If you are regularly feeling overwhelmed, you might be at risk of burning out. Here are the signs of burnout and what to do.
By Mama Disrupt®
Let’s talk about the signs of burnout. Because we know that every mama has one of ‘those’ days every now and then – when you feel stressed out and utterly exhausted… #overwhelm.
You’ve been up half the night, the to-do list is out of control, a work deadline is looming, and the kids have just tipped glitter all over the dog.
Something that is longer exclusive to the corporate CEOs of the world, mama burnout is on the rise. But are you at risk, and what can you do to bring some calm back to your world?
“WITH SO MUCH ON OUR PLATES AND THE CONSTANT PRESSURE TO BE PERFECT, THOSE DAYS CAN OFTEN BECOME WEEKS, UNTIL BURNOUT IS ON THE HORIZON.”
What is burnout?
Burnout is the result of being in a chronic state of stress for a prolonged time. It zaps your energy leaving you feeling overwhelmed, drained, and unable to meet your everyday responsibilities. Rather than happening suddenly it comes on over time, making it harder to identify. However, there are some signs to watch out for:
1. Chronic fatigue
Early on you might feel tired and lack energy, but as burnout sets in you feel emotionally and physically depleted, waking up as exhausted as you went to bed.
2. Forgetfulness
From lack of attention to often losing items and the complete the inability to get through a working day, this can lead to further stress and anxiety as things pile up.
3. Irritability
Feeling snappy, tense, and short-tempered? Maybe more arguments are occurring at home, or you are snapping at the kids for trivial things. Either way, this is a certain sign of burnout.
4. Reduced immunity
As your body is depleted, your immunity is reduced, leading to increased sickness, such as colds and flu.
5. Insomnia
Oh, what we would give for a full night’s sleep anyway. But if you can’t sleep when you DO get chance to hit the hay, it is a sure sign that burnout is occurring.
6. Withdrawal
Loss of enjoyment and feelings of detachment can lead to withdrawal from various activities – playing with kids, social events, work commitments, eventually leading to further feelings of isolation.
7. Lack of productivity
Though you are stressed and putting in long hours, your productivity is reduced, and you feel like you are drowning in your overflowing to-do list.
What can you do?
If you are concerned you are suffering from burnout, there are many steps you can take to get some control back in your life.
Get help
If you are experiencing any signs of burnout, seek help straight away. Visit your GP, or speak to a counsellor to help you work through the challenges you have on your plate.
Step back
Try to take some time to honestly look at the stress that is happening in your life. With a little perspective, you can start to delegate some tasks.
Set some boundaries
As a mama, learning to say ‘no’ is a huge challenge. But that little word can make all the difference to your happiness.
Get creative
Nourishing your creative side is a wonderful antidote to burnout. Try a new hobby, start a project, or resume something you used to enjoy.
Try to get plenty of sleep
Though it’s hard with a tiny tribe to care for, rest is essential to recovery, so head to bed early, or take a nap during the day if you can.
Set aside time for relaxation
Yoga, meditation, reading a book, whatever helps you relax. Dedicate a little time to putting your body in a state opposite to the stress response it has become used to.
Go tech-free
Though 24/7 connectivity is handy, it is also a big culprit in lack of downtime. So, stop checking social media and turn off the phone, giving yourself space to wind down and chance for your brain to switch off.
Get support
If the majority of childcare and household responsibilities fall to you, have an honest conversation with your partner or immediate family for some help. You are no good to anyone if you are completely burnt out.
Lower your expectations
Take the pressure off yourself and drop the guilt. Decide what is important and let other things go.
Get social
Turn to your tribe, your partner, your friends, those who you enjoy spending time with to help you find some enjoyment in the little things again.
Get moving
Exercise is a fantastic antidote to stress, so get those endorphins firing with a walk in the sunshine.
Self-care
Most all, be kind to yourself.
For further information or support head to Cope, PANDA or beyond blue, or speak to your GP for help.
Sign up to our newsletter for weekly mama goodness delivered straight to your inbox, like the VIP that you are.
