Kiddipedia
By Tamara Jenkins
There’s no doubt that it’s a challenging time for many people right now, as we all try to adapt to a ‘new normal’ bought about by Covid-19. For busy mums, juggling the pressures of home schooling, meal times and working from home, it can be a time of heightened stress.
And sometimes, that stress becomes too much, with many mums experiencing burnout.
Here, we look at exactly what burnout is, and some simple tips to overcome it, and prioritise self-care.
Burnout
Many people think that burnout is simply stress, but let’s face it, it’s normal to experience stress from time to time.
Burnout is when that stress becomes all-consuming, causing us to feel emotionally and physically drained, unable to cope with even simple tasks, and tired, through to the bone.
We often find, with burnout, that our emotions are extremely close to the surface, we fly off the handle at our partner and kids, and we feel overwhelmed with everyday life.
Have you ever thought ‘I just can’t do this anymore’ or longed for some time away, but felt far too exhausted to even think about planning a holiday?
Chances are, you might be suffering from burnout. The good news however, is that there are some simple tips for moving beyond burnout, so that you can reclaim a little bit of calm:
– Ask for help
It sounds simple, but rather than ask for help from those around us, it’s often easier to just do things ourselves. But, when you’re experiencing burnout, even a simple task like folding the laundry can seem overwhelming.
So, get the kids involved. Ask the children to help with simple tasks like putting their toys and clothes away, or helping with the dishes. Once the task has been completed, reward them with their favourite treat or 30 minutes of screen time.
Also, if you have a partner, lean on them. Sometimes our loved ones don’t know that we need help until we ask them.
– Put yourself first
Most mums tend to put their own needs way down on the to-do list, but it’s so important to take time for your own needs. Try to grab 20 minutes to do something just for you, whether it be a morning run before the kids wake up, an online yoga class to start your day, or just take some time out to savour your favourite cup of tea.
Carving out a small window of time just for you gives you a much-needed moment to switch off and a chance to de-stress so that you can then be there for your family.
– Make this time work for you
You might have noticed many tweets and Facebook posts lately encouraging you to write that book, start a new art class, or learn a foreign language whilst you’re in self-isolation mode.
However, if you’re already experiencing burnout, messages like this can only lead to more anxiety, and thoughts that perhaps you’re not spending your time productively.
Ignore this well meaning advice, and find things that work for you and your family, whether that be taking a complete social media break, only working a couple of hours each day, letting the kids watch a little more television than normal, or ordering takeaway twice a week.
Go easy on yourself, and know that this situation is not forever and you are doing the best that you can.
– Adopt simple self-care routines
Finally, remember that self-care doesn’t have to mean spending two hours soaking in a bubble bath. It can become a regular part of your normal day, and can involve the kids.
Some simple self-care routines can include turning your morning shower into a mini pamper session by burning a candle or using a scented body scrub; or going for a ten-minute walk with the kids.
Simple practices like exercise and playing music are also instant mood changers that can take you out of your own head and allow you to get perspective and re-set for the day ahead.
Tamara Jenkins, The Burnout Boss, is a qualified life coach and entrepreneur who specialises in helping women who are on the brink of burnout, and are desperate to move through the exhaustion and overwhelm so that they can jump out of bed everyday fuelled by passion, purpose and balance. Visit www.theburnoutboss.com.au or follow her on Instagram at @theburnout.boss
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