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The other day, I found myself searching the pantry for the third, maybe fourth time, wondering what I had gone in there for. Was it crackers for snacks? A coffee refill? More hiding from the chaos happening on the other side of the door? That’s when it hit me—Mom Burnout had come to visit, and it had made itself comfortably at home.
Being a mom is equal parts exhausting and exhilarating, but sometimes the scales tip a little too far to the exhausting side. If you’re feeling like you’re at the end of your rope, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about how to spot the signs and, most importantly, what we can do about them.
Recognizing the Signs of Mom Burnout
Constant Exhaustion: We’re always tired, right? But there’s tired, and then there’s so-tired-that-even-coffee-laughs-at-you tired. Burnout might be the culprit if you’re always feeling the latter. 😴
Irritability on Another Level: When the tiniest inconveniences (like a cereal box that’s not closed correctly) make you feel like you need to throw a hissy fit, it might be signs of burnout.
Feeling Like an Impostor: If you’ve ever walked around thinking everyone else has this mom thing figured out except you, it’s likely the burnout whispering lies into your ear.
Lack of Joy in the Everyday: Finding joy seems impossible, even when your little one does the cutest (albeit sticky) art project on your kitchen wall.
Solutions that Actually Work
Carve Out “You” Time—Even if It’s Just Five Minutes: This might sound like a fantasy, especially when the toddler clings to your leg like glue, but five minutes of deep breathing in the bathroom (door locked, naturally) can recharge your mom batteries just a bit.
Connect with Fellow Moms: Whether it’s a quick chat during school pickup or a virtual mom group in your pajamas on the couch, knowing you’re not alone makes a world of difference.
Let Go of Perfection: It’s okay if the house isn’t ready for a magazine photo shoot. Cut yourself some slack. Embrace the chaos!
Incorporate Little Joys: Find simple, quick ways to make yourself smile each day. That might mean indulging in that guilty pleasure TV show after bedtime or perfecting your chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Professional Help is Okay: Sometimes you need more than just a friend to talk to. Therapy or life coaching might sound like a big step, but it’s worth considering if nothing seems to help.
Motivational Thoughts for the Journey
Remember, mama, you are already doing the most incredible job—even on days when you think you’re not enough. Perfection isn’t what your kids need. They need a happy, healthy, and human mom who knows when it’s time to reach out for a lifeline. We’re all in this together, so let’s lift each other up one burnout-busting tip at a time. 🌟
We’re here to support and cheer you on every step of the way. So, when Mom Burnout hits, remember: you’re strong, you’re capable, and you’ve got a whole community of moms who see you and want to help. You’ve got this! 🫶
