No one argues that women tend to care for everyone on their list before taking care of themselves. Children, pets, husband (significant other), parents, in-laws (out-laws), friends, community, and the list goes on. Women entrepreneurs (small business owners) add employees, customers, and vendors to the list. And way down at the bottom of the list -- if added at all is - Me.
As a business coach, I've heard stories from my women clients on how they schedule only red-eye flights to make sure that they can be in two places at once. Two places at once -- yes, that's what many women believe they can do. IMPOSSIBLE! This takes multi-tasking into superhuman territory not just Superwoman thinking.
The approaching holiday season always poses more stress and more opportunities to require Superwoman to morph into Supermom and Superboss. Everyone in the Superwoman's life is more stressed during the holidays so it is only natural that they lean just a little more on her -- the woman entrepreneur -- in order to make their own lives just a little more sane.
The concept of having just two hands, two legs, two eyes, two ears, 24 hours in a day and deadlines of her own is rarely something any woman entrepreneur wants to pay attention to. The belief that as long as she keeps moving as fast as she can she can stay ahead of whatever is chasing her to the finish line is what keeps her working 24/7.
This concept, of course, is flawed and ultimately results in Superwoman extinction or institutionalization. 
Obviously, no woman entrepreneur wants to risk being led off to the "looney bin" or to eternal extinction so here's my 3 tips of self care for all those who believe that they have super powers:
First, the only woman who ever had super powers is your Mother. She gave birth to you - didn't she?
Tip #1 - Learn to say NO. It is not selfish to take care of yourself. There is someone else who is just as capable as you (if not more so) to take care of the dozen or more requests you get from all those important people in your life. You will hear the words - "but, you do such a good job" or "but, the way you do it is best" or "but, without you it won't be the same" - just remember this is exactly what was said to the last sucker that was conned into doing this project or participating in this event.
Tip #2 - Schedule ME Time. I know you see this advice from every blog you read but if you don't schedule it it won't happen. ME time for me is exercising - a walk, a run, or 30 minutes at the gym. I also love movies and have been known to escape to the darkness of a theatre to free my brain from stress for 2 hours. Can you imagine giving yourself 2 hours of distraction from the day-to-day operations? You'd be surprised how 2 hours alone watching others work out the complexities of their lives (messy affairs, rags to riches, running from the cops or criminals, swimming to lifeboats, living on deserted islands, winning the Civil War) brings your own life into perspective.
Tip #3 - Routine Healthy Nourishment. Even Popeye knew the importance of spinach. He didn't get his strength from candy bars (energy bars) and soda. The American diet is killing us. It's killing you. You know it and you do know what to do about it. Taking care of yourself means taking care of your body as well as your mind and spirit. It starts with good nutritious foods. There is so much variety available I promise there is plenty for you to love and plan to incorporate into your day. Skipping breakfast doesn't work for mere mortals so it certainly won't work for a Superwoman. If you aren't a fan of eggs try a fruit smoothie - banana, strawberries and milk, juice or almond milk in the blender. You can take it along with you, if necessary, and it will give you more energy that the coffee you want to stop for on your way. Make sure to have nuts, fruit (fresh or dried) in the car or in your purse for emergency snacks. If you like peanut butter nothing is better than a natural peanut butter on wheat bread or pita with or without banana sandwich. Eat lunch (even if you have to go to the bathroom to do it). Finally, do your best to eat your lightest meal in the evening and nothing after 7 p.m. if possible. The later you eat the lighter your meal should be. No one sleeps well on a full stomach. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night is an integral part of your body's routine nourishment.
If every woman entrepreneur followed these 3 tips of self care throughout this holiday season and on, she would be able to boost her super powers to a level her mom would be proud of. Mom, as we all know, always knew best.
