Bad moments don’t make bad moms.
-Lisa Terkeurst

As a working mom who just moved overseas with my husband and two kids, feeling overwhelmed has been a constant in our lives lately. I wanted to dive into the topic here, as I know I’m not alone.

Let’s start with Brene Brown’s definition of overwhelm from her newest book, Atlas of the Heart, “Overwhelm is an extreme level of stress, an emotional and/or cognitive intensity to the point of feeling unable to function”.

Can you relate? I often describe overwhelm in my therapy sessions as stress amplified to the point where something needs to be taken off your plate in order to start getting back down to your normal baseline.

There can be many causes of overwhelm from moving to relationship issues to work stressors, etc. I’m sending lots of compassion your way, to the mom who:

• Is taking care of a sick child
• Started an argument with her husband
• Yelled at her kids today
• Could really use a vacation right about now
• Is struggling with a mental health issue
• Is feeling cooped up at home
• Is trying to trying to balance work and home
• Doesn’t feel like herself
• Is grieving the loss of her normal, everyday life

What else would you add to this list?

If you’re anything like me, overwhelm also brings exhaustion. Here are some self-care ideas for the tired mom:

• Read
• Meditate
• Journal
• Practice mindfulness
• Watch your favorite show
• Do some yoga stretches
• Take a bath
• Take a nap
• Enjoy a hot beverage
• Go to bed earlier than normal

What did I forget here that helpful to you?

And, overwhelm often leads to sleepless nights for many of us. So, if you woke up feeling tired, here are some self-care ideas for the morning:

• Think of a daily mantra or affirmation
• Meditate
• Go outside and focus on your five senses
• Make your bed
• Journal
• Sit and enjoy your morning coffee or tea

What else helps you when you wake up tired in the morning?

If you’re like me, and also feeling overwhelmed by life right now, know that you’re not alone. I’m sending lots of love and compassion your way as you navigate this hard chapter in your life.