Let me paint you a picture: two kids asking what’s for dinner while I’m still answering work emails, the laundry buzzer going off for the third time, I have to stretch and fold my sourdough—if you know you know and the “me time” I promised myself… fading into another late night doom scroll and mentally running through tomorrow’s to-do list. Burnout is imminent.
Sound familiar?
As a mom of two, working full time, trying to cook healthy meals, stay productive, be present for my family, and still find time for myself, burnout became more than just a buzzword. It was my reality.
But I’ve learned that burnout doesn’t have to be the default. With some intentional changes, I’ve found ways to reclaim energy, joy, and even a bit of calm amid the chaos.
As I’ve been spending the last several months finding my way out of that burnout, here’s what’s been helping me (and might help you too):
1. Take a Day to Catch Up — Guilt-Free
Sometimes, we need to pause. Not to rest (though that’s important too), but to reset.
I started dedicating one day a month as a “catch-up day.” I use it to clean out the fridge, meal prep, respond to lingering emails, deep clean and reorganize, or just clear mental clutter. It’s not glamorous, but it helps me feel ahead instead of always behind — which is half the battle.
Pro tip: Set boundaries with your family for this day. Let them know it’s your “reset day,” and plan a family movie night or park trip afterward to reconnect.
2. Wake Up Earlier — For You
This one took me a while to embrace, especially with young kids. But waking up even 30 minutes before the rest of the house changed everything.
I use that time to read my current book, sip hot coffee (while it’s still hot!), or do a short workout. Starting my day on my terms makes the rest feel more manageable, even when the rest gets messy.
3. Keep a Simple Routine (with Room to Breathe)
Routines don’t have to be rigid. Mine is more of a rhythm: morning prep, work hours, after-school chaos, dinner, wind-down.
I’ve learned that consistency matters more than perfection. Knowing what comes next brings a sense of calm, for the kids — and for me.
And if we have Culvers for dinner one night? That’s okay! Flexibility is part of the plan too.
4. Slow Down and Breathe
I used to think productivity meant doing more. Now I know it means doing what matters with presence.
When things feel overwhelming, I pause — literally. I close my eyes, take three slow breaths, and ask, What needs my attention right now? Or even pause long enough to make a short to do list.
Sometimes it’s dinner. Sometimes it’s my daughter who just wants me to watch her twirl in her princess dress or my son showing off his latest “ninja” move. That small moment of mindfulness often resets my whole mood.
5. Move Your Body — Even If It’s Just for 15 Minutes
Working out isn’t just about physical health — it’s mental survival.
I don’t always have time for hour-long gym sessions, but I do squeeze in short workouts during lunch breaks or after bedtime routines. A quick walk, yoga flow, or strength session in my living room makes a huge difference.
Bonus: my kids sometimes join in, turning it into a fun (and chaotic) bonding moment.
Final Thoughts
Burnout doesn’t go away overnight. But we can chip away at it — one breath, one choice, one boundary at a time.
If you’re in the thick of it right now, please know you’re not alone. You’re doing more than enough. You’re not failing — you’re just carrying a lot.
So take that day. Wake up a little earlier. Breathe. Move. Ask for help. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. You deserve it.