Mother’s Exhaustion; Is it a Sign of Something Big?
Motherhood and Exhaustion: Is It Just Life or Something More?
Motherhood and fatigue often go hand in hand. Let’s be real: we’re raising tiny humans and it’s a full-time job of managing households, schedules, and all life’s details as well as nurturing relationships, teaching countless things for life and we’re in charge of their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Often we are also balancing other work on top of it all. Whew, that’s a lot! Of course, there will be days when we’re totally wiped out. But what happens when that tiredness feels endless?
For a long time, I told myself, this is just how motherhood is. It felt like an unchangeable truth, something I signed up for when I became a mama. But then the exhaustion started to feel heavier, more unshakable. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t normal—it was something deeper. And pushing through wasn’t gonna work!
When I finally dug into it, I discovered I had full-blown adrenal fatigue and was diagnosed with autoimmune issues. I had ignored my body’s cries for help for too long as I took care of everyone else’s needs. That experience taught me a hard but important lesson: pushing exhaustion aside as just part of the job can lead to even bigger challenges and is not sustainable.
When Fatigue Speaks Louder
Yes, motherhood comes with its fair share of fatigue, but constant exhaustion is a different story. If you’re still feeling drained after rest, it could be a sign of:
Nutrient Deficiencies: Iron, vitamin D, magnesium, or B vitamins are common culprits.
Health Concerns: Conditions like thyroid imbalances, adrenal fatigue, or autoimmune disorders often hide in plain sight.
Mental Overload: Carrying the weight of the family’s schedule, decisions, and emotional needs is a full-time job all on its own.
The Power of Play and Presence
One thing I’ve learned on this journey is how crucial it is to slow down and reconnect—with your kids, your surroundings, and yourself. Get playful! Let some things roll off your back more often and dive into moments of fun with your kids. Laughter and silliness are underrated forms of self-care.
For yourself, find time to play in ways that light you up. Move your body, take a dance break, enjoy a class or time with a hobby doing something that feeds your soul, or just run around outside with your little ones to lift the mood get those endorphins going. Nature is particularly healing—I’ve discovered that being outside regularly and truly present is like pressing the reset button on my soul. Whether it’s noticing the rustle of leaves, breathing in the scents of the trees, dipping your feet in the water or feeling the sun on your skin, nature helps you slow down and come back to yourself.
Ask for Help—And Get Serious About It
If you have a partner, let’s be clear: it’s not about them helping you—it’s about sharing the responsibilities. Parenting and running a household are team efforts, and carrying the mental load shouldn’t fall solely on you. Have the hard conversations. Get specific about what you need. And take those breaks regularly—you’ve earned them.
Beyond your partner, lean into your mama village. Connecting with other moms who’ve been there can be incredibly grounding. But don’t stop at venting or commiserating—be action-oriented. Talk about solutions, share tips, and maybe trade off some tasks together.
And if you’re feeling stuck, someone like me—a mother’s coach—can be a game-changer. I help mamas problem-solve, reorganize their lives, rework their routines and schedules, and carve out meaningful time for themselves. Sometimes all it takes is fresh eyes and a little support to rediscover your balance.
Self-Care Isn’t Optional
We give so much to everyone else, but how often do we pour into ourselves? Daily self-nurturance isn’t selfish—it’s survival. Small, soul-nourishing habits make a world of difference:
Start your day with 5 minutes of quiet reflection and gratitude.
Nourish your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods and get that protein and fiber in!
Move your body in ways that feel good.
Schedule non-negotiable you time every week.
End your day with a self-care routine that helps you feel relaxed, and cared for, and that encourages better sleep.
And if your body is still screaming for help, dig deeper. Seek support from holistic practitioners like functional doctors, naturopaths, or Ayurvedic specialists if traditional medicine isn’t providing the answers you need.
Rewrite the Narrative
Motherhood is a journey of love, sacrifice, and joy—but it shouldn’t cost you your health or happiness. Fatigue may come with the territory, but you deserve to feel ALIVE and well. You are worth putting in the time and effort for and getting your needs met too. Ask for what you need. Give regularly to yourself. It’s important for you, but also helps Your children see how YOU are a necessary part of the equation too, and need caretaking, time outs, and love.
So let’s start listening to our bodies, connecting with others, and rewriting the story. You are not meant to do this alone. You are not meant to be depleted. Take that first step—whether it’s scheduling time for yourself, asking for help, or working with someone like me to create a plan that works for your life.
You’re worth it, Mama. And when you thrive, your family does too. 💛
