"I always feel guilty leaving my kids but I have to remember taking care of myself": Serena Williams on regaining confidence by prioritizing self-care

Serena Williams has spoken up about finally feeling comfortable to take time out for herself in a bid to restore her self-confidence. The former World No. 1 admitted that she does not like leaving her daughters Olympia and Adira River to focus on herself. However, at the same time, she believes that if she does not prioritize self-care, it will be hard for her to truly take care of her daughters.

Williams gave birth to Olympia in September 2017 and to Adira River in August 2023. While the 23-time women's singles Grand Slam winner returned to tennis following Olympia's birth, she eventually bid her farewell to the sport at the 2022 US Open.

However, via a recent social media post, Williams laid bare that she found time for herself these days during her daughters' nap time.

"Being ok to take time for myself is something I have always struggled with.I finally started started being ok to take an hour (during nap time) away from my kids and work to do something for myself. I always feel guilty leaving them but I have to also remember taking care of myself, will only help me take better care of them," Williams wrote in an Instagram post.

The 42-year-old also shared a glimpse into a lengthy spa session in Paris that she was treated to by one of her girlfriends on her most recent visit to the French capital. She said that the session brought her "amazing" results, with her skin well on its way to going back to how it was prior to Olympia and Adira River's respective births.

"On my last trip to Paris a girlfriend of mine treated me to a spa day. She knows after 2 babies I have been self conscious of my tummy. I just had to post this video she took. The results have been amazing. I can see progress with my skin going back to normal and my confidence coming back. Listen my body will never be the same but neither will I cause I have 2 amazing lights in my life," Williams added.

Serena Williams had reflected on the changes her body had gone through after Adira River's birth

Serena Williams at the 2024 Met Gala

In February this year, Serena Williams took to Instagram to reflect on how giving birth to Adira River had changed her body. The former World No. 1 stressed on the importance of self-love, and how despite her body being far from "picture perfect", she had grown to accept "a new version" of herself.

"Loving yourself is essential. I find that I have to remind myself of that self-love through all different stages in my life. Right now I love that my body is not picture perfect. I love that I smell like milk - that milk sustains @adriaohanian. I love getting to know a new version of my body.

Serena Williams went on to admit that the "change" in her following Adira River's birth had "been well worth it". The 23-time Grand Slam winner also urged her followers to start practicing self-love.

"It is a change, but it’s a change that has been well worth it. So start this week, knowing that you are loved, and that starts with you," Williams wrote on Instagram.

2022 was the last year for Serena Williams on the ATP Tour. She endured first-round exits at Wimbledon and Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, while reaching the second round of the Canadian open.

The American's last tournament was the US Open, where she reached the third round after wins over Danka Kovinic and Anett Kontaveit. Here, she lost to Ajla Tomljanovic.