Real Life: Feeling Overwhelmed As A Mother
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Being a mom is like being a superhero, except without the sexy, spandex suit or the cool gadgets.
We fly around our day to day lives taking care of other people, making sure they are safe from danger.
Constantly juggling the needs of our growing children, cooking meals, cleaning the house and working. All while trying to take care of our own mental health.
It’s a lot.
It’s a never-ending cycle of chaos and somehow we manage to keep it all together.
But let’s be real, there are days when I just want to throw in the towel and yell “I quit, I can’t take this anymore!”
Can’t everyone just fend for themselves for once?
Don’t get me wrong, I love my family more than anything, but sometimes I just need a break.
The truth is that we all have our days where we just can’t do it all. And honestly, we shouldn’t.
We have to try and find ways to manage these feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Prioritize self-care (because who doesn’t love a good bubble bath?).
- Practice gratitude (hey, at least we have a roof over our heads).
- Take breaks (because naps are amazing).
- Practice time management (or just wing it, no judgment here).
- And stay connected with your partner (because we all need someone to understand us).
As a mother of growing tweens, I know how it feels to want to run away and never look back.
The the weight of responsibility for their emotional well-being, can be too much from me sometimes.
There are days when I just want to be left alone, to take care of myself and not have to worry about anyone else.
These kind of days can be really difficult for me. And can leave me feeling disappointed in myself, for not being able to handle motherhood the way I think a mother should.
But the truth is, I’m not alone in feeling this way. There are many other moms that go through similar struggles and it’s important that we talk about it.
It’s okay to take a step back and take time to prioritize our own well-being, because by doing so, we become better mothers, partners and better versions of ourselves.
13 Tips for Managing Overwhelm as a Mother
Communicate with Your Family
It’s important to communicate with your family about how you’re feeling.
Let them know that you need some time to focus on yourself and ask for their support and understanding.
By communicating openly, you can avoid feelings of guilt or resentment.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks is essential for managing overwhelming feelings.
This can be taking a nap, going for a walk, or doing something that makes you happy.
Taking a break will help you recharge and feel more energized.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is crucial for mothers. And you KNOW this.
Take care of your physical health.
Get enough sleep, exercise, and eating healthy foods as much as possible.
You should even practice some meditation to take care of your mental health.
Prioritize Tasks
Prioritizing your daily tasks is important to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Make a list of your daily tasks and prioritize them based on their importance.
You can even delegate some tasks to your partner or older children to help lighten the load.
Don’t be Too Hard on Yourself
It’s important to remember that you’re only human and it’s okay to have moments where you feel like you can’t handle everything.
Don’t be too hard on yourself and remember that you’re doing the best you can.
Set Boundaries
It’s important to set boundaries to avoid taking on too much.
Saying “no” to certain requests or delegating tasks to others can help you manage your workload and take a huge weight off your shoulders.
Find Support
Having a support system is crucial for managing feelings of being overwhelmed.
You can reach out to friends, family, or find a support group for mothers.
Share your struggles with others, it can really help you feel less alone and provide you with valuable insight and advice.
It’s one of the reasons I started this blog.
Simplify Your Routine
Simplifying your routine can help you save time and reduce stress.
Start meal planning, decluttering your home, or simplifying your morning routine.
Finding ways to streamline your day-to-day tasks can help you feel more organized and in control.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing overwhelm.
Practicing mindfulness can involve deep breathing exercises, yoga, or simply taking a time to be present in the moment.
By focusing on the present moment, you can actually reduce stress and anxiety and feel more grounded.
Seek Help
If you’re feeling really down and overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to seek help.
Reach out to a good therapist, a support group, or your healthcare provider.
Seeking help is a sign of strength and it can provide you with valuable resources and support to manage your emotions.
Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is another effective tool for helping you feel more at peace with yourself.
Take a few moments each day to think about what you’re grateful for, whether it’s your family, your health, or having a roof over your head.
By focusing on the positive, you can reduce stress and improve your mood.
Practice Time Management
Managing your time effectively can help you avoid being overwhelmed as a mother.
You can start by creating a daily schedule, and breaking large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
By practicing time management, you can feel more in control of your day-to-day responsibilities.
Stay Connected with Your Partner
This one is really important when you’re in a relationship.
Maintain a strong connection with your partner.
It can help you manage all the demands of motherhood.
Take time to connect with your partner ever day and let them know how you’re really feeling.
Life as a mother can be too much for us sometimes.
We might even be so overwhelmed from our day that we come off as angry when we’re really just feeling down.
By staying connected through communication with your partner, you can feel more supported and less alone.
Remember, managing overwhelm as a mother is a continuous process.
You’re not alone in feeling this way and it’s okay to prioritize your own well-being.
It’s important to be patient with yourself and seek support when needed.
By taking care of yourself and finding what works for you, you can be a happier, healthier and more fulfilled mother.
At the end of the day, you got this (even if it means you have to hide in the bathroom for a few minutes of peace).
Please share your tips on what works for you when you’re having one of those days where you just want to throw in the towel and share this post with other moms.