Every mom knows the feeling: that little voice whispering, “Shouldn’t you be doing something for the kids instead?” Whether it’s taking a moment to breathe, meeting a friend for coffee, or simply catching up on sleep, self-care can sometimes feel like an indulgence instead of a necessity. Abby Dixon, licensed therapist and founder of Joywell, is challenging that belief, helping mothers embrace self-care as a guilt-free, essential part of motherhood.
As a maternal mental health specialist and mother of three, Abby understands that many moms feel pressure to give endlessly, often at the expense of their well-being. This phenomenon, known as “mom guilt,” keeps mothers from recognizing that taking time for themselves isn’t just okay—it’s imperative for their mental and physical health, allowing them to be healthier and more present for their families.
One of Abby’s clients, Emily McSeveney, owner of Skin Studio Aesthetics and Wellness and mom to four-month-old Lucy, has faced this challenge herself. Balancing a new business with the demands of motherhood left her feeling pulled in every direction, stressed, and overwhelmed. With Abby’s guidance, Emily learned that prioritizing her well-being allowed her to show up more fully for her daughter. “I realized that taking time for myself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary,” Emily shares. “By caring for myself, I can care for Lucy and manage my business effectively.”
Abby believes self-care doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. Here are her top 5 tips for busy moms looking to incorporate self-care without guilt:
1. Start with small moments: Self-care doesn’t have to be a spa day. Abby recommends starting with small, meaningful moments: a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a 10-minute meditation, or a short walk. “These little pauses help us recharge and remind us to check in with ourselves,” Abby explains.
2. Set boundaries and say no when needed: Moms often feel pressured to take on every request, but learning to say no to non-essential commitments can be liberating. “Boundaries protect our time and energy,” says Abby. “Saying no helps us focus on what truly matters, making room for things that keep us grounded and fulfilled. Remember, saying no to something allows you to say yes to something else.”
3. Delegate and ask for help: Many mothers feel guilt around asking for help, fearing it makes them seem unable to handle their responsibilities. Abby encourages moms to rethink this, reminding them that “we are not meant to do it all alone.” Whether it’s leaning on a partner, asking a friend, or hiring a babysitter, sharing responsibilities allows moms to recharge and be present with their families.
4. Make self-care non-negotiable: Abby encourages moms to treat self-care like an essential appointment. “When we schedule it, we are saying it is important,” she explains. Abby recommends putting self-care on the calendar, whether it is a weekly yoga class, a phone call with a friend, or a quiet hour alone. “Your needs matter, how you feel in your body and your daily life matter,” she emphasizes.
5. Practice self-compassion: “Motherhood is filled with highs and lows,” Abby shares. “We need to give ourselves the grace to have challenging days without judgment.” Practicing self-compassion helps moms embrace imperfection, quiet the guilt, and recognize they are doing their best.
Abby Dixon’s work through Joywell is not just about supporting individual moms but challenging the expectations around motherhood. She is creating a movement that encourages women to let go of unrealistic ideals, embrace their worth, grow their identities, and prioritize their well-being—for their children and for themselves. Abby reminds moms, “Every small step towards self-care is a step toward showing up as the best version of yourself. Try to set aside a moment for yourself today—you deserve it.”
For more information about Joywell, visit: www.thejoywell.co