I was talking to a friend of mine in the schoolyard and she said she had been googling "Exhausted Mom" the other day. She was looking for solace. Advice. A solution to her constant state of fatigue. Of course, she found nothing new. The advice was to "slow down", "take time for yourself", "don’t overprogram". We’ve all heard it.
Now this particular mom has 5 kids. Actually 5 BOYS so I don’t think she is going to find a resolution for a number of years but, what’s my excuse? Or all the other moms who nodded their heads in silent understanding? I have 2 kids. Yes, they are 2 busy kids but there are only 2 of them. I have my own business (and believe me this has been a huge cause of my exhaustion lately). But, I do take time for myself. Maybe not a huge amount but I make a point of it. I also don’t think my kids are overprogrammed (although others might disagree) and I have a strong community to lessen the burden from carpooling to socializing in the schoolyard (see above inspiration for post).
So why is it then that we are all so tired? And by this I don’t mean "sleepy", I mean physically tired – exhausted. There just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day. I have to pick and choose how I spend my time. Do I eat lunch or do I have that conference call? Do I go for a run or do I have coffee with a friend? I need to book camps, clean up for the cleaning lady, schedule vacation time for my nanny, grow my business, set up playdates, nurture my marriage, play with my kids, help with homework…the list goes on and on.
I think that short conversation in the schoolyard actually helped. Because at least I know I am not alone. Many moms reach mid-May and are ready for a break. A break from the routine. A summer vacation. That’s how I feel. I’ve had just about enough and can’t wait for the end of school so we can relax and get into summer mode.
How about you?
Well, I ALMOST burst into tears (holding it back… holding it back…) reading this so that should tell you how much I related.
I’ve been FORCED into deciding that health is paramount. I mourn having to step back and admit that I can’t be the best mom I can be, the best wife, and the best entrepreneur… without something falling by the wayside and that “something” being me. Not with my lack of support, not with four kids and one with special needs, not with community service commitments… why do we feel like we have to do so much to BE so much? Can I be amazing if I only do three things really well instead of ten things okay? Who are these superwomen who rock their marriage, nurture their children, maintain quality friendships, keep fit, boast great mental/spiritual health… and tell me: are they RICH? Sigh.
I came on to check in on your Isagenix reporting. I wanted to see how you fared and if it helped. But I’m getting distracted with commenting… 🙂
N.
I’m sure a big part of it is the time of year. I’m exhausted, my family is exhasuted and my students have had it. It is also a very stressful time of year for kids. Exams are looming, routine is coming to an end and huge changes loom at the end of summer. Although we always think that kids are dying for summer, I think for many of them it is a difficult adjustment to make at first. They rely on routine and sameness and all that disappears with the end of school, yet there seems to be an energy in May and June that celebrates school coming to an end.
As one who has been there, I know that you will look back and be amazed at all that you accomplished and will be proud of the results. BUT be sure to take some time for yourself (even a little bit helps.
I find that keeping track of so many different aspects of my and the family’s life is what can be so exhausting – switching my brain from hockey one minute to fashion (see Style File) to meals to social plans…etc.etc.
Oh yeah. I hear you! I need to use all 24 hours to DO STUFF. Sleeping is a necessary evil.
LOL! I have just been on the computer looking to see if I can get my kids into swimming lessons before school is out! But I do try to keep my kids limited to 2 after-school activities each week, and weekends are strictly dedicated to family time. I am often exhausted too, but I feel like that’s just life with young kids. Even friends of mine who aren’t in the workforce feel the same. I know personally I even sometimes feel pressured by my hobbies…that scrapbooking room sitting there unused for 6 weeks can really get on my conscience!