Mothers tend to prioritise the needs of their family over their own needs. When caring for a child with a disability, mothers take on many additional roles and tasks related to this caring. Often this leads to mothers feeling exhausted and like it is impossible to find time for themselves." to "When caring for a child/ren with disability, mothers take on many additional roles and complex tasks that make it challenging to find time for their own health and wellbeing. A lack of time for leisure and health
promoting activity can lead to more stress and feelings of exhaustion.

Sound familiar?

Research has found that the increased stress levels of mothers with children with a disability can contribute to advanced cellular aging compared to mothers who are less stressed.

What's the good news?

Researchers have shown that some cellular aging can be reversed through increasing physical activity levels and other effective ways of managing stress. Big changes can happen through taking small steps like being involved in enjoyable active leisure activities and taking time out for yourself.

What is the key message for mothers?

Taking time to do something that rejuvenates you, leads to improved health and wellbeing.

Listen to Ashleen, a mother of a child with a disability, discuss what how taking time for herself changed things for her and her family.