Why You’re An Overwhelmed Mom & How To Fix It

Alessandra | Posted on October 31, 2024 |

Feeling overwhelmed when you’re a mom is pretty normal. But there are ways to handle it gracefully! In this blog we’ll discuss why you’re an overwhelmed mom and 10 ways you can overcome it.

You probably stumbled across this blog because you’re an overwhelmed mom looking for a little help, solidarity, or support, right? Well, you’re in luck! Because I know being a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences, and you LOVE it with all your heart, but let’s face it—motherhood can also be incredibly overwhelming! From the constant demands of your children to the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in responsibilities.

When you’re stuck in this cycle, it’s hard to find time for yourself, stay patient, or enjoy your journey. You are not alone feeling any of these things! BUT, feeling overwhelmed doesn’t have to be your new normal. With some understanding and the right strategies, you can regain a sense of balance and thrive in your role as a mom. Let’s dive into why you might be feeling overwhelmed and, more importantly, how you can take control and start feeling more in charge of your life!

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Signs You’re An Overwhelmed Mom

You may wonder whether your feelings qualify as being overwhelmed or if it’s just a bad day. So before we dive into your tips to overcome overwhelm, here are some signs that indicate you might be more overwhelmed than you realize:

#1. Constantly Feeling Tired: You wake up feeling exhausted and go to bed feeling the same way, no matter how much sleep you get.

#2. Short Temper & Irritability: Little things start to irritate you more, and you find yourself snapping at your kids or partner without a clear reason.

#3. Perfectionism: You feel like you have to do everything perfectly or not at all. Anything less than perfect feels like failure.

#4. Mental Fog: Your mind feels cluttered with a never-ending stream of thoughts, tasks, and worries, making it hard to concentrate or stay organized leading to forgetfulness.

#5. Lack of Joy in Activities You Once Loved: Things you used to enjoy now feel like a chore, and you struggle to find joy in your daily life.

#6. Resentment Towards Your Role: You may start feeling resentment towards your family or responsibilities, which can make you feel guilty. (Another feeling you don’t need to be dealing with!)

If these signs resonate with you, it’s essential to take action to restore your well-being. So keep reading and let’s talk about how you can deal with your constant overwhelm, mama, because I promise it doesn’t need to be like this all the time! Plus keep reading for a freebie to help you start your day off on the right foot so you can find balance in your days.

How To Deal With Feeling Overwhelmed as A Mom

Feeling overwhelmed often comes from the pressure of managing everything on your own or trying to live up to unrealistic expectations. (I have a whole blog about that if you click that link, so we won’t get into it anymore here.) You’re not just responsible for your kids’ needs but also for your home, relationships, and personal aspirations. When all these areas demand your attention at once, it’s easy to slip into a state of overwhelm. The key here is not to ignore or suppress these feelings but to address them head-on.

The first step in dealing with overwhelm is giving yourself permission to feel it. Acknowledge the emotions rather than dismiss them as signs of weakness or failure. Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t make you a bad mom at all. It’s a common response to the enormous responsibilities you carry. Once you recognize and accept these feelings, you can begin taking steps to lighten the mental and emotional load.

Tips to Overcome Being An Overwhelmed Mom

If you read all this and got this far to realize you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed then I know you’re serious about feeling better! Here are some of my favorite actionable tips to help you regain balance and feel more in control as a mom. Will some days still feel more overwhelming than others? Yes, that comes with the territory of mom life! But I truly believe these tips will help you to reclaim your joy and feel less overwhelmed more often, which is something you really deserve because a happier mom raises a happier family. 🙂

1. Set Realistic Expectations

One of the main culprits of feeling overwhelmed is trying to meet unrealistic standards. It’s okay to leave dishes in the sink for a night or let the kids have extra screen time while you take a breather. Focus on doing your best, not achieving perfection. Being a perfect mom is not attainable and that is ok! Let your children see the mistakes you make and how you learn from them. That’s one of the greatest lessons you can teach them!

2. Establish Boundaries

Creating boundaries in your life is essential for your well-being. Learn to say ‘no’ to things that don’t align with your current capacity! Whether it’s volunteering for another school event or hosting a playdate you’re not up for, it’s okay to prioritize your mental health. It’s ok to say no and not feel guilty about it.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

Be gentle with yourself, mama, this motherhood thing is hard! Replace harsh self-criticism with words of encouragement. Instead of thinking, “I’m not doing enough,” try saying, “I’m doing my best, and that’s more than enough.” I always say, if it’s something you wouldn’t say to your kids or your friends, then do not say it to yourself!

4. Ask for Help

I know asking for help is easier said than done, and you do it best, but you also don’t have to carry the entire load by yourself. Maybe it’s just asking your husband/partner for help (yes sometimes you need to do this!) to share responsibilities around the house. Or maybe it’s seeking help from a friend or family member for whatever it is you need. Remember though that reaching out for a little help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards balance.

5. Create a Daily Schedule

Having a predictable schedule can provide structure for you and your kids, which in turn can reduce the daily chaos. Schedules are really important and helpful for a smooth and happy day! To start, you can create a simple morning and evening routine to ease into more organized days. Plus get my free daily schedule template below…

6. Make Time for Self-Care

This may seem daunting, but when you change your mindset about what self care is, it’s truly not that difficult! Self care is anything that makes you feel good, so it can be a quick shower in the morning or eating a real meal (not your kids left over scraps!) Just 10 minutes of quiet time, a walk outside, or enjoying a hobby can help recharge you. Remember, taking time for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary and it’s beneficial for your family too!

7. Stay Present

Focus on one thing at a time instead of multi-tasking, which can often increases stress. When you’re with your kids, relax and be present with them. When you’re taking a break, enjoy that moment without guilt. Even if it’s just a few minutes, try your best to slow down a bit.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

The way our world is right now, celebrate whatever the heck you want! Instead of focusing on what you didn’t get done, celebrate the small wins. Whether it’s finishing the laundry in a day, cooking a meal everyone enjoyed, or spending quality time with your kids, every small victory counts!

9. Prioritize Rest

We live in a fast-paced, go-go-go world, which can make resting difficult and it also makes many of us feel useless! Many times I sit on the couch and think to myself “I can’t do nothing right now!” But it’s ok! Make sleep and rest a priority. Give yourself permission to rest without feeling guilty. A well-rested mind is more capable of handling challenges.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed

Sometimes, overwhelm might stem from deeper issues such as postpartum depression or anxiety. If you’re finding it hard to cope and anxiety is consuming your day or interfering with normal life things, then consider seeking help from a therapist who specializes in working with moms. Talk to your husband/partner about it and get the support you deserve. You’ve got this, mama!

*This blog is meant for informational purposes only, it is not meant to diagnose or substitute medical advice.

Here’s that freebie I was talking about! Start your mornings off right with my Morning Routine Checklist:

Final Thoughts

Motherhood is a beautiful journey and enjoying it shouldn’t be hard, even though it is filled with its fair share of challenges. It’s important to note that feeling overwhelmed is not a sign that you’re failing. It’s a sign that you need to pause and reevaluate how you’re managing your responsibilities and taking care of yourself. By recognizing the signs and implementing these strategies, you can regain a sense of balance and confidence in your role as a mom.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all perfectly to be a great mom. Taking care of yourself is not just beneficial for you, it’s a gift to your children. They need you to be happy and healthy just as much as you need it for yourself. By making small changes and embracing these 10 tips, you can move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered in your motherhood journey.

The Motherhood Burnout Guide

My new and improved Motherhood Burnout Guide is here! Click the image below to learn more.

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