As a working mom, you already know that life is not easy. You are constantly trying to balance your home, job, and children. Some days feel easy, others feel overwhelming. In the middle of the easy and tough days, you might experience the guilt of never doing enough, either at home or at work.
Now, you should know that this feeling is more common than you might think. However, on the bright side, there are some efficient ways to manage this guilt in a healthy way. We are talking about the helpful approach of DBT, which offers simple tools that let you handle overwhelming emotions, minimize stress, and make you feel in control.
Read on to learn more.
DBT- What Does It Really Mean?
You might want to think of DBT in terms of talk-based support that exclusively focuses on helping you deal with overwhelming emotions. DBT, in simple words, teaches you how to stay calm, think with clarity, and respond to stress in a better way. Now, it is important to mention here that you do not necessarily need to be in a crisis to really benefit from DBT.
You can use DBT skills at any time. Nonetheless, as a working mom, you will find DBT especially helpful when certain emotions like frustration and stress start building up.
With that said, if you live in Miami, you might want to explore your options, like dbt therapy in Miami, FL, and experience how these techniques are used to get support in life. The focus of DBT is usually the same: learning effective ways to manage strong emotions and finding the perfect balance.
Working Moms & Guilt – What is the Link?
The thing about guilt is that this emotion typically stems from high expectations. For instance, as a working mom, you naturally feel the need to be on top of everything, including work, parenting, and managing your home. We cannot rule out the role of social pressure.
Seeing other moms “perform” on social media or hearing unsolicited advice from friends and family can make you feel like you are not being or doing enough. Let us tell you one simple truth:” No one is perfect.” If you try to meet unrealistic standards, it will only add to your stress.
With that said, your very first step should be to really understand where your guilt comes from. Only when you get to the source will you be able to manage it.
Top DBT Skills That Can Help
Essentially, DBT offers easy-to-use tools that you can integrate into your everyday routine. Starting with mindfulness, you learn to focus on the present moment instead of getting stressed about the future or worrying about all the things you did wrong in the past. When it comes to mindfulness, taking deep breaths can make a big difference.
Another skill that is absolutely worth mentioning here is pausing before reacting. For instance, in the moment when you feel overwhelmed, you must take a moment to mentally or realistically step back from the situation in real life or in your mind.
This pause can help you get in control of your thoughts and respond calmly instead of reacting out of stress.
Now, these small changes can really help you manage working mom guilt in a healthy way. With practice, you will minimize emotional pressure and make your day-to-day more manageable.
The Importance of Setting Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest causes of stress is trying to do too much. Yes, you read it right! Understandably, as a working mom, you want to take care of everything and be your best; however, you cannot be perfect, as no one is. Your best bet is to focus on one thing at a time. Also, keep in mind that you do not have to do everything perfectly.
Some days, your focus will be on work. Other days, you will be focused on your family, and this is perfectly okay. All you need to do is create a routine that actually works for you. You must prioritize what matters at that specific time while letting go of everything else.
This approach will make you feel in control while reducing the pressure.
Conclusion
Lastly, you should know that self-compassion is absolutely mandatory when it comes to managing guilt. You must let go of the urge to be hard on yourself, especially when you are already doing your best. Make sure to celebrate your small wins and treat yourself with the same kindness that you would offer to your loved ones.
