As you know, we’ve been through the wringer lately. Slowly but surely, we’re making our way out the other side, and I’ve started to look back. I’m proud of how I kept it all together—fewer takeouts, the laundry pile not too high, and I even remembered PJ week! Of course, things could have gone better. When I lose sleep, I lose my patience and get overwhelmed. Looking back, I had a few moments where I lost my cool. Little things add up, and then suddenly, it’s too much. I feel guilty the second after I raise my voice, but it’s too late. I’m truly working on it, as it’s not fair to ask my little one to take a deep breath when he throws his tantrums, yet here I am throwing a tantrum myself.
One specific evening stands out. My toddler was refusing to go to bed, and I was exhausted. I had a mountain of laundry waiting, and the kitchen was a mess. I snapped and yelled at him. The guilt hit immediately, but it was too late to take back my words. I felt like I failed him and myself.
However, I came across an Instagram post that got me thinking. It went as follows:
“Can we talk about the fact that moms get overstimulated and it’s mistaken for anger? No, I’m not angry; I’ve heard ‘mama, mama, mama’ since the minute I woke up. The TV is too loud, the dryer is going, my top is too tight, and the house got messy the second after I worked two hours to clean it. I’m not angry, just overstimulated. Give me a second.”
And that’s it! I get so overwhelmed by the constant demands for my attention. My toddler is on me non-stop and needs my full attention. When I have no sleep, all the other things pile up, and I get overstimulated. It’s not the moment itself that’s the last straw, but all the other stuff in the background. This realization was such an eye-opener and a relief. I finally feel like I can put steps into place to hopefully throw fewer tantrums myself.
I’ve found that implementing a few simple strategies can make a huge difference. Here are some tips that have helped me regain control and manage my emotions better:
Recognition
First, it’s about recognition. Acknowledge that I had a bad night’s sleep and be aware that my tolerance is low. Giving myself grace in these moments is crucial. It’s okay to admit that you’re tired and not at your best. Recognizing your limits helps in managing expectations for yourself and others. Maybe even create a signal for your family to know that today is a low-energy day, so they understand you need extra support or patience.
Adjust the Environment
Small changes in your environment can make a big difference. Here are a few strategies:
- Create a Calming Space: Dedicate a corner of your home as a quiet, clutter-free zone where you can retreat for a few minutes to recharge.
- Quiet the Noise: Drive to work with no radio or lower the volume of the TV at home.
- Hide the Clutter: If the sight of a laundry pile adds to your stress, put it out of sight. Place it in a closet or another room where it’s not a constant reminder. Be mindful of your mess.
Focus on Breathing
Taking deep breaths can help reset your stress levels. Here are some simple techniques:
- Breathing Breaks: Incorporate short breathing breaks throughout your day, especially during moments of high stress or when you feel overwhelmed.
- Deep Breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times.
- Mindful Moments: Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through short meditation sessions.
I’m so grateful I came across this during one of my mindless scrolling moments. With these steps, I feel so much more in control, and my tolerance is so much better. I hope these tips will help you too. Remember, we as mamas are also allowed to throw tantrums. This shows our kids that we have emotions and that we are a work in progress too. Just talk about it afterward with them to help them understand where it came from and let them know that you will try and remember to take a deep breath just like them next time.
We’re all in this together, and by sharing our struggles and solutions, we can support and uplift each other. Let’s continue to grow and learn, one day at a time.
What are your experiences with overstimulation? How do you manage it? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
Feeling overwhelmed is okay, mama. It’s a sign of your love and dedication. Breathe, you’re doing great.
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