Are You an Overwhelmed Mom? Follow These 7 Mom Approved Tips

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Being a parent can be incredibly rewarding. But if the feelings are overwhelming then it's important to recognize the signs of overwhelm and have strategies to soothe yourself. Here are some signs of an overwhelmed mom and ways to cope.

Signs of an Overwhelmed Mom

Constant Fatigue

One side you want to be the most hardworking super mommy to ever exist on the planet and on another side you want to be this lazy mom who doesn’t understand why she is feeling that way. Don't blame yourself! Feeling perpetually tired despite getting some sleep is a sign that you are overwhelmed with the mommy duties. 

Irritability 

Feeling irritable, impatient or irritable and not being able to concentrate on the present moment can be a sign that you are overwhelmed. Constantly having ruminating thoughts about the future or your children is not going to reduce the burden. Becoming easily frustrated, impatient 

Anxiety

Experiencing excessive worry or anxious thoughts about parenting responsibilities is another common sign. Anxiety can cripple the day to day functioning and affect your relationship with the baby as well as your partner. You might feel the moodiness seeping in every area of your life. You might feel that you are not good enough as a parent to your baby. 

Source: Stress Free Mommies

Isolation 

Withdrawing from social activities or feeling isolated from friends and family. You might feel the urge to isolate yourself and spend a lot of time on yourself or by yourself, you might even feel a little guilty for having a baby and a fear or guilt of neglecting the baby. 

Neglecting Self-Care

There is absolutely no way you can honor other people’s and your child's needs if you are constantly neglecting your own. Neglecting your own self-care needs, such as lack of exercise, proper nutrition, or relaxation is also a sign that you could be overwhelmed. It’s like going back to survival mode and not being able to even care for yourself. This is extreme level burnout that arises from not being able to meet the needs of the self. 

Feeling Helpless

Feeling like you can't handle your responsibilities or like you're failing as a parent. The feeling of helplessness arises from keeping high expectations from the journey of motherhood. Feelings of helplessness can also arise from the need to be a perfect mother and having an idea that motherhood is supposed to be a certain way. 

Crying Spells and Forgetfulness

Forgetting things that are relevant is a major indication that you have gone on survival mode and are overwhelmed. Sometimes, this is accompanied by frequent crying spells that you cannot explain to others. You might feel like yelling even though you may not intentionally want to do so. 

Source: The Bump

Ways to Soothe Yourself as an Overwhelmed Mom

 Seek Support

Seeking help when you are feeling low is actually a courageous thing. There is a lot of bravery involved in facing the fears and anxious feelings rather than letting it take control of your life. Reach out to friends, family, or a support group. Talking to others who understand what you're going through can be comforting. If you feel overwhelmed consistently, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your situation. Going for therapy once a week can provide relief in times like this, where you just got into a new phase and transitioning into a new mom feels overwhelming. 

Set Realistic Expectations

Remember that it's okay not to be perfect. Set achievable goals and don't compare yourself to others. Being a mom looks different to each woman, and comparing yourself to what other women are like as a mother will only set you up for failure. The idea is to get inspired by them and not feel like you are less of anything yourself. 

Self-Care

Prioritize self-care every single day. This might include taking short breaks, practicing deep breathing exercises, or finding time for a hobby you enjoy. Taking some me-time to yourself is not selfish, as it helps in taking better care of others. Better even, find yourself a mom buddy with whom you can practice self-care. Spending time with another woman who is in the same boat as you doing something can help relate and take off some time from mommy duties. Don't forget about your own needs and interests. Make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Source: Motherhood + Mayhem

Delegate Responsibilities

Don't hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family members, or friends. Sharing parenting duties can relieve some of the stress. You are human, and you are allowed to seek help when it gets overwhelming for you to manage it all by yourself. 

Time Management

Organize your time effectively. Create a schedule or to-do list to help you stay on top of tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed. If you find yourself depleted it's easy to lose track of time and feel like not having enough energy. Yet the whole idea of managing your energy is by managing time. Doing so will help you immensely to avoid being overwhelmed. Streamline your daily routine to reduce unnecessary stressors. Sometimes, less is more.

Practice Mindfulness 

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help you stay present and reduce stress. Thinking about things that don’t matter in the long term can ruin the present moment. Also, excessive exposure to news or social media can sometimes exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety. So limit the use of social media and incorporate habits that calm the nervous system. 

Source: The Bump

Make Time for Sleep

Ensure you are getting enough restorative sleep. Not getting enough sleep is already linked to not having stable mental health. Things become worse when you don’t get enough sleep. If possible, try to establish a consistent sleep schedule and avoid all the electronic gadgets and night time scrolling while being in bed. 

Gratitude Journaling

 Write down things you're grateful for each day. Focusing on the positive aspects of life can help shift your mindset. Being grateful for things that you have in life can amplify your positive feelings and help reduce the negative feelings. 

It's important to remember that being an overwhelmed mom is a common experience, and it's okay to ask for help. Prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being is essential not only for your own health but also for your ability to be a nurturing and present parent.