Running a business and raising a family is a juggling act. Add SEN parenting into the mix, and “self-care” can start to feel like a joke. But it doesn’t have to be.
In this chat with self-care expert and Creative Content Club member Rachel Slyfield, we talk about what it really looks like to look after yourself when time, energy, and patience are in short supply.
Rachel’s on a mission to help SEN mums make self-care simple and doable — no spa days, no guilt trips, just small things that actually fit into real life.
If you’ve ever felt like taking time for yourself is impossible (or selfish), this one’s going to hit home.
What inspired you to start this business and focus specifically on supporting SEN mums with self-care?
My own experience of trying to find self care that I could fit into the nooks and crannies of my day and not being able to find anything without doing a lot of research. I didn’t want anyone to feel like I did.
Why do you think so many mums feel guilty about taking time for themselves, and how do you help them work through that?
I think social media has a lot to do with this! Self care is labelled as a luxury that you only do if you can afford it and I think it’s so dangerous.
This means that a lot of mums go into burnout because they don’t have the resources for expensive spa days all the time. I think the way parenting is viewed as still a mothers role contributes to this as well, we have to parent like we don’t work and work like we don’t have children. I help mums work through this by showing them a different way to take time out, sometimes just a five minute breathing exercise can make such a difference.
What are the biggest myths you want to bust about self-care, especially for mums of children with additional needs?
That you need to have lots of time and money to be able to take time out for yourself. It’s just not true and so damaging
How do you support your clients to overcome the practical barriers like time, energy, or support that make self-care feel impossible?
I help them to see that the amount of time doesn’t matter, its how you spend it that helps you to feel calmer. A good example of this is a 5 minute guided meditation, if uninterrupted this feels like an hour!
What small, realistic things can a mum start doing today to feel more like herself again?
Mark out 5 minutes for you in your calendar and treat it as you would a doctors appointment. Choose something small that helps you to relax. It could be a meditation (search on youtube), colouring, journalling or reading. Make that happen above anything else and repeat everyday.
How can people connect with you and find out more about working together?
You can find me on Facebook, and I have a Facebook group where I share sneak peeks and more self care tips.
I’m also on instagram and you sign up to a subscription box online. Use the code TENPERCENTOFF for 10% off your first order!
Content Marketing Strategist 