Stress. Anxiety. Burnout. Sound familiar? These are just a few of the twists and turns on the emotional roller coaster of motherhood.
That feeling when you’re not just physically tired, but there’s that looming emotional numbness that leaves you feeling disconnected from the things and people you once cared about. You find yourself moving through life on autopilot, with no real sense of happiness, purpose, or fulfillment.
If you’re a mom, you’ve probably felt one—or all—of these mental health challenges at some point. They’re prevalent in our society today, they’re real, and they hit hard, especially for mothers like you and me.
Recently, I came across some articles and a podcast episode that argued self-care isn’t the answer to motherhood stress and burnout. They pointed out that merely promoting self-care to moms won’t address the enduring stress and exhaustion that pave the way for burnout, and that self-care alone isn’t enough.
While I understand where they’re coming from, I can’t help but share my own perspective on this subject. I’m a big believer that understanding the essence of self-care and taking a holistic approach can be truly life-changing for us moms.
Motherhood is hard
I’m not here to tell you they’re wrong, but I am here to share some practical steps that helped me navigate the mental and emotional rollercoaster of motherhood. These steps have made a difference in my life, and it might do the same for you.
I understand the weight of being a mom. Motherhood is hard—the expectations to be strong, brave, and resilient, even when the support we need isn’t always there. On top of that, there’s just too much on our plate, and making time for ourselves is just impossible.
I’ve hit rock bottom more times than I can count, and I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be. Yes, we need community, support from our families, and understanding from society. More moms are speaking out about their struggles, and that’s a huge step forward.
But what if you don’t have that support? What if your partner is away for work, or you live far from friends and family? What if you’re with an emotionally unavailable partner who just doesn’t get what you’re going through? And what if you’re in a work environment that doesn’t offer the support you need?
Should you wait for things to change? Wait until you’re closer to family and friends? Should you hold out for something to happen first?
Simple Ways to Navigate the Emotional Roller Coaster of Motherhood
While we wait for change, we have the power to take proactive steps and focus on what we can control. Before we expect others to help us, we need to help ourselves first. Even small, actionable steps can create a big difference.
I’ve listed six practical and simple ways you can do to improve your mental and emotional well-being, without getting too overwhelmed. You can easily incorporate them into your schedule as a busy mom, and these steps will help kickstart your holistic self-care journey.
Start small, and add them to your routine little by little, doing more of it every week, every month, until you make it a habit to take care of yourself every single day, and watch how they can transform your life.
1. Getting Enough Sleep Have you noticed that when you don’t get enough sleep, everything feels harder? You’re cranky, unfocused, and just plain tired. Sleep isn’t just the end of the day, but a crucial part of our well-being. Good sleep reduces stress and anxiety and helps you tackle challenges with a clearer mind. Prioritizing sleep is a gift you give yourself—a foundation for everything else.
2. Mindful Eating You’ve heard this before: “You are what you eat.” And it’s true. What you eat affects not just your body but your mind as well. So, let’s be mindful of what we’re fueling ourselves with. Nourish your body with foods that give you energy, not just fill your stomach. Slow down, savor each bite, and listen to what your body is telling you.
3. Staying Active You don’t need to hit the gym or run marathons to stay active. Start small—take a 10-minute walk, choose the stairs over the elevator, or do household chores as your exercise. Begin your day with gentle stretches or find a quick online workout that fits into your schedule. These little actions add up, leaving you feeling more happy and energized.
4. Mindfulness Mindfulness means being fully present in the moment. It’s so easy to run on autopilot, and let stress take over when life gets hard and hectic. But that’s when we miss out on the little joys of life. Practice mindfulness by noticing the small things, appreciating what you have, and staying in the here and now. Start by being fully present when you’re with your kids. This simple shift in awareness can make a world of difference in how you experience life.
5. Journaling When a lingering thought doesn’t seem to go away, sometimes keeping you awake at night, writing it down can often bring relief and clarity. Journaling is a great way to release your thoughts and feelings, offering a powerful tool for self-awareness. It helps you reflect, and process your emotions and serves as a therapeutic practice that calms your mind and promotes relaxation.
6. Spending Time in Nature Ever notice how we crave the beach or the mountains when we’re stressed? That’s because nature has an incredible way of calming our minds and rejuvenating our spirits. Make time to step outside, soak up the sun, go for a hike, or plan a picnic with your family. Nature’s healing power is real, and it’s accessible to all of us, working wonders for our souls.
Living on an island, far from family and friends, these steps have made a huge difference in my life. I didn’t need to overhaul my life; I just needed to start small and focus on what truly worked for me.
Every mom’s journey is different, and that’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all guide to self-care. But I believe these simple tips can help lighten your load and guide you toward a life that feels happier, peaceful, and more balanced.
Your Journey, Your Power
Motherhood is challenging, and sometimes it feels like the world expects you to be everything for everyone, with little left for yourself. But here’s the truth: You have the power to change that. You have the ability to take small, meaningful steps that can transform your life. You are in control of your well-being, and by taking care of yourself, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.
You don’t need to make drastic changes—just start small, and apply what works for you. Embrace these simple practices, make them your own, and watch as they begin to make a difference. You deserve to live a life where you feel fulfilled, energized, and at peace.
And it all starts with YOU.
Let’s take action, make changes, and show the world that when moms take care of themselves, they can change their lives—and the lives of everyone around them—for the better.