Alright, let’s get real for a second: being a single mum is like running a marathon… while juggling… on a tightrope… in the middle of a circus. And sometimes, all we want to do is throw those juggling balls to the ground, toss the tightrope into the crowd, and hide in a corner with a cup of tea (or, let’s be honest, a whole bottle of wine). But hey, we’re superwomen, right? Burnout is something that happens to other people… until it doesn’t.
Let’s talk about burnout: that sneaky little monster that creeps up when we’ve been doing ALL the things for ALL the people and somehow forgot to leave anything for ourselves. You’ve probably felt it at some point: you’re running on fumes, haven’t showered in two days, and suddenly, you’re giving the death stare to your laundry pile like it personally offended you. That’s burnout, and it’s not a fun club to join.
But here’s the thing – you don’t have to get there. Let’s chat about what burnout looks like and how to kick it to the curb before it makes itself at home in your life.
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What Does Single Mum Burnout Look Like?
Burnout isn’t just being tired; it’s next-level exhaustion, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s when you’re so drained that even watching Netflix feels like too much effort. Sound familiar?
Here are a few signs you might be in the burnout zone:
- Everything feels like a chore (even the things you used to enjoy, like playing with the kids or drinking coffee while it’s still hot).
- You’re irritable, snapping at your kids for breathing too loudly or glaring at the postman because, seriously, why are there so many bills?
- You’re tired ALL. THE. TIME. You could sleep for 12 hours and still feel like you’ve been hit by a bus.
- Your motivation is MIA – those “to-do” lists just keep getting longer while you get stuck in a scroll hole on Instagram.
Basically, burnout is like your body’s way of saying, “Hey, could we slow down for, like, five minutes?” The good news? You can avoid this! Here’s how.
1. Schedule Some “Me Time” – Seriously, Do It
I know, I know – me time? What’s that? Between school runs, work, and trying to convince your toddler that vegetables aren’t poison, it seems impossible. But trust me, even 10 minutes of doing something you enjoy can make a huge difference. And no, washing the dishes while listening to a podcast doesn’t count as “me time.” Try hiding in the bathroom with a book, doing a quick face mask, or sneaking a nap while your kids are busy destroying the living room.
2. Learn to Say No (Without Feeling Guilty)
I get it, saying “no” can feel as awkward as trying to leave a party early without anyone noticing. But if you’re saying “yes” to everything, there’s no time left for you. You don’t need to be on every school committee or host every family dinner. Practice your best “thanks, but no thanks” and watch as your stress levels magically decrease.
3. Stop Trying to Be Perfect
The perfect mum doesn’t exist. Spoiler alert: nobody cares if your house looks like an IKEA showroom or if your kid is eating homemade organic quinoa for lunch every day. Embrace the chaos. Sometimes dinner is going to be fish fingers and beans, and sometimes you’re going to wear the same leggings three days in a row. You’re doing great – messy house, messy hair, and all.
4. Delegate Like a Boss
Newsflash: You don’t have to do everything yourself! Kids can help (yes, even if their “help” is more like “getting in the way”). Get them involved in chores – you’ll be teaching them life skills and lightening your load. Plus, they’ll probably love feeling like little grown-ups. And if you have friends or family around, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s no trophy for doing it all alone, but there is more free time!
5. Get Moving (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
I know, exercise sounds like a cruel joke when you’re already exhausted. But a little bit of movement can actually help boost your energy and mood. Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting a 5am CrossFit session. Even a walk around the block with the kids or a 10-minute YouTube yoga video can work wonders for shaking off the burnout blahs.
6. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
We live in a culture that glorifies being busy, but guess what? Resting is productive too. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing at all. If that means letting the laundry pile up a little higher while you binge a TV show, so be it. Your well-being is more important than having a perfectly tidy house.
7. Remember, You’re Not Alone
Single motherhood can sometimes feel like you’re isolated on a desert island with nothing but a toddler and a stack of dirty dishes. But you’re not alone! Reach out to other single mums, join online communities, or chat with friends who understand what you’re going through. Sometimes, just knowing someone else is in the same boat makes the load a little lighter.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential. The better you feel, the better you can take care of your kiddos (and maybe even enjoy a hot cup of tea once in a while). So, make “you” a priority. Your laundry will wait, but burnout won’t – let’s keep it at bay, shall we?
Now go on, take that bubble bath. You’ve earned it!
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