5 horrible things that can happen when you feel exhausted
Do you get to the end of the day and feel exhausted, you flop on the couch feeling like you just can’t do it anymore? If this is you, then it’s likely there are some horrible things that have been happening in your life, things that happen because you’re exhausted.
1. You resent your family
You have been carrying the motherload for years, day in day out doing the same errands. It’s always you that gets things done, it’s always you that’s expected to get things done. Now you’re wondering, does it always have to be this way?
2. You snap at your kids and partner
You’ve noticed that you’re snapping at your kids and partner, the smallest things seem to build up and then you suddenly explode. You know you shouldn’t raise your voice, you know you shouldn’t get sarky, you know you shouldn’t be grumpy… but you just can’t help it!
3. You skip things
Yesterday you skipped the exercise, you felt you didn’t have enough time with everything else you needed to get done. But let’s be honest, you did manage to spend at least 20 minutes sitting on the couch scrolling through your phone. You know this is not the way it should be. You know you’d feel better after exercising, but it’s so hard to make it a part of your routine.
4. You say yes to everything
Have you noticed that you say “yes” to everything you’re asked to do? And worse still, you say “yes” without even thinking about it! Your kids are more than capable of pouring their own drink, they are probably capable of making their own snack too, but you switch into auto mode and do it without thinking. It’s time to start saying “no” to some of those little things. It’s time to stop trying to please everyone, all the time.
5. You talk yourself out of taking action
Do you sometimes identify something that looks interesting or even exciting, but then find you talk yourself out of taking a step that would get you closer to it? Leaving that thing hanging there, like a lost dream, never to be experienced. Your indecision, your worry, your overthinking robs you of being present and enjoying life as it is right now.
Are you wondering how you let your life get to this point? How did you let your exhaustion create these horrible things?
We are so used to carrying the motherload, day in and day out, that we don’t even notice the horrible things that can happen when you’re feeling exhausted. The horrible things have become a ‘natural’ part of your day.
Are you wanting to move forward again? Are you wanting more energy in your life to stop these horrible things happening? Here are my 3 tips to increase your energy levels.
Firstly, stop watching TV and scrolling on social media. Or at the very least reduce the amount you consume. Nothing zaps your energy faster than being on a screen. Try limiting your TV to one episode of a favourite show.
What about scrolling social media, can you only spend 5 minutes a day catching up on your friends activity?
In addition to gaining energy by not being on the screen as much, if you put down all devices earlier in the evening, you will get improved sleep quality too.
Secondly, create routines. I am a big believer in the power of routine, if you create your routines as a family the kids know what’s expected of them and when. We have ours as a checklist on the fridge, the girls can check it and do what’s next on their list.
Think about the routines you can easily create in your home, then discuss them as a family to ensure everyone is on the same page. Creating visual reminders helps to keep everyone in the family accountable and reduces the motherload that you need to carry.
Last but not least, it’s OK to say NO! As a mum, we want to and we try to do everything. But we are not helping ourselves or those we love. Being asked to do something does not mean you have to say yes. Learn to say no to the things you don’t want to do or don’t have the time or energy to do, take back control of your life again!
These are super simple steps, and I am sure they are not new to you, but if you have noticed the horrible things that exhaustion has been causing in your life, then today is the day to take action!
