Balancing your mental load

One of the most challenging things we face in motherhood, is coping with the mental load and all of the expectations that come with it. As mums, our minds are always moving fast and in a million different directions. We are constantly thinking about the children, the cleaning, the cooking, the organizing, the planning, the dressing, the gift-buying, the caring; about the everything.

We know what it’s like to feel as though you’re drowning in your own thoughts! And how it feels to be mentally exhausted. It can bring on a lot of anxiety and stress. Far more than there should be.

If you’re in that place where you’re constantly overwhelmed and cannot stop your mind ticking, try these 5 tips to help manage the mental load that comes with being a mother.

Stop Multi-tasking

As women and especially as mothers we’re great at this, and while multi-tasking can be a very useful skill to have, it comes with the risk of getting easily distracted. Often times we get so caught up in doing a lot of little jobs that we never quite finish one thing completely. This not only leaves us feeling unproductive, but adds to your mental load. Focus on the one job you have to complete and don’t allow yourself to get distracted. Set a timer for yourself if you think that will help.

Write things down

If you find that you feel overwhelmed by all there is to do, writing them down in list form can really help. Getting the words down on paper can really allow your mind to free up some space. You can then prioritize the items on that list which can help you to focus on what needs to be done. Keep a notepad and pen beside your bed so you can ‘brain dump’ it all at the end of the day and let your mind rest.

Ask for help

As mums, we tend to take on all of the responsibility of the entire household. We’re always trying to do and be everything for everyone but often times this isn’t beneficial to anyone. If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Even if you are not, delegate!

Yes, we may have to let certain things go and jobs may not be done to our exacting standards, but we need to evaluate what is really important. Reducing your mental load will likely make you happier and more relaxed and that is a win for everyone.

Plan Ahead

If there are things that you find are playing on your mind, see if you can sit down and make a plan so that you don’t have to keep thinking about them.

Practice Self-Care

Taking time for ourselves will always be pushed to the side if we don’t intentionally make time for it. Motherhood is not martyrdom and having the attitude that it is will only lead to burn out in the long run.

Encouraging daily self-care is something that we really feel passionate about because it can take you from simply existing to truly living and enjoying your motherhood journey in all of it’s abundance.

It takes practice to get good at it, but you will get better. Old habits can be difficult to break but giving yourself the ability to balance your mental load will allow you more joy and fulfilment.

Trust us, it is worth the effort.