The Burnt Out and Overwhelmed Mum: Finding Your Spark Again
Motherhood is supposed to be fulfilling, rewarding, a real-life expression of love and nurturing. But let's face it – it’s also really hard. At times, it can leave you feeling so burnt out that the mere thought of the day ahead feels like a weight too heavy to lift. Trrrust me, I’ve been there, I know that feeling (later in this blog I will share with you a resource I created that helped me kick start my journey back to myself).
There were days when the sound of my morning alarm was like a starting pistol for a race I felt I was destined to lose. Simple tasks like making breakfast and prepping for school seemed incredibly overwhelming. My solution? Ducking into the nearest Maccas drive-thru for the largest coffee I could find, hoping caffeine could do the trick. Spoiler alert: it wasn't a long-term fix, in fact, after years of this same habit, it left my adrenals flat lined, my weight skyrocketing and made me feel like an anxious, nervous, overweight mess.
Finding Your 'Thing'
Here's the secret – it doesn’t have to cost much, or anything at all. It doesn’t need to take hours out of your day. It's about taking those precious moments, maybe before the kids wake up or after they go to sleep, to indulge in something that’s just for you. And yes, even with a calendar that’s bursting at the seams, this is possible!
Starting Small
We're often told, "Eat better! Sleep more! Exercise!"—as if we aren't aware. But when you're drowning in parental overwhelm, these suggestions can seem as attainable as climbing Mt. Everest in pluggers. That's why I learned to start small—really small.
For me, tackling diet was too overwhelming. I knew I could have been eating so much better, but when you are in that dark hole of fear and overwhelm, something others can easily accomplish can feel like an impossible leap to us.
If revamping my diet was no-go territory, I resolved to look at what was going on my body instead of what was going in —after all, our skin is our largest organ. I really felt that a total diet overhaul was too much for me to cope with, but introducing a few small self-love habits seemed much more attainable.
I learned that the toxic load introduced to our bodies through products that were filled with chemicals could make us feel sluggish, tired and exhausted because our bodies have to work harder to process the additional chemicals, so it seemed like a quick and easy way to feel better, without having to change much at all.
And here's the beautiful thing: self-care & self-love doesn't always mean spending hours away from your children or shelling out heaps of money. It starts right at home, quietly before the daily hustle or after the kids' bedtime. It might begin with something as simple as a toxin-free skincare routine. (Not sure if what you’re using is toxin free? I’ve got a way to make it easier for you down a little further).
Self-care, I learned, isn't selfish; it's essential. A little pampering with non-toxic products—and peace of mind knowing they're safe—was all the change I could muster, and my goodness, was it transformative! Slowly. But surely, I transformed from self-loathe to self-love. The less my body was bogged down with chemicals, the better it felt, enabling me to make the next change and then the next one, until slowly I started to feel like my old self again.
Cultivating Daily Self-Care Routines
Many of you might be thinking, "Where do I even start?" It's important to remember that self-care is deeply personal and doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated. In fact, I've found it's the small, quiet acts of self-kindness that often feel the most renewing.
With the endless stream of tasks, taking any "me time" can seem near impossible, but that's precisely why it's vital. Carving out even five minutes a day to looking after yourself will make the world of difference—it's a moment of pause, a gesture that says, "I matter too’, and it can be done in the time it takes you to have a shower, even with your kids nipping at your heels!
Ready to Embrace Self-Care?
As mums, we've got a full plate, but we also have unshakable strength. So, if you're sitting there with your oversized cup of coffee, peeking at the screen between sprints of your daily marathon, know there are ways to reclaim your sense of self, one small, manageable step at a time.
Not only is this important for you and your wellbeing, but it's important to show our kids that putting yourself as a priority matters too, you do not want to spread the message to them that they shouldn't be a priority to themselves, but they learn by watching you. So putting yourself higher on your priorities list is going to make you a happier mum, and it's also spreading a very important message to your bubbas.
Your health is more than just a state of mind – it's also about what you put on your skin. I’ve put together an incredible free guide on identifying toxic chemicals in your home and choosing the right products. Because wellness starts with what we surround ourselves with, both physically and emotionally.
Looking for Support and Resources? Welcome to Our Community!
Feeling alone in this? You're absolutely not. In the midst of challenging days when the blankets are our shield against the world (and dare I say it, our kids and their constant demands), community can be our guiding light. This is why joining a community of like-hearted mums can be invaluable—a place where you find daily self-care tips and supportive conversations, helping each other find pockets of tranquillity in our bustling lives.
Don't let burnout define your motherhood journey. If you’ve been looking for a sign to start prioritising yourself, consider this it.
Rediscover what brings you joy, beautiful woman. Fuel that spark within you until it becomes a blaze that no amount of exhaustion can dim. Here's to strong coffees and even stronger women. Here's to you.
Remember, Mumma, it's not about seeking perfection in self-care; it's about finding what gives you a moment of relief and holding onto it tenaciously. Start where you are; use what you have; do what you can. And never forget, in the landscape of motherhood, you are not just a caretaker—you are a force to be nurtured.
Love ya lots x
