Do you ever feel that, no matter how fast or hard you pedal, you can never quite meet all the conflicting and incessant demands of life and work as a working mum? It's no wonder that there is very little "for me time" left at the end of your day, your week or even your month!

If we put off something until tomorrow, we feel guilty about it and this only serves to increase those daily pressures. Budgeting can be quite a challenge and if you only have a limited source of income you will always feel pressured to spend it on the kids and other household items, relegating yourself to last place in the pecking order.

As a working mum, you need to remember one thing - you represent the "engine" that runs the entire family and without you, available in tip top form and shining condition, the family machine will just not work as well. Zap those useless guilt gremlins right now. You must, must must accept that by looking after yourself and feeling good about yourself, your family will feel the benefits. It's simple - happy mum equals happy kids. You need to feel good about yourself or, over the course of time, you will become more and more burdened, depression may set in and this can become a downward spiral.

One of the more important goals for you should be to create a strong support network around you. Don't be afraid to lean on your closest friends - you know who they are, you only really have a few true friends that you can turn to in all these situations. Just remember that support is a two-way street. You may already have close family members who help you out, but don't be afraid to seek the help of a professional coaching expert, specifically coaching for women in your situation as well.

Hopefully you can find a good friend who is willing to become a babysitter for you, so that you can take that special "me" time. There is always a way around and a way to find time to make you feel "yummy" rather than slummy! Remember that whatever chaos seems to exist around you on a daily basis, you have to take control over the elements that you can control.

Looking and feeling fabulous on a low budget is not that difficult. Your biggest challenge will be to allocate the time necessary to pamper yourself in the first place. Once you accept this as a priority, pay attention to the essential elements.

The best investment you can make in yourself is to commit to daily exercise and we don't mean lugging bags of groceries around or cleaning the house! A concerted period of cardiovascular work is perfect, or you can event start out by using a small set of hand weights while walking around the neighbourhood.

See how this will make you feel better mentally and physically and how it will make you look better - your skin tone will shine. There is so much choice and competition in beauty products, that you are bound to find some bargain beautifying goodies to treat your face, body and soul. Schedule a weekly pamper night in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Feeling good is a state of mind. It often starts with a focus on creating time for you and allocating at least an equal priority.

For more hints and tips on how to feel great as a low-budget mum, check out the numerous online life coaching resources available!