As the weather has become cooler and it is getting darker earlier, my children have become moody and whiney. It’s been a long week of managing fights over toys and whether or not a sibling is looking at the other one. Towards the end of the week, I realized my children’s attitudes weren’t necessarily reflecting the weather…they were reflecting me.
Often, moms find ourselves on the back burner. It’s not necessarily on purpose, but we find it easiest to take care of everyone else before we realize that we are on empty and ready to throw in the towel. To quote an amazing woman (my mom), “Taking care of ourselves, IS taking care of our families.”
Adapted from this post.
This is truth and beautiful. I was feeling this exact way yesterday however I am not a stay at home mom regularly but have been under the weather for the past two days. Needless to say this can happen to us all if we are not careful. Thank you for your words of care!
So true DeAnna! This can happen to any mother, no matter her career choice. Hoping your week gets better!
This is great! I always mean to write down what helps when I am feeling down – this is a great list and pretty to look at too. Thank you for this!!
Thanks Heather!
Love this check list! This came at the perfect time… I am a very busy stay at home of soon to be four. My day to day can definitely be draining which in turn affects my mood, mental, and physical state. I can see these 10 steps helping me when I’m at that point of despair. Gonna print this and hang on my fridge ASAP!
You are one busy momma Jenny! Hope this helps as much as it helped me.
Thanks for the list. 🙂
You’re welcome Anna!
I was wondering if you can elaborate on the “giving up” part? The 10 questions are great, and i wish i had had this article yesterday. What happens when you do all of those things and you still feel burned out?
Eleanor, sorry, I just saw your comment! I wish there was a quick fix for feeling burned out, but I don’t believe there is. Depending on how burnt out you feel, it may take days or weeks of intentionally doing some of these things. There have been times where I’ve had to do something drastic to fill me up, like doing an overnighter in a hotel alone. I’m an introvert so alone time fills me up. I think it’s important to think about what fills you up and do that. Medication has also been helpful in the times where I’m in my deepest depression or feeling hopeless. Praying that you are able to find the joy again!
Alone time sounds amazing. You mentioned in a reply about a night in a hotel room by your self, I have a work thing coming up where I would be alone by myself for two nights. Part of me feels guilty for leaving my child alone with… Gasp…. Her father! But one the other hand he mentioned taking off work so the two if them could join me and I found inner me screaming “Noooo! I’ve not peed alone in 3 years this was my time!”
I am learning to do that. Tx for sharing
I first repinned this post a few days ago, and it’s just really stuck with me!All information most of us already know, that we should eat and we feel better when we’re dressed, but somehow somebody else saying it validates it more! Great post!
Thanks Miranda! That’s so true that having someone else say it just confirms it for us.
What great ideas!! Great blog! I’m also a SAHM vlogger. My YouTube channel name is “Surviving As Mom”. Please check it out
Thank you for the list and good to see what you’re doing! I was blessed to be the stay-at-home mom to my 5 children who are now giving me grandchildren to love on. I know how it can be to fight off the blues, and the many ways they can attack! If interested, I recently began a blog based on questions other mom’s have asked me over the years: thoughtsonlivingbyprinciples.blogspot.com. I’m not selling anything; just promoting old fashioned, tried and proven principles in a world that is ever changing, and demanding reasons to hang onto what has been so long held dear. The Word of God is right, and gives excellent principles for everyday life!
Best wishes and keep writing to encourage moms!
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