How to Overcome Burnout as a Working Mom

Inside: Working mom burnout symptoms and how to cope with being a working mom experiencing burnout.

Burnout syndrome is not synonymous with accumulated stress, although they have significant similarities. It is a state in which you reach the point of hopelessness due to the excessive pressure you feel. Burnout syndrome characterizes feelings of emptiness and mental exhaustion. It occurs due to our failure to balance career, parenting, social life, and self-care.

In an attempt to have everything under control at home or work, we focus all our energy on work, social status, and family. The moment we cross the limit of our capabilities, we lose ourselves in the spiral of burnout.

It is very often the problem of working mothers because they are traditionally those who, in addition to their professional careers, still carry the burden of caring for children and families to the greatest extent. In the following text, we will try to help you recognize the symptoms and overcome burnout as a working mom.

How to recognize the symptoms of burnout syndrome?

The symptoms of working mom burnout are numerous, but we can divide them into three groups:

Energy loss

Among the first symptoms is fatigue which does not go away even after a long sleep. Immunity is reduced along with loss of appetite and increased susceptibility to illness. The person feels demotivated, dull, and listless.

Declining productivity

Productivity is minimal or non-existent regardless of the time and effort expended. Memory problems are common, and cognitive abilities and concentration are weak. There is a loss of motivation, hope, belief, and ideals.

Social distancing

You have distanced yourself from people and feel that you have become cynical. You feel angry all the time. Emotional detachment from everything follows, and in the final stage, depression and the feeling that nothing makes sense anymore.

How to overcome burnout as a working mom:

Self-care

The life of a working mom is not easy at all. You’re preoccupied with your job, taking care of the kids, and spending time with them. Despite all of these obligations (some more pleasant than others), taking a break and being kind to yourself is necessary. Sometimes, a day off is all you need. Do what makes you feel good, and don’t believe common myths about self-care. Taking care of yourself can be done in various ways: going on a trip with friends, reading a book, going to the cinema, listening to your favorite music, or just going on a simple walk in the park. Usually, we get so caught up in our everyday lives that we forget our hobbies and things that make us truly happy. So, to overcome burnout as a working mom, take a day off and enjoy it from start to finish.

Learn to Say No and Set Boundaries

You cannot be everywhere at all times and be of service to everyone, no matter how hard you try. We often forget this simple truth in our attempts to be superwomen. In those circumstances, knowing how to say no and set clear boundaries are powerful weapons in the fight against stress. Saying no is sometimes challenging, especially if someone close to you asks you for a favor. Before you answer, think carefully about how it will affect you. Will it prevent you from focusing on the things significant to you? If you decide to tell, don’t do it without remorse. Be clear and direct but polite. Tell the truth about your reasons for rejecting the application. It will allow you to:
– Set clear boundaries with your loved ones and colleagues at work
– Free up more time in your schedule to spend on yourself
– Gain self-esteem

Take a Social Media Detox

Stop comparing yourself to others. People only tell you what they want you to hear, and photoshopped pictures of perfect happiness on social media are an embellished version of reality. Keep in mind that others probably have the same problems as you. Don’t let yourself conform to the unrealistic standards that we are bombarded with from the media every day. Try to put yourself on a social media detox. You can use that time much more wisely on things that can make you happier. Exercise or spend quality time with your family. Find a hobby that will allow you to express yourself through creativity.

Enjoy time with your family

A perfect way to detox and overcome burnout as a working mom is by spending time with your family. You can be busy with your job that you may neglect the time you should spend with your loved ones. One of the better options is to plan a trip with your family whenever possible. For instance, go to different cities with lots of ways to spend family time, such as Miami. You will have some fun together there, for sure! You can explore the arts, visit parks, go to the beach, go sightseeing, and do many more exciting things. Besides having a good time, you will make some precious memories.

Schedule “me” time

It may seem impossible to spend time on yourself when you look at your daily schedule and all the responsibilities that await you. But, we assure you that it is of great significance. Take a deserved break and do things that make you relax guilt-free. It can be talking with friends, shopping, skincare, or taking a bubble bath. Plan your daily routines in a way that they include activities that make you content. That will significantly reduce the level of stress you feel. And keep in mind that only happy mothers raise happy children.

Final words

In conclusion, if you are happy, you will be more ambitious to do all the jobs and take care of all responsibilities on your list. How do you become more ambitious? By treating yourself kindly and taking care of yourself. To be able to overcome burnout as a working mom is a success. If you don’t do self-care and only think of your job, it can make you feel drained and affect your relationships with other people. So, take a day off and enjoy!