AS MOMS, we surely have a lot of responsibilities. There is no denying that our hands are always full.
Despite our busy schedule, we should never forget to find time for ourselves, right? I asked several moms I admire how they take care of themselves and how they manage their time. Yes, these moms, despite being hands on and extra busy, have maintained their looks. You could not even believe that they are moms already!
Antoinette “Petite” Principe, 39, lawyer and City Councilor
“As a mom, I always try to squeeze in 'me' time no matter how busy I get with my work and my kids. Hopefully this year, I get to hit the mat and practice yoga. To manage my time, I try to keep a good balance with work and alone time with my two children. Spending quality time with my children nourishes my body and soul.”
Florence Ferraris-Alejandre, 39, entrepreneur
“I take care of myself by making sure that I get enough sleep. Meanwhile, I manage my time by engaging only on activities that support my goals. I also delegate a lot, in order to accomplish more. One must learn to delegate often.”
Lea May Luna-Panisales, 35, beauty queen-turned-entrepreneur
“I watch what I eat. I exercise because I want to make sure I am still alive when my kids will have their own kids too. Time management: my day starts at 5am, prepping things for kids going to school. I drive them to school, after sending them I go straight to the gym only at least an hour. Go home for lunch and takes a nap in the afternoon. Usually food are prepared ahead of time, I keep it in the freezer and just reheat it. Then sleeps at 10 to 10:30 p.m.”
April Kaye Garino, 29, registered nurse and entrepreneur
“Finding time for myself while juggling motherhood and career can seem near impossible but I realized if I don’t learn how to find a few quiet moments for myself, I could be setting myself or my career up for failure. To make it more enjoyable and multitasking, I bring along my daughter with me! Gives me a well-deserved pampering day while spending quality bonding time with my mini-me. Since I'm in the beauty industry, taking care of myself also entails watching my weight and getting a smooth and healthy looking skin.
To manage my time, setting a daily goal is the key. I establish power working hours where I focus on what should be done and stick to it. Hardwork should be paired with smartwork.
Most important of all, I always try to get enough sleep, move away from internet, have some me or family time. Keeps me more productive and going the next day.”
Bea Lao, 35, entrepreneur
“Being a mother is hard work. It is constant work. It is necessary for me to take care of myself so that I can take care of my family. This includes taking care of myself emotionally and physically. To do this, I aim to live healthy by taking time to exercise and eating right. By being fit, I will be able to work well and be able to cope with my childrens' activities. I also take time to do something as often as I could to fill my soul as simple as having a quiet time, 'me' time, listening to ‘my mood’ music, sketching, enjoying good food, and anything that makes me happy. Having a happy mind makes me feel energized and I share the happiness with my kids. I pamper and reward myself too!
As a full-time working mother, I make sure to balance my time between work and family. I just go by my day to day routine but some days are not the same. When I feel overwhelmed with my workload, I plan, prioritize and most importantly stay focused. I separate work and motherhood responsibilities but I also keep things flexible to accommodate unexpected things. I multitask only when it is necessary and favorable for me. Though my everyday may seem to be all about work and being a mother, I always make it to a point that I give time for myself too. But no matter what, my kids would always be my priority.”
Bianca Patricia Naranjo-Kanakan, 32, entrepreneur
“I make sure to pamper myself at least once a week. With my age now, I already notice a lot of changes in my body. Fine lines, dark areas, especially after giving birth, sagging skin and more. As an owner of a skin care business for nine years, I make sure to at least treat myself once a week to help maintain and improve my skin and overall appearance. Since I’m the bread winner of the family, I have to balance work, appearance and need a lot of dose of confidence to function as a mom.
As a mom, time management is very challenging, especially that I look after the full time plus I just gave birth last May 2018. I admit I sleep late due to my hectic schedule but I manage to have time for my kids every morning since I go to work after lunch. I do my office and clinic works full time, until 9pm daily. Once I am home, I am a full-time mommy again. I have to admit, my helpers have been a big help. Good thing, too, there is technology that I can use to check on my kids from time to time and do my work online as well.”
Like them, we also have our struggles as moms. We need to face a number of challenges, too, when it comes to the work we do. No matter what, though, we know that we can hurdle everything. After all, we are members of the MOMs (mothers of multitasking) Club!
Thank you so much, my favorite mommies, for sharing your stories with us!
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(If you have special events and fashion tips to share, or just want to discuss about any fashion-related concerns with me, you are always free to reach me at mendoza.jennygrace@gmail.com.)