Mom Mood: EXHAUSTED
See also: sleep deprived, beyond burnt out, surviving on caffeine
Did you realize it was possible to be this tired? If you’re already on your second or third cup of coffee today, we see you. You might be physically exhausted from sleep deprivation, or you might be mentally exhausted trying to juggle it all. Or maybe it’s a little bit of both.
No matter what you’re going through, the exhaustion that comes with motherhood is relentless. Making matters worse, it can also amplify all your other moods: Anxiety can feel more intense, stress is harder to manage, and a low mood can turn into an overwhelming depression.
So, what can you do? How can you find moments of rest throughout the day and get better sleep at night?
We can help. No, we can’t ensure your child sleeps through the night, but we can give you a few simple strategies to get you back to feeling like yourself again.
💜 KNOW THIS
“Parenting is exhausting. From the sleepless nights of newborns to the endless worries of teenagers, every stage comes with its own kind of fatigue.
“But, if you’re feeling completely drained all the time, it’s important to check in with yourself. Are you getting any real sleep? Are you struggling to get through basic daily tasks? Sometimes, exhaustion is more than just being tired, it could be a sign of something deeper, like a thyroid issue, anemia, or even postpartum depression.
“If your exhaustion feels overwhelming and isn’t improving, reach out to a doctor or someone you trust for support. The weight of parenting feels lighter when you don’t carry it alone.”
— Dr. Diana E. Ramos (California Surgeon General)
💜 TRY THIS
Focus on resting when you can. Even a 5-minute nap or simply lying down with your eyes closed can give you a game-changing reset.
💜 LISTEN TO THIS
This free session with Yuliya Patsay offers a simple approach to easing parental burnout by tuning into your emotional needs so you can feel more supported and energized.
*Self-Care: A Booster Against Burn-out was originally created for Calm Health as part of the Support for Mothers & Caregivers program, in collaboration with psychologist Dr. Juli Fraga. Calm Health is an evidence-based mental health app for payers, providers and employers; this exclusive content has been made available to you to celebrate and support all moms. Please note this content isn’t available in the Calm app.
For more support, download Calm to listen to the additional two sessions below.
A sensory walk through an English woodland with the sounds of a babbling brook to transport you into sleep.
Shift from head to heart, and awaken your capacity for confidence, ease and undefended loving.
💜 READ THIS
How to deal with new parent sleep deprivation: 10 tips to cope
Newborns might be adorable, but being up all night is so not cute. Explore 10 tips for new parents dealing with sleep deprivation to get the rest they need.
5 tips every (exhausted) mom needs to get better sleep
Tired, mama? Between night feedings, bad dreams, and a mile-long to-do list, sleep can feel impossible. Here are 5 small, doable tips to help you rest better.
How to not be tired all the time: 10 ways to fix fatigue, fast
Tired in the morning, after eating, or after work? Here’s how not to be tired all the time with 10 tips to help you fix fatigue and get rid of tiredness.
How to get more deep sleep? Try these 8 sleep tips
Discover how to get deeper, more restful sleep with our deep sleep tips. Plus, learn about the stages of sleep and the reasons you might not be sleeping deeply.
Mentally exhausted? Here's 10 ways to overcome mental fatigue
Learn what mental fatigue is and how to spot it. Plus, use our 10 tips to help get your energy and clarity back when you're feeling mentally drained.
Other Mom Moods
A mindful note on the focus on “moms”
Not Calm Moms focuses on maternal mental health because moms disproportionately carry the mental load—but that doesn’t mean we’re leaving others out.
While this initiative is designed for moms, Calm offers a range of resources that support all caregivers. Partners, co-parents, and support systems play a critical role, and we encourage everyone to be part of the conversation. And when we use the term "mom," we're addressing anyone who identifies as a mom.
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