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Are you experiencing signs of working mom burnout?
Are you a working mom exhausted and overwhelmed from having to wear so many hats? If so, then you need mom burnout help before you have a legit working mom nervous breakdown!
I bet you’re exhausted and fatigued. You’re tired of the constant running between errands, the non-stop responsibilities (that seem to be stacking up by the minute), and the restless nights when you just can’t close your mind off from the duties of tomorrow.
You see, I know this feeling all too well. It seems all moms, at some point in their lives, experience the inevitable mom funk we call “mom burnout.”
As moms, we’re always on call – 24/7 – 365 days a year. And, we place the weight of the world onto our own shoulders. We have so many expectations for ourselves that are based on what we think a good mom is or does.
The truth is, we can’t do it all – not all the time and not all by ourselves.
Since you’re here, I’m assuming you’ve already realized how hard it is to take on the world all by yourself. So, here is a list of eight common signs of mom burnout + keep reading to discover tips I’ve used to help me beat the mom funk and be a happier version of myself.
8 Signs You’re Suffering from Working Mommy Burnout
There are many signs of mom burnout, and you’ll find that they are similar to the symptoms of some mental health issues.
It’s important to tend to your physical and emotional needs and address the symptoms you’re experiencing to avoid it escalating into real health problems.
1. Fatigue – You’re tired before you even get started; you feel exhausted.
2. Easily Agitated – You get upset over the small things that normally don’t phase you and find it hard to enjoy life and just have a little fun.
3. Restless – You toss and turn most of the night with little rest, because you stress over not having enough time in the day to get everything accomplished.
4. Forgetful – You find yourself missing appointments and forgetting routine tasks.
5. Loss of Enjoyment – You lose interest in things that once excited you and you’re completely unmotivated.
6. Negative Outlook – You assume things will go badly before evening beginning. You might even question your purpose in life.
7. Reduced Productivity – You feel overwhelmed and find it hard to concentrate on one thing, which makes it hard to get anything accomplished. This can be at home and work.
8. Feeling Helpless – You’ve lost confidence in your abilities and don’t know how to regain control. Your energy and mental resources are depleted.
How to Dump the Funk We Call “Mom Burnout”
It’s easy to lose yourself in daily duties and trying to make everyone else happy. What’s worse, the symptoms of mom burnout can be debilitating to your self-esteem. And I know how hard it can be to pull yourself out of a mom funk. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of tips that have helped me to overcome the symptoms of mom burnout and dump the funk.
1. Ask for Help
We’ve established that, as moms, we are not Super Woman. We can’t save the world (or meet every expectation) all by ourselves. For this reason, it’s important to be able to ask for help.
I know it can sometimes feel like giving up to ask for help, but it’s actually you making sure that everything is taken care of in the best way possible. Whether it’s your mom, husband, a friend or coworker, take action and let them relieve some of the stress.
2. Do Something that Makes You Happy
As moms, we get so caught up in making sure everyone else is taken care of that we sometimes forget about ourselves.
It’s okay to do something that makes you smile and lights you up inside. How else will you keep your drive for life going?
So, do something that makes you happy, even if you’re not quite feeling up to it. You will be doing yourself and your family a favor.
3. Plan Time Away from the Kids
It’s easy to get bogged down by the constant tugging of your shirt and “Mom, he’s being mean to me again!” Sometimes we need to step away in order to remember the small moments with our kids that truly inspire us to keep loving them even more every day.
Plan a weekend away with your spouse or your girlfriend. If you’re anything like me, the first night you lay your head down away from home, you’ll get that feeling that something is missing.
You’ll start to think of those sweet faces and missing those goodnight kisses. Sometimes us moms just need a little “me time.”
4. Take Care of Your Physical Health
With all the running around and jumping through hoops, we have to remember our bodies are what keep us moving – literally. Take the initiative to better control your physical health. There are lots of simple things you can add to your routine that don’t take away from your work or mom time.
For instance, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can cause serious fatigue and lack of brain power.
It’s almost impossible for a busy mom to keep up strict eating habits, so take a multi-vitamin to supplement. You can also squeeze in a 10 minute walk on your lunch break to keep you active.
You can check out Sharla’s 7 Ways to Take Care of Your Body here for more ideas on how to stay physically well. And, try these 5 effective ways to wind down after a long day.
Which Stage of Mommy Burnout Are You Currently Experiencing?
Mom burnout sucks! Yes, we all know it. But at some point, you’ve got to take back control and be proactive in fixing the problem.
I hope these tips help you to overcome whatever obstacle it is you’re facing right now. Remember, as moms, we need to take care of our physical and emotional needs, too.
If you would like to share what has helped you beat the mom burnout, I would love if you’d share in the comments.
Go to the comments below, and let’s talk about the stages of mom burnout. What are you experiencing right now?
This was a great read! I think every parent hits burnout at some point. It’s hard.
You are right about that! You never know what you will experience with parenting until you actually experience it. And there’s so much added pressure these days about how much screen time they should have, how many calories are they getting with each meal and “are they old enough for a cell phone yet?” I’m exhausted just thinking about it, lol.
I enjoyed reading this post. It is a great insight on the struggles and emotions that all moms go through. As a first-time mom, I am actually experiencing a few of these things and is constantly working my way to overcome them. I believe that once you overcome these emotions, it makes your stronger as a mom and as a wife. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading, Padee! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I agree that working through these things only makes us stronger.
I just started a new job and my son has started nursery n day care…but this was a good read and that is mentioned above I am currently experiencing it, and I am in a situation I am not sure wat I have to do n how to get out of this mom burnout…but I will definitely try your tips and hoping it makes a difference…..
Hi, Zahraa! I am sorry you’re experiencing the dreaded mom burnout. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. I hope these tips help you overcome those yucky feelings. I have to say, practicing self care goes a long way. Also, if you’re a new mommy, you could also be experiencing postpartum depression. If this is the case, you should talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling. Best wishes! ~Jillian
I am a part time teacher but in the fall I work full time hours because I also direct our high school musical. Those four months are by far the easiest and most productive. Right after that, between the letdown and the lack of sunshine I crash. This year was especially hard. My best friend and co worker moved away due to some ugly circumstances. My husband started working swings, so I became more of a single mom. I am the one who does the housework anyway, but he is a huge help with the kids. I am also a custodial step mom to his three kids,
So the dynamic is very tricky. Long story short I had a nervous breakdown and checked myself into the hospital. Please, learn to delegate and take breaks. This breakdown was a cry for help and for a break. You need it! It’s not just a luxury or bonus.
Thank you for sharing your story, Erika! You are so right. Asking for help and stepping away for a little while can be a hard thing to do, but it is necessary for our mental and emotional health. ~Jillian
Thank you for sharing your story, Becky. I am so sorry you had to experience this. I believe it’s important for us to share our stories, experiences and struggles. These parts of our lives, along with all the good times, help shape us into who we are. As women in society, we should be more understanding and caring towards one another. Thank for your honesty. ~Jillian
Which Stage of Mommy Burnout Am I Currently Experiencing? ALL OF THEM!!
I’m sorry that you’re having a difficult time. As a mom of three, I know it can get overwhelming at times. I also know that this season of life will pass. During tough times the best thing we can do is to focus on the good in our lives by practicing gratitude. Keep looking forward. ~Jillian