10 Hacks to Help You Reduce the Mental Load of Motherhood

The mental load of being a mom right now is a large one. And honestly? There’s not really an end in sight. Here’s some hacks for coping. 

To say that being a mom right now, in September of 2020, is a challenge, is pretty much dumbing down how hard things actually are every day. But of course, we keep moving forward because that’s the only way. However, it feels like we’re actually running on a hamster wheel. 

We’re expected to home-school, work our full-time careers, watch our kids because childcare isn’t happening, and so much more. We are crumbling.

So then how do we stop and decompress and re-connect with ourselves whenever there’s no time for self-care? 

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10 Hacks to Help You Reduce the Mental Load of Motherhood

The mental load of motherhood is intense right now. Here’s how I’m coping with the changes and trying not to burn out. 

Learn some deep breathing exercises. 

No really. This is not a joke. Remember whenever you first went into labor and those contracts were so intense that the only thing getting you through was breathing and screaming (maybe the second one was just me?), this is just like that. Life has changed. It’s maddening. If you don’t breathe through the tough moments, you will break down. 

Delegate. 

If older kids need to pick up extra chores right now, so be it. The burden of keeping the household clean and cooking all the meals can’t just be on mom. 

Declutter.

Seriously mama, if you have to focus on work and schooling the kids, it will be so much easier to do in a clean space. It’s honestly cathartic, too. 

Write down your dinner plans for the week and put it in a central location. 

How many times are you burdened throughout the day with kids asking about what’s for dinner? Probably a lot. I know that I am. Take the guesswork out of it as well as the need to keep repeating yourself. Just tell everyone to look at your list. 

Keep a notebook and pen by your bedside. 

For me, my brain wanders endlessly in the evening as I’m trying to go to sleep. This is typically when all the things I need to do start swirling through my brain. It’s exhausting.  Use this notebook to write those things down. If they are written down, then you can ease your mental load. 

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Stop striving for perfection. 

Whenever the world goes back to its “normal” state, whatever that means anymore, then you can go back to this if you want to. But not right now. No way. We are in survival mode and we’re all in the same boat. Cut corners if you need to. Have that glass of wine without the guilt. Whatever you need to do to make it through, just do it. 

Lock the door when you go to the bathroom. 

Just do it. Listen: I’m not going to tell you to take a morning off to go get a pedicure because I know that’s not a possibility for everyone. Financial burdens are real right now. So instead of setting aside a self-care budget, do yourself a favor and lock that bathroom door when you shower or pee. Take those minutes to just step away. 

Schedule regular family meetings.

Let everyone know what’s going on and set new rules if need be. 

Let go of the term “multi-tasking.”

Yes, we know that moms are amazing at this, but it’s literally killing our brain cells. Focus on one task at a time. That’s it. Capice? 

Hydrate. 

I know this sounds silly to be on this list but girl, believe me whenever I say that there will be a total mental fog that’s lifted whenever you are actually really, truly, hydrating all day long. This is a form of self-care that you can actually squeeze into your busy schedule. 

Staying hydrated means that you will have more energy, your gut health will be in check, your skin will glow, and so much more. You can do more during the day if you are drinking your body weight in ounces. For real. 

Looking for more real mom talk? You’ll relate to these:

• All Roads Lead to Mom: Why the Pandemic Has Been Extra Hard For the Mamas
• Why Moms Need Breaks From Their Kids
• Sometimes Self Care Means Letting Go
• Steps I’m Taking to Be a Calmer Mom
• How to Support a Mom Struggling in Public

What are your strategies for decreasing the mental load you carry each day? I would love to hear!

XOXO,

Allison