photographer, business owner, wife, daughter, mother...


Life as a mother to a lively toddler while pursuing a career as a lifestyle photographer is nothing short of an adventure. The constant juggle between the many hats of entrepreneurship behind the lens and embracing the chaotic beauty of motherhood can sometimes take its toll. It's essential to acknowledge that burnout and overwhelm are all too real, especially for those socialized as women from birth. Burnout can affect anyone, even the most passionate and dedicated individuals. In this blog post, I want to share a glimpse of my personal experience as a 2nd generation Filipino unravelling many layers of generational trauma, while being a creative entrepreneur and going through this next stage of motherhood - "the terrible twos".


Navigating overwhelm and burnout is an ongoing process but I've managed to put together 3 tips on how to get through those challenging times.

MY JOURNEY OF OVERWHELM AND BURNOUT:


Being a mother is a role that brings immense joy, but it can also be physically and emotionally draining. Balancing the demands of a toddler's ever-growing needs with the pressures of:

  1. being a woman (I can get into this on a while other blog post)
  2. keeping up with the societal standard of beauty as a woman
  3. generational trauma as a 2nd generation Filipino
  4. the cultural pressure of taking care of older parents
  5. growing a thriving photography career


Not even toughing on climate change and inflation 🤪 All of this has pushed me to the brink of exhaustion on numerous occasions. I found myself overwhelmed, feeling like I was running on empty, unable to give my best to either of my roles.


A couple days ago, I woke up and immediately felt overwhelmed. Right before I open my eyes, my thoughts ran through the list of things that “must get done”. Do you wake up like that too? There were times when I felt guilty for not being fully present with my child, missing out on precious moments while my mind is lost in thought. Other times I would get up and try to get through my mental task list just so I feel like I am in control and productive.


On the flip side, when I was engrossed in capturing beautiful moments for others, I often felt a pang of guilt for not dedicating enough time to my little one.


This constant tug-of-war between multiple worlds left me feeling stretched thin, emotionally drained, and on the verge of burnout. Recognizing that something needed to change, I embarked on a journey to find balance and rediscover my passion.


TOP 3 TIPS TO NAVIGATE BURNOUT:

1) EMBRACE SELF-CARE:


Okay okay okay, we already know this. I've also said it before my daughter was born. As mothers, we often put our own needs last, sacrificing our well-being in the process. However, self-care is not selfish; it is essential for our mental and physical health. No matter how small, it's important to include yourself in your daily routine.


Personally, I stopped following a rigid morning routine. The added pressure of following a rigid morning routine felt like another thing to add to the list. Instead, I do daily "resets" whenever I have a chance. If that's in the morning, great. If it's after daycare drop-off, even better! I take at least 30 minutes fully dedicated to slowing down, eating something nourishing and freshening up. Whatever it might be, make a list of at least 3 things you need to do for yourself every day to "reset".


2) SET REALISTIC BOUNDARIES:


One of the major contributors to burnout is an inability to establish boundaries between work, personal life and all your relationships. Create clear boundaries by setting realistic expectations for yourself, your clients and those in your circle. Learn to say no when necessary and communicate your availability clearly. By doing so, you will regain a sense of control over your time, allowing you to allocate dedicated moments for both your toddler and your photography career.


As a creative entrepreneur for many years, I've learned to create clear boundaries between my clients, friends and families and personal life. Here are a few things I've done to create a better balance between personal life and work.


  • My phone number is only for personal use. I do not take client text or calls!
  • I've created a schedule where I only take on a select number of photoshoots a month so that I have the time and flexibility to be with my family.
  • I've expressed my self-care needs to my partner so that they know which days/times of the week are for me. We've also set date days.
  • Have you heard of having a social budget? I've allowed a limited number of days of the week/month to social events. As an introvert, it's necessary for me to recharge.


Having these boundaries in place has helped me, my partner, friends and family and even clients have a health relationship.

3) SEEK SUPPORT AND DELEGATE:


It's important to recognize that you don't have to do it all alone. Reach out to your support system, whether it's your partner, family, or trusted friends. Communicate your feelings of overwhelm and seek their assistance when needed. Additionally, consider delegating certain tasks, such as editing or administrative work, to others who can help lighten your workload. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it's a testament to your strength and commitment to your well-being.

Navigating overwhelm and burnout as a mother and lifestyle photographer is an ongoing journey, one that requires self-reflection, self-care, and the willingness to make necessary changes. By sharing my personal experience and top three tips, I hope to encourage fellow moms and photographers to prioritize their well-being and find balance amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood and a creative career. Remember, you are capable of achieving great things, but it's equally important to take care of yourself along the way.


Has any of these things resonated with you? Interested in Mentorship? Please feel free to contact me through Contact or DM me on Instagram.