Burnout is Real: How I Practice Self-Care as a Working OFW Mom

Learning to prioritize myself didn’t come naturally. For a long time, survival was second nature—and I carried that with me even after moving overseas. I was used to giving, to doing, to pushing through. Taking care of others always came first. As an OFW, I had been the primary breadwinner for my mom until she passed. That season of my life shaped me deeply. It taught me resilience and responsibility—but somewhere along the way, I forgot how to take care of myself.

The Wake-Up Call

About four years ago, I was diagnosed with moderate depression.
My first reaction? Denial.

Cliché, I know.
I remember laughing when the doctor gave me the diagnosis. I told myself, "That can’t be me. I’m strong. I’m mentally tough. I’m just tired.”

But the signs were there:

  • I wasn’t sleeping well

  • I stayed up late most nights, scrolling endlessly

  • I wasn’t eating right or moving my body

  • I gained weight and lost motivation

  • Emotionally, I was numb

This was during the height of the pandemic. I kept going like everything was fine—but inside, I was running on empty.

Acceptance: The First Step Toward Healing

It took time, but eventually I realized that acceptance is where healing begins.
The sooner you acknowledge what’s really happening—and that some things are beyond your control—the sooner you can start showing up for yourself.

I had to re-learn how to give to myself, not just everyone else.

What Helped Me: A Hobby That Was Just for Me

You know what helped? A hobby.
Simple, right? But it was life-changing for me.

I bought a paint-by-numbers kit—something quiet, low-pressure, and just for me. I’m not an artist by any means, but I figured, how hard can it be?

It kicked my butt.

My first painting took me a whole year to finish. The second one? Two years.
Now I’m on my third. I started with the Van Gogh collection, and although it’s a slow process, I enjoy the challenge. The first one is now hanging proudly on my wall—a small, quiet reminder of how far I’ve come.

Why I’m Sharing This

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this topic is close to my heart because of my own experience. I know there are other women out there—working moms, OFWs, caregivers—who are tired but keep showing up because they feel they have to.

If that’s you, I hope this reminds you: You are not alone.

You don’t have to wait for burnout or a diagnosis to start caring for yourself.
Sometimes, healing begins with the smallest act—one that reminds you you’re still here, and you still matter.

Final Thoughts

I’m still learning. I still have tough days. But I’m in a better place than I was, and that’s something to be proud of.

To every woman out there who’s had to be strong for too long—whether for family, for survival, or for everyone but herself—this is your reminder: you deserve care, too.

Even if it starts with a paintbrush and a blank canvas.

Get your own canvass here. The magnifying lamp also helps, get it here.