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Between an endless to-do list, chores, schedules to follow and kids to care for, it’s no wonder so many moms are worn out. But sometimes that sheer exhaustion crosses over into mom burnout. So how do you know if you’re heading there?
Self-care consultant Calvin Smith says these are the warning signs to watch out for:
- Yelling more than you should - Is your patience suddenly running thin or are things that you’d normally let slide getting you all worked up? If you’re yelling when you know you’re being too harsh, but you can’t help it, it could be burnout.
- Feelings of resentment - Feeling bitter towards your partner or kids and blaming others for making your life harder can be signs as well.
- Feeling out of control - We all get off track from time to time, but if everything in your home and life feels like more than you can deal with, you may be burned out.
- Feeling inadequate - If you forgot to wash your kid’s soccer uniform for his game in an hour and it makes you feel like a failure, it may be burnout waving its red flag.
- Questioning your life choices - If you’re suddenly fantasizing about how much easier your life would be if you weren’t a mom and start to regret having a family, it’s time to talk to someone who can help.
And if you are stuck in the burnout rut, here’s what Smith recommends to get out of it:
- Take breaks - With everything you have to do, a break may seem like the last thing you should do, but taking some time to relax and rest is just what you need.
- Find a creative outlet - Having a way to work through stress is a healthy way to deal with it.
- Stop comparing yourself - Forget what you see other moms doing on social media and cut yourself a break. You’re doing the best you can and that’s what matters.
- Build a support system - Moms, even the perfect-looking ones, all need help, so make sure you ask for it when you need it.
Source: NY Post