“It doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom if you have mom burnout. It actually means you’re probably a rockstar mom, and giving way too much of yourself.”

This anonymous quote resonated with me several years ago, and is something I have to constantly remind myself.

As moms, we tend to go above and beyond for our families—while often neglecting our own personal needs and desires. But what I’ve grown to realize is that it’s OK to put my needs first once in a while… In fact, it’s an essential part of being a good mom.

By prioritizing our own personal needs, such as practicing rest and self-care, our families can receive us at our best. But neglecting ourselves for too long can have negative effects on our moods, energy levels, and overall health.

If you often find yourself being short-tempered, feeling disconnected from your family, or feeling mentally and physically drained, then you might be experiencing Mom Burnout—the chronic stress and exhaustion related to relentless caregiving demands—and a condition many moms know all too well.

Here, we’ll discuss some practical tips for beating stress and overcoming mommy fatigue.

Get Dressed Up

Dressing up isn’t just about the way we look—studies show that what we wear can affect the way we feel. And based on my personal experience… it’s true.

For instance, when I stay in my pajamas all day, I tend to feel sluggish and lack motivation. But when I dress myself up, on the other hand, I tend to feel more confident and energetic throughout my day. As the old saying goes… “When we look good, we feel good.” Dressing up has been proven to make us feel better about ourselves and the people around us.

If your average day consists of folding laundry and chasing little ones around the house, you may not think that your appearance matters much. But as we all know, motherhood is a full-time job. So, treat it like a profession. The way you present yourself not only determines the level of respect you receive from your family, but it often determines the level of respect you give to yourself. So, go ahead and make yourself feel beautiful. It can do wonders for your self-esteem and improve your overall mental functionality.

Establish Routine to Prevent Mom Burnout

Two words… daily schedule!

Establishing a routine by incorporating daily schedules can be helpful in many ways. For one, when you plan the day in advance, everyone knows what to expect. When everyone knows what to expect, there’s less chaos and confusion throughout the day.

Schedules can help you manage both the things you need to accomplish for your family, and the things you want to do just for YOU.

The truth is, we become more prone to burnout when we have to make so many decisions on a daily basis. By establishing consistent and regular routines, we can wake up to a predictable day, allowing things to flow smoothly and effectively.

Burnout becomes about when too much of your life is draining and not enough is fulfilling. Then a sense of hopelessness can take over.

Allie Casazza

Be Honest About How You Feel

Don’t say “yes” when you really want to say “no.” In order to avoid mom burnout, we must honor our limitations and be honest about how we feel… as opposed to overextending.

If you don’t have the capacity to accept the school’s volunteer requests and special projects, say it. Trust me, there will be many other opportunities to get involved. Try to avoid overwhelming yourself by not taking on too many activities or accepting too many demands.

You can also decrease your stress by modeling truth-telling to your kids. Explain when you need to take a hot bath to relax and decompress, instead of joining them in another game of hide-and-seek. Kids are really great at entertaining themselves. They will survive! Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how understanding children can be when we’re open and honest with them.

Remember, your feelings are always valid. If you feel physically exhausted or emotionally depleted, communicate your needs to your family or others in your circle. Sharing your honest feelings will not only help you cope with them, but it will allow others to know when and how to assist you.

Treat Yourself

We sometimes feel burned out—not because we’re doing too much—but because we’re not doing enough of the things that bring us pleasure. Treating ourselves is an important part of self-care.

When you treat yourself, it can change the way you feel during difficult moments. Even the simplest acts of kindness towards yourself can improve your mood, energy, and maintain your overall mental health. And the good news is, you don’t have to break the bank. Treating yourself doesn’t have to be fancy. Eating your favorite snacks, sipping a cup of tea, and taking a midday nap can all be great ways to hit the RESET button.

Additional Ways to Prevent Mom Burnout

Here’s a list of additional ways you can practice being good to yourself and enjoying self-care as much as possible:

• Start a hobby
• Relax on a blanket outdoors
• Go to a coffee shop
• Visit a farmer’s market
• Watch your favorite movie
• Make your own beauty products
• Sleep in nice pajamas
• Buy a new journal  
• Enjoy quiet time in your car
• Check out a book at your library
• Keep pursuing your dreams

The list can go on and on… The point is, if you want to take the best care of your family, you have to start by taking the best care of yourself. And that includes doing things that make you feel happy and excited about your life.

Mom Burnout is real, but it’s totally preventable. A little care for yourself can go a long way!