Is Mom Burnout the New Normal? Reclaiming Your Joy in Motherhood

Have You Ever Stopped Mid-Dishwashing and Wondered — Is This It? The Exhaustion, the Endless To-Do List, the Feeling of Losing Yourself in Motherhood.

Maybe it was late at night, rocking your baby to sleep, feeling completely exhausted. Or maybe it was during a quiet moment, sipping cold coffee, wondering when you last felt like yourself.

​Being a mom is full of these in-between moments where love and tiredness mix, and joy and stress feel like one.

Motherhood is a journey filled with love, wonder, and moments you’d give anything to relive. The tiny fingers wrapped around yours, the giggles that light up your heart, the joy in watching them grow. 
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But alongside the laughter and milestones, there are also days when the emotions feel heavy or confusing. These are days when you wonder if anyone else feels this way. If you should feel this way.
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You’re not alone.

Understanding Mom Burnout: A Real and Pressing Issue

Mom burnout isn’t a figment of your imagination — it’s a real, challenging experience that mothers face today. In fact, recent research reveals that 57% of parents are dealing with burnout, and maternal burnout is no exception. 
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It’s an emotional and physical depletion that saps your energy, leaving you unable to show up as the mom you want to be.

What Is Mommy Burnout?

Mommy burnout, or “depleted mother syndrome,” is a state of exhaustion that Moms, can experience. 
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It’s more than just feeling tired; it’s an emotional and physical condition that stems from the overwhelming demands of motherhood and the inability to cope with stress.

​Research shows that constant pressures like taking care of kids, working, and managing a home can be very hard. When you expect too much from yourself and don't take time for self-care, you can feel burned out, distant, anxious, or even depressed.

Why Does It Happen?

Motherhood, while rewarding, can quickly become overwhelming. You may find your days starting at dawn and ending only after collapsing into bed late at night. 

On a typical day, you might be managing meals, making sure your children are fed, dressed, and entertained, attending work meetings, and maintaining some level of order in the house.

​Add laundry, shopping, bills, emails, and endless to-do lists, and it's easy to see how burnout sets in.
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Mothers often face unrealistic expectations to be "perfect," excelling in their careers, being the best caregivers, and maintaining a social life. But this balancing act is exhausting, and many mothers share these feelings of overwhelm.

​The Impact of Burnout

Mom burnout is more than feeling exhausted; it's daily emptiness that can linger, leaving you feeling disconnected from the life you once enjoyed. 

It weighs heavily on your mind and emotions, leaving you drained and overwhelmed.
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But the good news is that recovery is possible. Recognizing burnout and taking action can help you regain your energy and sense of self.

Recognizing the Signs of Mommy Burnout

The first signs of Mommy burnout feel like everyday exhaustion.  But over time, it chips away at your energy, your patience, and even your sense of self. The sooner you recognize the signs, the sooner you can take steps to heal.
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• Chronic fatigue: This isn’t just “Mom tired.” It’s an exhaustion so deep that no amount of sleep seems to help.
• Loss of joy in things you once loved: The hobbies, books, or social outings that used to bring you happiness now feel like a chore.
• Irritability and mood swings: Snapping at your kids or partner over little things that wouldn’t have bothered you before.
• Feeling disconnected or isolated: Even surrounded by family, you feel alone. Socializing feels overwhelming instead of enjoyable.
• Changes in sleep or appetite: Sleeping too much, not sleeping enough, eating too much, or having no appetite at all.
• Overwhelming guilt: Feeling like you’re never doing enough, no matter how much you give.
• Brain fog: Struggling to focus, forgetting things easily, or feeling like your mind is constantly overloaded.

Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension—your body’s way of saying, something needs to change, “I’m not okay.”

​6 Effective Ways to Tackle Mom Burnout for Real

​1. Lean on a Support System

​You don’t have to do this alone. A strong support system can make all the difference.
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• Connect with other Moms through local groups, online forums, or social media.
• Talk to those closest to you: your partner, family, and friends. Let them share the load.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Support is key, whether it’s a friend watching the kids for an hour or a therapist helping you process emotions.​

2. Prioritize Self-Care and Give Yourself “Mommy Time”

​Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.
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• Carve out small moments for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
• Engage in activities that refill your cup, whether it’s reading, exercising, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
• Remember, even a little break can help regulate emotions and recharge your energy.

3. Share Responsibilities

​Motherhood isn’t a solo act.
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• Share household and parenting tasks with your partner or family members.
• Teach kids to help with age-appropriate chores—they’re more capable than we often give them credit for!
• Delegate tasks when possible. You don’t have to do everything yourself.

4. Set Boundaries & Say No When Needed

​Boundaries are not selfish. They are necessary to protect your mental and emotional well-being. It’s okay to say no. In fact, sometimes it’s the healthiest thing you can do.
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• Pass on commitments that drain you.
• Say no to extra responsibilities at work or home.
• Set clear limits to protect your time and energy.

​Give yourself permission to prioritize what truly matters. You don’t have to do it all.

5. Create a Restful Environment

​Your surroundings play a big role in how you feel. A cluttered space can add to stress, while a peaceful environment can help you recharge.
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• Declutter the spaces where you spend the most time.
• Create a cozy nook just for you, maybe a reading corner, a comfy chair, or even just a spot with soft lighting where you can breathe.
• Play calming music, light up your pink Himalayan salt lamp or infrared light, or diffuse essential oils to create a sense of tranquility.

6. Embrace Quick Resets

​Taking time for yourself doesn’t always mean carving out hours. Sometimes, a quick reset is all you need to shift your energy.
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• A 10-minute meditation can improve mental clarity and focus.
• A 5-minute stretch can release tension in your body.
• A 20-minute walk outside can boost your mood and refresh your mind.

You don’t need a full day off to feel better. Small, intentional moments of self-care can add up and help you feel more like yourself again.

Reclaiming Yourself in Motherhood

You are more than a Mom. You are a whole person with needs, dreams, and feelings that matter.

Recognizing burnout is the first step toward reclaiming your energy and joy. By seeking support, setting boundaries, and making time for yourself, you can move from survival mode to a more balanced, fulfilling motherhood journey.

Motherhood is beautiful, messy, and transformative but it shouldn’t make you disappear.

​You deserve to feel whole, happy, and like yourself again. Because being a great Mom doesn’t mean losing the woman you are it means embracing her, too.

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Hi, I’m Jamie—a holistic wellness educator, coach, and mom-next-door who’s mastered the art of staying calm amidst chaos (most days). I specialize in helping busy moms ditch stress, boost energy, and embrace natural remedies for themselves and their kids. Whether it’s swapping chaos for simple routines or discovering the magic of herbs and essential oils, 

​I’m here to help you feel like you’ve got this! Because trust me—if I can juggle it, so can you!
​Let’s make wellness simple, doable, and fun!

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