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This perpetual state of busyness that we live in is burning us out. So let’s talk about how to overcome overwhelm and reclaim our true selves.
This feature is Part 3 of our Wellness Series in partnership with Nanit, tackling some of the biggest challenges faced by mothers today. Read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
In the life of the modern mama, our browsers are bursting with too many tabs – motherhood, career, love, self – we are stretched like never before. The weight of it all is overwhelming and the increasing demands are leading to an unprecedented scale of burnout.
For too long, mothers have been celebrated as multitaskers, with society standing on the sidelines cheering, “Look at Supermum go!” But between the whirlwind of kid chaos, our hopes and dreams, the never-ending laundry pile, and trying to be a good partner and friend, we’re all too often caught in a ceaseless dance of just trying making it through.
“FOR MODERN MOTHERS, STEPPING OUT OF SURVIVAL MODE ISN’T A LUXURY – IT’S A NECESSITY.”
The burden of survival mode
So, you know that whole ‘survival mode’ thing? It’s when your brain is on high alert all the time, looking out for what’s next. Well, back in the day, our great-great-great (and a few more ‘greats’) ancestors had it as a sort of superpower to dodge danger. Pretty cool for them, right?
But flash forward to today, and us mamas are kinda stuck in this 24/7 ‘on guard’ mode. But instead of wild animals, it’s just… life. And honestly? It’s doing us no favours.
Over time, this constant stress impacts both our physical and mental wellbeing. Elevated cortisol levels can cause weight gain, sleep disorders, decreased immune response, and even chronic diseases. Meanwhile mentally, it’s linked to anxiety, depression, and a reduced ability to think critically or creatively.
The root causes of overwhelm
Unrealistic expectations
Societal pressures and the curated perfection of social media paint an image of the ‘perfect‘ mother, making many mamas feel like we’re not doing enough.
24/7 availability
The digital age means we are always ‘reachable’, whether it’s a work email or a message from school. And this constant connection blurs boundaries.
The balancing act
Juggling personal ambitions, work responsibilities, and family needs can feel like a tightrope walk, with little room for self-care or downtime. Can we get a breather over here?
Close those tabs in 10 steps
It is common to feel overwhelmed when you have too much on your mind. So here are some tips to help you prioritise your tasks and protect your mental space.
1. First off, do a brain dump. Just grab a pen and paper, or open a notes app on your phone, and jot down everything that’s bugging you. It’s like emptying your mental pockets onto the table.
2. Now, let’s sort the mess. Group similar tasks together like you would with socks or silverware. It’s easier to tackle things when they’re neatly organised.
3. Got your tasks sorted? Awesome. Time to play a little game called ‘Urgent or Important’. Basically, you’re going to label each task based on how urgent and important it is. That way you’ll get a better idea of what needs your attention ASAP and what can wait until later.
4. Next up, set some goals and deadlines. It’s like telling yourself, “Hey, we’ve got this! Let’s smash these tasks by (insert date here)”.
5. If you’ve got some tasks that seem like climbing Mount Everest, break them down into smaller steps. Baby steps are key here.
6. Feeling swamped? No worries. Ask for help, delegate tasks, or outsource if you can. Sharing is caring, after all.
7. Distracted much? Same here! So, close those extra tabs, mute notifications, and have designated social media time. Trust us, it works wonders.
8. Love a good app? Try Trello, Todoist, or Google Keep. They’ll help you stay on top of things like a boss.
9. Now, schedule some time for each task. It’s like making a little appointment with yourself. You’ll feel super organised, promise.
10. Last but not least, keep an eye on your progress and adjust your priorities as needed. Life is full of surprises, so you’ve got to roll with the punches.
How to break the cycle of overwhelm
Boundaries, baby
Think of it like this – sometimes you need “office hours” even for folding laundry or doing the dishes. It helps keep things sane, y’know?
All about you-time
Don’t forget to hit the ‘pause’ button now and then. Whether it’s a quick coffee break or an entire chill day, you’ve earned it. Refill that cup lady.
Teamwork makes the dream work
We’ve all heard ‘it takes a village‘, right? So, don’t be shy to tag in your partner, fam or gal pals when you need help. Lean on those around you. And if you’re feeling super swamped, talk it out with a professional. Sometimes, just blabbing about what’s on your plate can lead to genius solutions.
Stay zen
Breathe in, breathe out. A little mindfulness goes a long way. It’s all about being in the moment instead of drowning in the ‘what’s next?’
Digital detox
Our phones have become an extension of our brains – they are often always within easy reach. But cutting back on screen-time can be like a mini-vacation for your mind. Even creating ‘no phone zones’, eg: the dinner table, bath time, or bedtime, can make a massive difference.
Lighten your mental load
Look for #mumhacks to make your life easier and less stressful. Like using the Nanit Pro smart baby monitor so you can take the guesswork out of your baby’s sleep. Because mama, you don’t need to be the expert in everything.
Celebrate the little things
Got out of bed? Check. Made a to-do list? Check. Let’s toast to the mini-victories! Because … newsflash, it’s absolutely A-OK not to be the superhero every day. Sometimes, ‘good enough’ deserves a medal.
In an age that applauds the art of juggling, it’s super important to recognise that even the best jugglers need a break. For modern mothers, stepping out of survival mode isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. And in doing so, we pave the way for a balanced, healthier, and more fulfilling life for ourselves and those we nurture.
This feature is Part 3 of our Wellness Series in partnership with Nanit, tackling some of the biggest challenges faced by mothers today. Read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
Disclaimer: No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional. Please refer to our Medical and Health Disclaimer for further information.
