When Motherhood Feels Overwhelming: A Gentle Reminder That You’re Not Alone.

Some days in motherhood feel like pure magic—sticky kisses, giggles filling the air, and the quiet moments when you watch your little ones sleep, feeling overwhelmed with love.

And then there are the other days. The days when the to-do list is endless, the meltdowns are non-stop (maybe yours included), and you’re stretched so thin you feel like you have nothing left to give. The days when “overwhelmed” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

If today is one of those days, I want you to know this: You are not alone. You are doing enough. And you are already an incredible mother.

Why Motherhood Feels So Overwhelming

Overwhelm sneaks in because we care—so much. We want to do it all, be present, keep up with the laundry, make nutritious meals, show patience in every hard moment, and somehow still find time to be the person we were before motherhood.

But the truth is, motherhood is not meant to be done alone, perfectly, or all at once.

There’s no trophy for “keeping it together” all the time. And honestly? Sometimes the best thing we can do is let go of the pressure and focus on just getting through the moment.

How to Find Your Breath in the Overwhelm

If you’re feeling completely drained, here are a few gentle ways to lighten the weight on your shoulders:

1️⃣ Pause and Take Three Deep Breaths

When chaos is swirling around you, stop for just a moment. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in, hold it for a second, and slowly release. Do this three times. It won’t solve everything, but it will help ground you in the present moment, instead of spiraling.

2️⃣ Lower the Bar (Seriously, Lower It)

The house doesn’t have to be spotless. Dinner doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy. Your kids don’t need an Instagram-perfect childhood—they need you, just as you are. It’s okay to order takeout, skip the dishes for one night, or let the laundry wait.

3️⃣ Say What You Need Out Loud

Sometimes, overwhelm grows because we don’t voice our needs. Try saying it out loud:

- “I need a five-minute break.”

- “I’m feeling really overwhelmed right now.”

- “Can you help me with this?”

Even if you’re alone, acknowledging your feelings can be surprisingly powerful. And if you can, ask for help—whether it’s from your partner, a friend, or your kids (yes, even little ones can help!).

4️⃣ Ask for Help (Even When It Feels Uncomfortable)

Now, I am no expert here—in fact, I am quite terrible at admitting, let alone asking for help. Over the past few months, while experiencing a serious health condition, I learned about the beauty and strength in being vulnerable and was able to ask for help (once in a while). And you know what? It felt good. It made a difference.

But here’s the thing—I’ve somehow reverted to my pre-asking-for-help self and have become an island once again. I know I’m not alone in this. If you have tips on how to be better at this, I would love to hear them, because I do realize the importance of asking for help, and I do remember what it felt like to be supported when my family and I needed it the most.

5️⃣ Find One Small Thing You Can Control

When everything feels chaotic, pick one simple thing to restore a sense of peace. Maybe it’s drinking a glass of water, changing into cozy clothes, putting on a calming song, or tidying just one small space. Small wins add up.

6️⃣ Let Go of Guilt and Embrace “Good Enough”

You don’t have to be everything to everyone, all the time. Motherhood is not about perfection—it’s about love, connection, and showing up the best you can each day. Some days that means thriving, and some days it just means surviving. Both are okay.

You Are Not Alone in This

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, I hope you know that you are seen, loved, and deeply valued. Your children don’t need a perfect mom. They just need you—imperfect, messy, and full of love.

And if today is hard, take it moment by moment. Breathe. Rest when you can. Let go of the things that don’t matter. And most of all, be gentle with yourself.

You are already more than enough. 💛

Let’s Talk, Mama

I’d love to hear from you—what helps you when motherhood feels overwhelming? Do you have a small ritual, a mindset shift, or a go-to reset that makes a difference? Share in the comments or send me a message. Let’s support each other in this beautiful, messy journey of motherhood. 💕

But really… I need some ideas too. As we all know, every day brings a different challenge, a different degree of chaos, and depending on how well we’ve been taking care of ourselves and our needs (which, I’ll guess—if you’re anything like me—is far less than what’s actually needed), those waves of overwhelm can hit even harder. I would love to add to my toolbox so that when the overwhelm inevitably comes (because it will), I’m better prepared to ride the wave instead of drowning in it. So, tell me—what works for you? Let’s build each other up and share the things that help. 💛

Your fellow chaos coordinator,

Kelly