Welcome friend!
Please don't think I'm complaining, but today I'm tired. I'm tired of messes, noises, and dirty dishes. I'm tired of being creative with our menu plan. I'm tired of legos and laundry. I'm tired of squabbles and hurt feelings. Today, this mother of 5 littles wants to lock myself away somewhere cool and quiet, that smells of chocolate and coffee and cinnamon and just rest.
Do you ever feel like this?
Tiredness sometimes seem to be part and parcel of the motherhood package. How do you rise above it?
Here are 6 tips for triumph when you're a tired mama.
1. Pray
God promises that his strength is made perfect in our weakness. He is the one who called you to mama-hood and he promised to give you what you need to do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Talk to Him about your exhaustion. Cast your cares on Him.
2. Take 5
If it's possible for the kids to entertain themselves safely, or take a nap themselves, then take 5 or 10 minutes to get a power nap. Set the alarm, close your eyes, pray for rest and recharge. Then when the alarm sounds, pray for grace, and get back to it. Then do whatever necessary to be sure you are getting sufficient rest at night.
3. Refuel & Refresh
Often when I find myself about to “loose it” my fuel is running low. My attitude and physical strength are greatly helped when I don't go too long between eating. Not snacking or binging, but protein and good for you stuff. I also like to use Stress Away, Valor or Peace and Calming when the day gets a bit rougher than is comfortable. These essential oils help refresh the emotions, and smelling great makes me feel better too.
4. Listen to Music
Music can set the tone and change the mood. Put on calming music if you need to keep the atmosphere calm, or energizing music if it gives your more energy. Music can be a balm to the weary soul and can also refocus us on God and his power instead of our selves and our shortcomings.
5. Prioritize
Organize your to-dos in order of importance and tackle them one at a time. Sometimes tiredness and overwhelm comes from seeing everything at once. When we can focus on task and cross it off in our planner, it often gives energy for the next. Mountains are climbed on step at a time. Instead of looking at what you can't do, look at what you can.
6. Give Yourself Grace
There are so many seasons to life and motherhood. Give yourself grace for the season you are in. Don't make excuses, but don't be unrealistic either about what you can and cannot get done. And don't create false guilt by unfair comparison. You are unique and God has given you your family for specific and special reasons. Embrace the season.
When I do these things, it is so much easier to make it through my day. He is strong, when I am weak.
These three books are great for tackling PMS: Perfect Mom Syndrome. Check them out with my affiliate link on Amazon, just click the images below.
Sending you hugs from one tired mama to another. You can do this in His strength, and I'll be here cheering you on as well.