If you've listened to my podcast for any length of time you'll know that I talk about taking time out, taking things easy and taking things slow as a mother. But in order to do this we have to navigate feelings of guilt, lack of time, energy and headspace to do what seems such an obvious and simple thing. There are so many metaphors out there - you can't pour from an empty cup. Put your own oxygen mask on first. Recharge yourself regularly like you do your phone. Fill your petrol tank before you run on empty. These cliches keep circling because they hit home. They are so true. You do no one any favours by continuing to run on empty. Yet we all do it. We all put ourselves at the very bottom of the list. We all keep going and going and going until....we're broken. And at the end of the summer holidays we may feel even more broken than normal. As wonderful as it has been to spend time with the children and enjoy their presence, it's a lot. A lot of fighting, sibling rivalries, tantrums and dramas. Now it's time to embrace the return to the routine of school - without simultaneously succumbing to the pressures and stressors that they bring too! So in this episode I talk about... The challenge of summer and the challenge of returning to school Stress and how it effects the body Why motherhood is particularly stressful The different faces of self-care 5 practical ways to find moments of self-care in your busy day To help me transition to the school routine for the first time, I'm running my Back-to-School Self-Care 7 day challenge from 18 September. I'd love for you to join me - I'll help you to rediscover yourself, find the time to do 5 minutes of me-time and shake off the feelings of guilt that so often accompanies thinking about self-care! Click here to sign up. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. Want more energy and motivation? To get yourself on the way to springing out of bed in the mornings, download my free guide: Ten Daily Strategies to Unlock More Energy. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.