How to Deal With Mommy Burnout

Motherhood can be extremely challenging, especially if you are experiencing burnout. The first step to overcoming burnout is to recognize its signs. Taking steps to revive and renew yourself will allow you to find joy in motherhood once again.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Identifying Burnout

1. Identify the physical symptoms of burnout, which include headaches, muscle aches, sleep issues, lack of energy, frequent colds and changes in weight.
2. Identify the emotional symptoms of burnout, which include feeling stressed, lack of enthusiasm, feeling emotionally drained, feeling cynical, experiencing a loss of hope and harboring negative thoughts.
3. Determine if you have burnout by tallying up your symptoms. If you have two or more symptoms, then you are likely experiencing burnout.

Reviving the Joy of Motherhood

4. Identify effective ways to eliminate Mommy burnout that will work for you. Add a new activity to your life that is fun. Take time for yourself to do something restful.
   Connect with other moms to discuss Mommy burnout. Create a new support system that includes emotional support as well as physical support (babysitters, house cleaning, etc.). See a therapist.
5. Develop a mantra or use one of the following to keep you going, such as "This too shall pass," or "Mommyhood, the best job of all." Repeat your mantra several times each day or post it in a place that you can see it.
6. Minimize the multi-tasking and revel "in the moment" when you are caring for your children.
7. Seek professional help if burnout becomes unmanageable or turns into depression.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, motherhood comes in stages. Sometimes burnout goes away when you enter the next stage.
• Find ways to connect with other moms, either in your community or on the Internet. You'll feel less "alone" and gain a support system.