Motherhood is one of the most beautiful experiences, but let’s be real—it’s also exhausting. Between diaper changes, school runs, and late-night feedings, finding even five minutes for yourself can feel impossible. Beyoncé once sang, “Who run the world? Girls.” But even the strongest women need rest. The truth is, most moms put themselves last, but that’s where things need to change. A 2021 survey found that 93% of moms feel burned out, with 16% feeling this way all the time. Brianna Betts, wife of MLB star Mookie Betts, opened up related to her struggles with balancing motherhood, marriage and self-care.

Through her Mom Diaries video series, Brianna provided a heartfelt message, encouraging mothers to reclaim their time. Her candid words shed light on the effectiveness of self-reflection and prioritizing personal well-being. The Dodgers star wife admitted, “I was there too. I had no time to myself. I could not figure out ways to just be by myself—with being a mom and a wife and just all the other things and roles that I had“.

Sound familiar? She’s speaking for so many women who feel the same way. Her words highlight a reality multiple mothers face—self-care takes a backseat to family responsibilities. But Brianna makes one thing clear, Change starts with you. “It starts with me. And if I do not make time for myself, no one will,” she says. And she’s absolutely right. She further urges mothers to manage on their schedules and ask themselves, “when do you have time to work on anything within yourself?”

Identifying the need for a supportive communit, Brianna launched Mom Diaries. This is a platform dedicated to helping mothers reconnect with their identities. The approach encourages journaling as a tool for self-discovery, aiming at personal goals, aspirations and carving out period for self-care. Through guided journal prompts, Brianna hopes to enhance self-awareness and empowerment among women who focus on their families’ needs.

In her series, she discusses journal entries designed to help mothers analyze how much personal time they truly have, how they utilize it and how the mothers can establish space for themselves. Such reflective exercises serve as a reminder that focusing on personal well-being is not selfish. It is vital for a healthy and balanced life. Brianna’s story is deeply relatable, but she’s far from alone. 

Celebrity moms on the realities of motherhood

Many high-profile mothers have shared their experiences managing the demands of their careers alongside motherhood. Their stories shed light on the complexities of achieving work-life balance and the importance of self-care.​

Kelly Clarkson, a renowned singer and mother of two, has voiced her frustration with school systems scheduling children’s performances during work hours without sufficient notice. She highlighted the emotional strain this places on working parents, stating that such scheduling affects their “emotional stability” and can lead to feelings of guilt when unable to attend these events.

Similarly, actress Keira Knightley has discussed the challenges of motherhood, including sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, and shifts in personal relationships. She candidly admitted feeling as though she was “failing on a daily basis” but emphasized that acknowledging these difficulties does not diminish the love for one’s child.

Erin Andrews, sports reporter and television personality opened up about the difficulties of juggling her career and personal life during the 2024-25 NFL season. She described the year as “really hard,” highlighting the emotional toll of balancing work commitments with motherhood and personal responsibilities

Thanks to moms like Brianna, Kelly, and Keira speaking up, more people are finally paying attention to the realities of motherhood. And the message is clear: Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Because when moms take care of themselves, they can show up as their best selves for their families. So, to every mom reading this—take that break. Schedule that alone time. Reclaim your joy. Because when you pour into yourself, you have so much more love to give.