It makes sense that so many mothers are experiencing emotional exhaustion or burnout. The last few months have pushed many mothers to their limits with added responsibilities and stress. The mental and emotional load has been relentless as we tend to everything and everyone at home. Many mothers are feeling depleted and are experiencing difficulty with the day-to-day demands of motherhood, along with meeting their own needs as they meet everyone else’s.
We’re human and it’s normal to feel increasingly frustrated and exhausted with the ongoing demands of our children, our homes, and for many of us, work on top of that. Not to mention health challenges many mothers may be experiencing, and the overall stress of being in the midst of a pandemic, and all the unknowns associated with it.
So how do we keep going amidst all of this when we feel so emotionally exhausted?
- The power of our thoughts. What have your thoughts been mostly centered around? That can give you a good indication as to what is distressing you the most. Is it a scenario that hasn’t happened yet? Something from your past you’re thinking about? Thoughts of self-doubt? Thoughts about comparing yourself to others? It’s hard work and quite a process to examine and change our thoughts but it definitely is needed to help change how we’re feeling. Remember, our thoughts are not facts. But they can certainly become beliefs if we don’t examine and challenge them.
- Examine what is contributing to your daily emotional exhaustion. Write it out if you have to. Make a list of everything you’re trying to tend to currently. Some things we can limit from our lives, postpone, or remove altogether. Some responsibilities however, we cannot let go of so it helps to know what we can do without for now. If you feel guilty about letting something go for now, keep reminding yourself that your health and well-being are the priority now and that everything else can wait. I’ve learned the hard way that if we keep pushing through despite our exhaustion, our bodies will force us to rest.
- Sleep. I can’t emphasize the importance of good sleep on our emotional well-being. But I know as mothers, this isn’t in our control when we have little ones sometimes needing us throughout the night. But trying to sleep earlier to increase our overall nighttime sleep is so important, despite how tempting it is to stay up and binge-watch our favourite shows with all the snacks. Try sleeping 15 minutes earlier each night and practice some meditation or deep breathing before sleep. Another important tip is to try and reduce screentime right before bed if possible.
- Voice your needs. Is there anyone around that can help lift the load off of you, even if it’s just for a bit as you regain your composure? Your health matters too mama and if there are others that can help you out, now is the time to let them in.
- Time for yourself. I know this may seem like a far-fetched reality for many mothers out there who don’t have the proper support system needed to enable them to carve out time for themselves so they can recharge. It’s so important for mothers to have some time to themselves where they have no demands placed on them, where they can hear themselves think, where they don’t have to supervise anyone or tend to anyone else but themselves. I know we’re stretched too thin right now but it has never been more important to have some time to rejuvenate and feel like yourself. Start with short periods of time if this is all that is feasible now-even 20 minutes at a time of rest, a walk outside alone, reading a book on your deck/balcony, calling a friend without any interruptions- small steps are the way to start.
- Nature. The benefits of spending time in nature on our well-being are manifold. If you have a nearby park or your backyard even, try to step outside and take deep breaths and look up at the sky. Sit on the ground, feel the earth beneath you, and repeat calming affirmations to yourself such as “I’ll be okay” or “how I’m feeling now is temporary.”
Your health and well-being matter, mama. There’s only so much you can handle before it really takes a toll on you. Listen to your body, and your needs and remember how important you are to your family.
This is intended for educational purposes only- please seek professional support for ongoing difficulties.