Feeling Burned Out? Here’s How to Gently Restore Your Balance

Feeling Exhausted? A few ways to find your way back to feeling like yourself

If you’re a busy mom juggling a million things and wondering why you feel so exhausted all the time, you’re not alone. Mom burnout is a real thing.

It can be that constant tiredness that lingers even after a full night’s sleep (if you’re lucky enough to get one). It’s the mental fog, the short temper, and the quiet guilt that says, “You should be doing more.”

But here’s the truth, you are doing enough. And the fact that you’re here, looking for ways to care for yourself, says so much about you.

Let’s walk through some gentle ways you can start to feel like you again, even in the middle of the beautiful chaos that is your life.

1. Recognize the Signs of Burnout

The first step in healing is noticing what’s really going on. If you are feeling constantly overwhelmed, unmotivated, or even disconnected from the things (and people) you love, then it is time for a timeout. That is your body asking you to please take note that something isn’t right and you need to pause.

Signs you might notice:

• Physical or emotional exhaustion
• Feeling irritable or easily frustrated
• Struggling to get through tasks that once felt easy
• A sense of guilt for feeling this way

First, just breathe (that links to an article on breathwork if you need it). It’s okay to feel this way and it’s more common than you think. I’ve been here many times myself and I’ve always found my way back. You can too.

2. Create Moments of Calm (Even if it is Just a Few Minutes)

You don’t need an hour-long spa day to reset. If all you have is a few minutes, we can work with that.

Here are a few ideas that don’t take much time:

• A quiet walk around the block
• Deep breathing (try five slow inhales and exhales)
• Putting your phone down and sipping tea in silence
• Listening to soft music while you stretch

I’ve got many more you can pick from in “5 Minute Self-Care Ideas“. Just choose one thing that feels manageable right now and remember that small moments add up over time to big results in how you feel.

3. Build a Gentle Evening Routine

Your nights set the tone for your mornings. Try creating a little ritual that helps you unwind instead of crash.

Start with something simple:

• Turn off screens 30–60 minutes before bed
• Do a short meditation or light stretching
• Write down three things you’re grateful for
• Light a candle and read a chapter from a favorite book

Your body and mind will thank you for the cue to slow down. If you are a busy Mom, check out our Home Harmony Stack, it gives you a quick reset and routines that make your morning easier.

4. Take Care of Your Body – with Kindness

It’s so easy to put yourself last. But when you’re running on fumes, even the basics (like food and water) can make a big difference.

• Try to eat nourishing meals when you can
• Keep a water bottle nearby
• Add fruits or leafy greens when possible
• Don’t skip meals, you need fuel, too

This isn’t about perfection. This is about supporting yourself, the way you’d support your best friend.

5. Mindfulness: Your Anchor in the Chaos

You don’t have to sit on a cushion for 30 minutes to be mindful. It can be as simple as noticing your breath while washing dishes or taking a deep breath before answering that third “Mom!!” in five minutes.

Mindfulness is about returning to the present. It reminds you that you are here, you are safe, and you are enough.

6. Make Time Work For You (Not Against You)

If your to-do list feels like it’s running the show, you’re not alone. Try to remember that you are a human being, not a human doing (only). Time management doesn’t have to be rigid, it can be a form of self-care.

Try these simple strategies:

• Write down just 3 things to get done each day
• Group small tasks together so they feel less scattered
• Use reminders to stay on track and to take breaks
• Let go of things that don’t have to be done today

Every mom’s day looks different. Find the rhythm that works for you and don’t compare how much you get done versus anyone else but you.

7. You’re Not Meant to Do It All Alone

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is ask for help or simply let someone else know how you are feeling. We can all use someone who understands where we are and how we feel.

• Text a friend and be honest about how you’re feeling
• Join an online mom group or community
• Say yes when someone offers to help and don’t be afraid to ASK for help too (I’m terrible at it)
• Say what you feel (even if it is just in your journal)

There is strength in connection. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Let your family have some of the “fun” of keeping house.

8. Give Yourself the Same Grace You Give Everyone Else

You are doing so much. And you deserve kindness, from yourself most of all.

Maybe today is the day you stop pushing through and start letting some things be. Maybe you decide to rest instead of “catching up on housework.”

And, just maybe it’s the day you say, “I matter too.” Because you do!

A Gentle Reminder:

Healing from burnout doesn’t happen overnight. But every time you choose rest over rushing, calm over chaos, or grace over guilt, you are moving in the right direction.

You are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to breathe. And you are definitely worthy of feeling better.

Let me know in the comments if anything helped!

More Resources:

Momcations Can Help with Mom Burnout

100 Self-Care Ideas When You are Stumped

Simple Self-Care Ideas and Tips You Need in Your Life

Disclaimer – This is general advice only and is not a substitute for professional help. Please seek help if you feel you need it, there is no shame in doing so.

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