Episode 114

The Messy Reality of Finding Space for Self-Care When You’re Always Needed

Published on: 17th August, 2025

From clingy kids to bedtime bear hugs that last twenty minutes, Jill and Linda get real about what it’s like to never be alone as a mom. This episode dives into the exhaustion of constant “mom, mom, mom” moments, the guilt that comes with needing space, and the messy balance between sacrifice and self-care. With stories of tired kids, sticky floors, and Alexa bedtime reminders, this is a reminder that self-care doesn’t always mean solo time, it can also be woven into everyday family life.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • The highs and lows of motherhood, from sweet milestones to total exhaustion
  • Why being “always needed” can lead to resentment (and why that’s okay to admit)
  • The struggle of bedtime routines when kids crave extra connection
  • How small shifts - like shoe practice or Alexa reminders - can ease daily stress
  • Why self-care doesn’t have to be solo, and how kids can be part of it
  • Creative ways Jill and Linda are experimenting with self-care (hello, popsicle sticks!)
  • The importance of reframing this stage of motherhood as a season, not forever

 

Motherhood often means you’re never truly alone, and that can feel both beautiful and overwhelming. The trick isn’t to chase perfection, but to find small ways to breathe, involve your kids in self-care, and remember this is just a season. You’re not alone in feeling pulled in every direction, we’re right there with you.

 

Until next week, we hope you can unstuck your muck! 💛

 

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About the Podcast

Mucked Up My Self-Care Podcast
Real, Raw and Unedited Conversations From Two Global Moms/Mums
A podcast for moms about the real, raw, and unscripted perspectives of guilt-free self-care by two moms across the globe. This unedited podcast is real life and their personal experiences told in friendly conversation style. Advocating for all moms who have mucked up their self care.

There are so many others out there that aren't successfully solving the real problem of trying to figure out what self-care is. We want to bring to light the reality of what self-care can look like for moms who struggle to fit it in, don't know what will work for them, and the ways that it hasn't worked. We want to have conversations about the guilt we feel when we are pressured to mother ourselves when we don't know how and aren't given the support to in our society today.

About your hosts

Jill Olish

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Linda Bonney

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