When deadlines are around the corner and house chores start to pile on, so do the feelings of stress and emotional drain. If this distress prolongs, you’re more than likely heading to burnout.
Burnout is different than stress. You’ll know the signs of burnout when you begin to disengage from daily life and feel unmotivated to finish any of your obligations. In short, you’ll just stop caring.
As mothers, caretakers, and employees each of these roles require constant effort and time. In a recent study, researchers found that around 28% of working mothers suffer from burnout. When you add the 24/7 role of being a mother with the work hours of a standard 9-5, it’s no wonder mothers are more prone to burnout than others. On top of that, don’t forget the societal pressure that comes with being the perfect mother.
How do you Prevent Burnout?
We love superhero moms. But even hardworking moms need a break from time to time. Even with a hectic schedule, there are many activities and suggestions that you can incorporate into your daily schedule so you can avoid the effects of burnout.
1) Exercise
Getting your heart pumping for at least 20 minutes a day can do wonders for your health, physically and mentally. You can even walk on the treadmill while doing work on your laptop as well!
Whether you love a great yoga session or a HIIT workout, make sure to treat yourself with good quality women’s activewear to maximize comfort when exercising.
2) Make a timetable and include breaks
Scheduling allows you to organize and have a general overview of everything coming up. It also helps you plan out how many hours you need to put towards work or your child’s study time. Never forget to add in break periods when you can.
With break periods included in your schedule, you’ll feel less guilty knowing that you can still accomplish all your obligations on time.
3) Talk to Someone
It’s easy to feel isolated and alone, especially when working at home and balancing a million duties at the same time. Reaching out to others, to share your thoughts and vent your frustrations can be therapeutic. Better yet, a phone call with a friend or family member reassures you that you are never alone.
4) Create a Morning or Night Routine
To reduce stress levels, practicing a daily morning or night routine can help put your mind at ease. A morning routine, whether that involves eating a nutritious meal or a relaxing yoga session can help mentally prepare you for the day ahead.
On the other hand, a night routine will help you wind down. This will refresh and revitalize your mind for tomorrow’s tasks.
5) Step Outside with Your Kids
You wouldn’t believe how much fresh air and sunlight can do for you. An adequate dose of vitamin D improves overall well-being and prevents depression. This can also be a great time to do outdoor activities with your child so you can both enjoy the weather.
6) Ask for Help When Needed
As mothers, sometimes we feel as though it’s our responsibility to keep everything in order. From helping our child with homework to finishing up all the duties at work, this can surely be overwhelming at times. That’s why it’s always good to reach out for help when we can’t carry all the load.
Reach out to your partner or your friends and ask if they can help with looking after your children or do some chores around the house. Ask your boss if they can give you more time with an assignment.
Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It shows your initiative and the extent of how much you care about giving your best as both an employee and a mother.
7) Be Gentle on Yourself
When you have to manage so many things at once, when you’re needed by multiple people at the same time, making a mistake can feel like you’ve failed everyone around you. It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of self-doubt.
As mothers, you carry a force of strength that is hard to find in anyone else. What you’re doing requires an exuberant amount of energy that not many others can do. So, it’s okay to make mistakes.
As such, show yourself some love and be easy on yourself. Look at everything you’ve accomplished; at how much you still have yet to accomplish. Cook a meal for yourself, take a warm bubble bath with a glass of wine – show yourself the love that you give to others every day.
Burnout is real and it can be detrimental to your motivation levels. But like anything, it can be prevented. Incorporating the tips suggested above will allow you to tackle any task that comes your way. The secret is simply to put your health and well-being first.
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