Feel like burying yourself in your bedsheets? Find yourself bursting into tears? Are you exhausted? Irritable? Anxious? Forgetful? If ever there was a time for the overwhelmed mom, it’s now. The beginning of the school year is always a challenge but even more so amid a global pandemic.
At a time when it feels like everything is sitting on your shoulders, what can you do to catch your breath? How can you find some balance?
Consider Online Therapy
Times are tough. It is ok to be dreading the days ahead and feeling overwhelmed with all the things you have to get done. Online therapy can be a great tool now and for the months ahead. Telehealth allows the overwhelmed mom to squeeze in a bit of one-on-one time with a support system. A licensed counselor can provide tools that fit with your lifestyle to get you feeling yourself again. And, you don’t even have to leave your home. If you live in Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Williamsport, York, or anywhere else in Pennsylvania, Move Forward’s licensed counselors can help.
Practice Mindfulness
Many times when we are feeling overwhelmed it can be hard to focus on the present (or any one thing for that matter). By forcing your brain to stop thoughts about the future or past and instead take in the here and now you can find peace. Instead of letting your thoughts and concerns of the future take hold, bring your focus to your breathing. Close your eyes, notice the smells in the air, the feel of your hands, the task at hand instead of the next thing on your to-do list. You will probably also notice you are more productive. If you need help with mindfulness activities, YouTube has some great videos.
Schedule Things Out
Being a Pennsylvania mom, especially in the time of COVID-19, comes with a lot of duties. If you find yourself overcome with feelings of “there is too much to do and not enough time,” make a list. By writing down all the things you need to do (possibly even listing them in order of importance) you will likely feel more in control of “all the things.”
Once you have your to-do list created, make a schedule for your family. Maybe from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. is morning routine time and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. is daily chore time, etc. Create a plan that works for your family and stick to it. This way you and your kids will know what to expect and things will feel more manageable.
Practice Self-Care
As a mom, you might feel like you have to do it all, but the truth is you don’t. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Maybe that help is from a grandparent, a spouse/partner, or a friend. Maybe it is time to hire a tutor or a nanny. Is it time to reach out for some online counseling support?
Don’t forget about your physical wellbeing, either. Drink water. Get outside and move. Do something that makes you feel good. Meet up with friends. Schedule some downtime. Make sure you aren’t forgetting about yourself. Being an overwhelmed mom comes with a lot of stress that can have a big toll on your physical and mental health.
Ready to begin counseling in Pennsylvania?
Move Forward offers online therapy services for residents throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Our professionally-trained and licensed counselors have openings. Just call our office at 717-462-7003×1 and speak to our administrative assistant to get started to feeling better.
And remember, you’ve got this.
