Will becoming a mum lead to burnout?

So, will becoming a mum lead to burnout?

Absolutely.

If you decide to be the mum who is everything to everyone. If you decide to be the mum who is constantly doing the mummy juggle. If you decide to be the mum who is the family’s personal assistant.

Don’t believe me?

Let me tell you a story.

Once upon a time in a city here on planet earth there lived an amazing woman. She had an awesome career and was well respected by her colleagues and seniors. She lived in a beautiful house. She was a mum to two wonderful but challenging children. She was living a fairy tale dream!

But she was exhausted.

She was running just to keep up. A sleepless night tossing and turning wasn’t unusual. Her mind was always busy because of all the things she was trying to juggle, like her career, children, husband and home. Life didn’t feel like fun.

But on the outside, she was like a graceful swan. To everyone else, she had her s@#t together.

But on the inside, she was crumbling. She just wanted to press pause. She wanted to escape from this prison that she’d built for herself. Life was starting to feel like a bad dream.

Now, I don’t have to tell you that life is short and life is too precious to be living like this. The problem is, many mums think that this is what being a mum is all about. They believe that they are the glue that has to keep the family together. But what if they’re wrong? 

Many mums I coach commit themselves to a lifelong service to their families, which is great. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice yourself to do it. We all have the right to live our life to its fullest.

Take a moment to consider how you are when all is not good and you are unhappy. How do you behave, think and speak? How does life feel? How are others around you?

Now think how life feels different when all is well and you’re happy. How do you behave, think and speak? How does life feel? How are others around you?

Which one are you most of the time? Which one would you like to be most of the time? 

It really is your choice, however, one is more likely to take you on the path toward burnout!

Here’s what you can do to change your direction and avoid becoming a burnt-out mum.

Decide who you are as an individual

If you don’t know who you are then how can you decide what type of mum you want to be? Being able to deal with life and enjoy life is an inside job. Take the time to work on yourself and know who you are so you can be the best for others. If you think you’re important you’ll find the time.

Stop juggling

Please stop doing the mummy juggle. You don’t have to do it. Why make life more complicated than it has to be? Instead, do one thing at one time and accept that mistakes will happen and that’s okay. You’re only human.