While we enjoy motherhood to the fullest, we also know that it’s one of the toughest jobs in the world.
You know best, that you’re constantly busy from the moment you open your eyes in the morning to closing them at night.
Having that little time for yourself means that it’s easy to overlook the warning signs from your body.
To help you find out, if you desperately need to take a break, I created this list.
Let’s dive right in.
1. You Don’t Sleep Enough
I know Mommys don’t get much sleep.
You’re the one that gets up at night when your baby needs their milk. You’re the one who does household chores in the naptime of your toddler.
But sometimes it’s better to prioritize your sleep over your chores.
Studies show that sleeping less than 7 hours a day regularly leads to risking health problems like hypertension, weight gain, and diabetes.
You can avoid that by sleeping a little more.
Other things can wait.
2. You Run on Coffee
This one goes hand in hand with the point before.
If you’re a Mom you can probably relate to needing your Coffee in the morning.
After all, it’s easier to battle your fatigue with a little caffeine in your system.
It’s your time for yourself.
But let’s be honest Mama.
If you’re a busy Mom, you don’t get to drink hot coffee. And you don’t only drink it in the morning.
You always sip lukewarm coffee –while cooking or playing with your children.
A sip here. Moving the toy car. A sip there.
Being that busy you can’t pay attention to the time or the amount of Coffee you consume during the day.
But that leads to two problems:
- You don’t listen to your need to take a break
- You disrupt your natural sleep-wake Cycle
Studies show that the consumption of Coffee before bedtime reduces your sleep time by 45 minutes and the quality of your sleep by 7%.
That’s the last thing you need.
You wake up and feel exhausted. And you’ve guessed it, You need Coffee. Instead of just wanting it.
How can you conquer this vicious cycle?
Simple – by having a Coffee Plan (Sounds a bit boring eh?)
Here are my suggestions:
- Don’t drink more than 3 Cups of Coffee
- Your last Coffee should be at least 9 hours before bedtime
- You should make it habit to enjoy your hot Coffee
Make it a conscious break.
3. You Have Mood Swings
When you’re experiencing chronic stress, the hormones adrenaline and cortisol take over, and your body tenses.
It’s preparing itself for the next step – fight or flight.
All you need now is the last straw.
If you’re the fight-type then the (in this case – unlucky) person who dares to ask you something gets your 1-2 punch. You lash out and say things you don’t even mean.
If you’re the flight-type then you withdraw. You don’t speak your mind anymore. You feel exhausted but don’t express it. You take everything like a punching bag.
4. You Neglect Your Hygiene
If you avoid the mirror at all costs and don’t remember when you had your last shower, see it as a warning sign.
Even more, if you shrug it off and make it less relevant.
Neglecting your hygiene also counts as a common symptom for mental health problems like depression. But even if it’s not a mental health problem, your self-esteem is negatively affected, when your hygiene suffers.
If the whole self-care program feels too overwhelming, start small.
There is no shame in that.
Take your time to brush your teeth, take a shower, and put on washed clothes.
You feel so much better about yourself.
5. You Constantly Get Sick
Your body can handle stress for a certain amount of time, but sooner or later it suffers.
Studies show that constant stress weakens your immune system. The result is clear. Whenever someone has a cold, you get it too.
If you can’t remember a time when you were healthy – I mean truly healthy. Then taking a break is non negotiable.
Your body is desperately trying to tell you that you should rest.
Side note: It’s also a good idea to do a health checkup with your doctor. That way you can easily find out if you’re getting all the nutrients you need to help your immune system work at its best.
6. You Never Take a Break
Sometimes there are no emotional or physical signs, but you postponed a date with a friend because something came up.
And the last one is ages away.
Or maybe you didn’t go to the gym again, because your child was sick and needed to be taken care of.
If you can’t remember a time when you last had a break, you need to take one as soon as possible.
Why?
Because you’re more than “just” a Mom.
You’re a human being with own desires and goals.
And you have the right to step away from the hustle and bustle to reconnect with yourself.
Make time for yourself. It’s that important.
7. You Don’t Have the Energy to Do the Things You Enjoy
If you’re seeing yourself in this one, then it’s about time that you take a break.
You’ve ignored your desire to recharge way too long.
And now you’re just wiped out.
I know how that feels.
I used to go to therapy for burnout and my therapist told me that there are two categories of activities.
Duties that need to get done and activities that fuel your soul.
If you constantly choose your duties over your playtime, you’ll run on an empty battery sooner or later.
Here’s my therapist’s advice for you.
Grab a piece of paper and a pen.
Write down activities that you used to enjoy.
And then do the one that is the least exhausting.
It might be drinking a cup of tea on your balcony. Or listening to your favorite song. Or reading a good book. Or writing.
Make it a habit to do something good for yourself. And delegate some duties.
You are worth it and your soul needs it.
I hope you liked my post about “7 Signs That You Desperately Need a Break as a Busy Mom”.
My wish for you is to take your time to rest. Even before those Signs show up.
Motherhood is fun. But it’s also demanding.
Being a well-rested Mom is the best act of self-love you can give to yourself. And you’ll inspire your family to take their time to recharge too.
Is it about time you take a break?
Leave a comment below and don’t forget to check out my other blogposts.
xo
Jenny
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