REDISCOVERING JOY IN MOTHERHOOD
Motherhood is often depicted as a joyful and fulfilling experience, but for many moms, the reality includes moments of exhaustion, stress, and burnout. Juggling multiple responsibilities can leave you feeling depleted and disconnected from the joys of motherhood.
UNDERSTANDING MATERNAL BURNOUT
Maternal burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by the chronic stress of parenting. It can manifest as:
Physical Symptoms: Constant fatigue, digestion issues, headaches, appetite changes and sleep disturbances.
Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of overwhelm, irritability, and mood swings. (ever just start crying out of no where?) *ME LAST WEEK*
Mental Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, decision-making challenges, and a sense of detachment or numbness.
Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward addressing and overcoming burnout.
STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING BURNOUT AND REDISCOVERING JOY
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE (ARE YOU SHOCKED?!)
Self-care is essential for preventing and recovering from burnout and truly almost everything else connected to motherhood wellness. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary for your well-being and your ability to care for your family. HARD TRUTH: when you engage in self care, you show up as a more joyful mom which benefits your family 10x what finishing a load of laundry could do. Don’t come for me, I KNOW laundry needs to get done… but like, so does self-care.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to additional commitments that drain your energy. Prioritize activities and people that uplift you.
Make Time for Yourself: Schedule regular “me time” for activities that recharge you, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying a hobby.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and increase your sense of calm. (read blog #2 for more mindfulness insight).
SEEK SUPPORT OFTEN
You don’t have to navigate motherhood alone. Building a supportive network can provide emotional and practical assistance.
Connect with Other Moms: Join local or online mom groups to share experiences, seek advice, and offer mutual support.
Communicate with Your Partner: Discuss your feelings and needs with your partner. Work together to share responsibilities and support each other.
Reach Out to Family and Friends: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family and friends, whether it’s babysitting, running errands, or just lending a listening ear.
SIMPLIFY SIMPLIFY SIMPLIFY
Simplifying your daily routine can help reduce stress and create more time for joy.
Declutter Your Home: A clutter-free environment can lead to a clutter-free mind. Involve your family in decluttering and organizing your living space.
Streamline Tasks: Create routines and systems for household chores and parenting tasks to make them more manageable. Use meal planning, chore charts, and to-do lists to stay organized.
Limit Screen Time: Reduce time spent on social media and other screens. Use this reclaimed time for activities that bring you joy and connection.
FOCUS ON QUALITY TIME
Quality time with your children and loved ones can enhance your sense of connection and fulfillment.
Be Present: Engage in activities that allow you to be fully present with your children, such as playing games, reading together, or exploring nature. This should be everyday but not all day long. Attempt for 15 minutes of uninterrupted connection with your child 2 times per day (once in the morning and once in the evening).
Create Traditions: Establish family traditions that everyone looks forward to, whether it’s a weekly movie night, a special breakfast, or seasonal activities. I freaking LOVE traditions. We have Friday pizza night with our kids and its so fun. And honestly, no cooking and limited clean-up so its a win-win-win.
Celebrate Small Moments: Find joy in the small, everyday moments of motherhood. Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your day. I think this is such a big thing because you can look back on your entries when you’re having a rough day. Mindset is such a powerful tool in life, especially in motherhood.
PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION
Being kind to yourself is crucial in overcoming burnout and rediscovering joy.
Acknowledge Your Efforts: Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Motherhood is challenging, and every effort counts. Read this as many times as you need… and then read it one more time. You are a freaking incredible mom, doing the hardest job of all. What you are doing for your children and families each in every day is SUPER HERO work. Don’t allow yourself to down play or think any less of yourself.
Let Go of Perfection: Embrace the imperfections of motherhood. Understand that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you’re doing your best. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I am a recovering perfectionist, and the journey toward letting go has been profoundly freeing. This path to embracing imperfections and finding peace with “good enough” has transformed my life in so many positive ways.
This week, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own pursuit of perfection. Ask yourself: Where does this desire for perfection stem from?
Often, it can be traced back to various sources. For many, the pressure to be perfect originates from childhood experiences, societal expectations, or personal insecurities. It might stem from a deep-seated fear of failure or a need for validation. Recognizing the root of these feelings is a crucial step in releasing the unrealistic standards we set for ourselves.
Take time this week to explore these origins. Understanding where your perfectionism comes from can help you begin to unravel the hold it has on you and start embracing a more compassionate, authentic version of yourself.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to manage burnout on your own, consider seeking support from a licensed therapist. Therapy can provide you with tools and strategies to cope with stress and improve your mental well-being.
EMBRACING THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD
Rediscovering joy in motherhood is about finding balance, seeking support, and being kind to yourself. By prioritizing self-care, simplifying your routine, and focusing on quality time with your loved ones, you can move from burnout to bliss. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and take time for yourself. Embrace the journey of motherhood with all its ups and downs, and celebrate the moments of joy and connection that make it all worthwhile.