Is it wrong to need a break from your kids?
It is not wrong to need a break from your children. In fact, its downright human. Which you are. If you are feeling this, mama, you are not alone. In any occupation, time off is needed. If you do not ever take a break from that task, you begin to “burnout” when it comes to that job. If you are like me, and have not had a day (or night) off in almost 2 years, then you are also probably tired AF, like me. I am going on 20 months of terrible sleep, twelve months of that being during a pandemic. I know I am not the only one feeling this way. Today I am grouchy, and rightfully so. I am going off of about 3 hours of sleep yet again because my toddler was up in the middle of the night. After homeschooling, work, my youngest not napping all week, and the emotional baggage that moms carry for the entire family, I am suffering from a serious case of mom burnout. I want to pull myself out of this funk because sitting under a warm blanket crying and watching my favorite shows all day isn’t an option.
Symptoms of mom burnout:
- Temper is short
- Easily overwhelmed
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Things are not bringing you excitement like they used to (you are not even looking forward to your adult beverage and tasty treat at the end of the night.)
- Brain fog
- Forgetting things more than usual
- Withdrawn
- Not wanting to be touched (feeling “touched out”)
Of course these are also the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, which also accompany mom burnout. It is okay if you need to seek professional help. In fact, please do. I am going to speak with a therapist for the first time ever. I just made the appointment. Your mental health has to come first.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help when you are feeling burnt out:
- Get outside, get fresh air and sunlight.
- Get exercise. Even just 10 minutes of movement will help to get your blood and lymph moving.
- Eat small meals throughout the day
- Make sure to have time with just you after the kids sleep, even if it is just for 30 minutes alone with your own thoughts.
- Drink lots of water.
- Take a few deep belly breaths whenever you can remember
- Load the kids up and go for a drive with your favorite songs blasting.
- Take the day one hour at a time.
- Remember, this is all temporary. The night will come, and you will get through this.
- Utilize screen time for an hour if you have to. The kids will be okay.
- Have a Himalayan salt lamp running throughout the day. (I got mine here https://www.sowellmade.com)
- Diffuse peppermint, lavender, orange essential oils. ( You can get them here https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/nicoleseibel )
- Take a B12, and a Vitamin D3 ( I take https://www.gardenoflife.com/vitamin-code-raw-d3 and https://jarrow.com/products/methyl-b-12-cherry-500-mcg-100-chewable-tablets)
- Have a dance party with your kids
Obviously a day away from the kids and a long nap would be the best solution, but in many cases, such as my own, this is simply not an option. You can do this. You will do this. You’ve got this.
What tips and tricks do you have to help with mom burnout?
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