Sometimes, as mums, we are faced with a wave of exhaustion that doesn’t just involve our body but seeps into our very being. Yep, we’re talking about mum burnout.
By Ava Wilde
How can you tell if you’re caught in the whirlwind of this mum burnout?
Firstly, you’re likely to find yourself in a constant state of tiredness that goes beyond the usual fatigue. It’s like you’ve been running on a treadmill that’s on a never-ending sprint mode, but you’re only moving in circles – sound familiar?
Moreover, you might start feeling detached from your everyday life. Things that used to bring joy now seem like tedious tasks. Your fav coffee blend? Meh. Baby’s first steps? Yawn. It’s as if the sparkle has dulled, and everything seems lackluster.
Babe, remember that it’s okay to not feel ‘okay’. It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by the never-ending tasks and responsibilities that motherhood thrusts upon us. That’s why it’s essential to be in tune with your feelings and acknowledge when it’s all getting too much.
“MUM BURNOUT IS REAL, BUT IT’S NOT SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH ALONE. THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING.”
Reach out, mama, you’re not alone in this. It’s okay to need help and lean on your support network. Don’t let the shame of not being ‘supermum’ keep you from seeking the support you need. We are humans, not robots. We have limits and they need to be respected.
Also, try setting some boundaries. Can you make a ‘me-time’ during your day, even if it’s just half an hour? Trust us, those moments of solitude and silence can do wonders. They could be spent reading, meditating, exercising, or even just staring blankly at the wall. The important thing is that it’s YOUR time, darlin’.
Finally, babe, always remember that your worth is not measured by your productivity. It’s not about the clean house, the well-behaved kids, or the perfect job. You’re fabulous just the way you are, in all your messy, beautiful, chaotic glory. You’re enough, and don’t you dare let anyone or anything make you think otherwise.
Breaking down mum burnout
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from your kids, you might be experiencing mum burnout. Here are some of the signs to look out for:
Physical exhaustion. You’re always tired, even after you’ve gotten a good night’s sleep.
Emotional depletion. You feel drained and apathetic.
Disconnection. You feel like you’re not really present with your kids.
Negative thoughts. You start to think negative thoughts about yourself and your parenting skills.
Guilt. You feel guilty about not being able to do more.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to take care of yourself. Here are a few tips for avoiding mom burnout:
Set boundaries. It’s okay to say no to things.
Delegate. Ask your partner, family, or friends for help.
Take breaks. Make time for yourself to relax and recharge.
Get help if you need it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a therapist or counselor.
Mum burnout is real, but it’s not something you have to go through alone. There are things you can do to take care of yourself and prevent it from happening. So reach out for help, take some time for yourself, and remember that you’re not alone.
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