless you’re able to energise yourself, you aren’t able to show up for others as much as you’d like to.

It’s difficult with family members, because you feel much more obliged to take care of them. You often feel very responsible, and so it becomes even more important to put some boundaries in place. You can keep looking after your sister, yet I’d gently suggest to her that she also opens up to your friends and family so that other people can also share the responsibly of looking after her too. You don’t have enough energy to support her alone.

Make time to meditate, to have time to set yourself up for the day in the right way, so you can feel like you’ve invested into yourself. I know it’s tough to find the time, yet I know plenty of busy mums who make time because they know how beneficial it is. Check out my range of guided meditations to help you get started.

Good luck!

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