Motherhood is an amazing thing, it is an amazing experience that brings us so much joy. We are able to recreate another human being and love them with a special kind of love that we didn't even know existed. Every day Moms make the choice to put their children's needs, wants and happiness ahead of their own. A mothers love for her child is like nothing else in the world. However sometimes being a Mom isn't easy, there is no manual that shows us how to conquer this thing we call motherhood. Motherhood can sometimes be downright draining and tiring. Mom burnout is real and happens to every Mom at some point, but it doesn't have to always be this way.
Here are 8 Ways You Can Avoid Mom Burnout
Eat Well
I know that it is easier said than done, because most times we are eating the scrapes of what we have cooked for our kids. But I am telling you it is very important to fuel our bodies with the right foods. When we fuel our bodies nutritionally we have more energy and we are able to function much better throughout the day.
2. Get some Sleep
This is so so important, whether you nap when the baby naps or you commit to a bedtime and make it a priority to get you a good nights rest, Sleep is very very important for us Moms. It contributes to our overall well being. The housework will be there, and it is ok if you don't get it all done in one day. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day.
3. Get up and Move
How can I move my body when I am always so tired you ask? See Tip#2. This is why rest is so important. With proper rest we have the ability to wake up and be energized to move our bodies. Whether you have a gym membership or not make sure you are finding ways to get that blood flowing and pumping to your heart. Go for a walk/run, take a class at the gym, Find a workout video on YouTube that you can do. By any means necessary "Get Moving".
4. Learn to Set boundaries
I know I know we see their puppy dog eyes and cute little faces and sometimes its so hard to say "No" to our kids without feeling guilty. Let me tell you, setting boundaries as a Mom is necessary . It's ok to let the kids know we have food at home so no we are not stopping for McDonalds, its ok to encourage them to be independent with things they can do on their own (age appropriate of course) It's ok to say No without feeling guilty. Trust me setting boundaries as a Mom, helps our children learn how to set boundaries' when they get older.
5. Ask for help
Just because we wear imaginary capes and a Huge "S" on our chest, this does not mean that we have to play the Superhero all the time. Its ok to ask for help. Asking for help does not devalue our role as a Mom or make us look weak. It simply shows that we are human beings and that we cannot do it all. Hire a maid if you must, Ask a friend or family member for help, Ask your Partner to step in whenever you are feeling overwhelmed.
6. Treat yourself
When is the last time that you did something for YOU, when is the last time that you brought something for YOU, not the kids but YOU. Schedule a trip to Starbucks, Make a run to Target, Go and get an appointment to get your hair or nails done, get that pedicure. It doesnt even have to be expensive, try a new dessert, buy a new book. You deserve it.
7. Toss your To-Do List.
I get it trust me I do, I have all kinds of lists, calendars, planners, sticky notes etc., you name it I got it. Anything to help me stay organized. Yes while these things do keep me on track, sometimes they can become overwhelming especially when you've only crossed 2 things off of your to-do list which has 10 things on it. I'm here to tell you sometimes it's ok to ditch the list. Some days you will accomplish a few of your tasks and some days you will not. I need you to understand that both are completely acceptable.
8. Give yourself some grace.
As a mother I know how hard we strive for perfection, I know how hard we try to please our loved ones on a daily basis, sometimes we get it right and sometimes we drop the ball. I need you to be easy on yourself and give yourself some grace. It's ok if you mess up, It's ok if you don't have it all together. Remember you are human, so instead of focusing on your downfalls. Celebrate your accomplishments instead.