Navigating Overwhelm & Feeling Stuck as a Mom

Let’s Get Real for a Sec.

Some days, motherhood feels like you’re drowning in a sea of tiny socks, half-empty sippy cups, and to-do lists that never end. You’re not just busy—you’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, and stuck in your own head. And guess what? I am too. Just when I think I’ve got a handle on things, life throws a tantrum (sometimes literally), and I’m back to feeling like I’m failing.

Here’s the raw truth: Motherhood is a messy bag of complex emotions. Some days it’s joy and laughter; other days it’s trying your best to remember that your thankful for your family. But here’s what I’ve learned: Managing these feelings—not avoiding them—is the healthiest thing we can do for our mental health.

When It All Feels Like Too Much…

Ever looked at a mountain of laundry and thought, “I’ll never dig out of this”? (Same.) There’s a scene in Fruits Basket (yes, the anime I watch with my 14-year-old—no judgment!) where a character says:

That’s motherhood. You don’t have to fix everything today. Just pick one thing—the tiny, doable thing right in front of you. Breathe. Fold one sock. Drink one sip of water. This is how we begin again.

So, Why Do Moms Feel Overwhelmed?

Being a mom is a beautiful journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are a few reasons why many moms find themselves feeling overwhelmed:

1. Multitasking Madness: Moms often wear many hats—caregiver, cook, teacher, employee, and more. This constant juggling can lead to mental fatigue and a sense of being pulled in multiple directions.

2. Societal Pressures: The pressure to be the ‘perfect’ mom can be overwhelming. Social media often paints an unrealistic picture of motherhood, leading us to compare ourselves to others and feel inadequate and alone.

3. Lack of Self-Care: In the hustle and bustle of daily life, self-care often takes a backseat. When we neglect our own needs, it can lead to burnout and feelings of being overwhelmed.

4. Overstimulation: From the constant buzz of notifications to the never-ending noise of daily life, moms are often bombarded with stimuli that can lead to mental overload.

What Impact Do These Feeling Have?

When we’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, and Feel Stuck it can manifest in various ways:

• Emotional Exhaustion: You may find yourself feeling irritable, anxious, or even tearful. These emotions can be confusing and frustrating.

• Physical Symptoms: Stress can take a toll on your body, leading to headaches, fatigue, and tension. It’s not just in your head; your body feels it too.

• Sense of Isolation: Feeling overwhelmed can make you feel disconnected from others. You might feel like you’re the only one struggling, even when you’re surrounded by friends and family.

• Difficulty Focusing: When your mind is racing with thoughts and worries, it can be hard to concentrate on tasks, leading to a cycle of feeling stuck.

Why Identifying Your Feelings is important

Recognizing and naming your feelings is the first step toward addressing them. Here’s why it’s essential to identify how you’re feeling:

1. Empowerment: Understanding your emotions can empower you to take control of your situation. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.

2. Communication: When you know how you feel, you can communicate your needs to your partner, friends, or family. It’s okay to ask for help!

3. Self-Compassion: Acknowledging your feelings allows you to practice self-compassion. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay sometimes.

Strategies to Rise Above These Negative Feelings

Now that we’ve explored the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of feeling overwhelmed, let’s dive into some practical strategies to help you rise above those feelings:

1. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for yourself, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or enjoying a cup of tea/wine in silence, prioritize activities that recharge you. I personally enjoy my strength workouts.

2. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no. It’s okay to decline invitations or delegate tasks. Protect your time and energy. It’s ok to be selfish with your time. You give so mush of yourself to everyone, but you deserve to same love others receive.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your routine. These can help ground you and reduce feelings of overstimulation. I love Dr. Jo Dispenza’s meditations. Check his website out, he’s done incredible things with meditation.

4. Connect with Others: Reach out to friends or join a local mom group. Sharing experiences and feelings can foster a sense of community and support.

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Share Your Journey

We’d love to hear from you! How do you cope with feelings that overwhelm you? What strategies have worked for you? Share your experiences with us by replying to this email or joining our discussion on social media. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey, and together, we can support each other in navigating the beautiful, chaotic adventure of motherhood.

Until next time, take a deep breath and remember to prioritize your well-being. You’ve got this!

With Love & Light,
-Aurora
Flow State-Mom
📧 [email protected]

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