Moms are tired. There’s no doubt about it. You have many tiny humans depending on you – ones who often wake you in the night. If that wasn’t enough, you also have other tasks on your plate such as keeping up with your home, supporting your husband, and miscellaneous other tasks. You can’t help but be a tired mom, or can you?
Yes, there are many reasons that moms are tired, but some of these can be changed. While other aspects can’t be changed, is it possible that how we view them could change our perspective and give us energy in the busyness?
What is a Tired Mom?
A tired mom is exhausted. She is running on empty . . . or maybe coffee! She’s not only physically tired but she’s emotionally drained as well. She is not getting enough sleep and has too much on her plate. As a result, things get forgotten or just not done. Period. Does this sound like you?
Why are Moms so Tired?
Are you a stay-at-home mom always tired? Whether you stay at home or work, motherhood is exhausting! Why are moms so tired anyway? Well, you have many, many tasks on your plate. There are children to feed, play with, and keep safe. You are always on alert to what they are up to, which is emotionally taxing!
You also have all the household tasks, doctor and dentist appointments, shopping, and cooking to do. You or your children may be involved in various activities as well. You’re on the go several days a week, trying to do all the things a “good mom” does. As a result, you are often not taking care of yourself. You eat off your children’s plates or a quick snack, you skip exercise (or does carrying a baby all day count?), and you are getting limited sleep. You are drinking way too much coffee and not near enough water.
Is it Normal to Always be Tired as a Mom?
There are periods of motherhood that will be more exhausting than normal. For example, maybe you are pregnant and not sleeping well, or perhaps you just had a new baby and are nursing through the night. Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances such as a sick parent, husband, or child.
Dear mom, even though there are tired seasons, you don’t have to live in a state of perpetual tiredness. There are ways to simplify your life so that you have the time to take care of yourself and get adequate rest. You can also find emotional strength and encouragement in Scripture.
Exhausted mother syndrome
Moms today may have taken on false expectations about motherhood from social media, friend groups, and society in general. Mothers today are on the go more and sleeping less. They have increasing demands placed on them with reduced resources to revive them. They often feel alone, especially if they are not connected in their community. These things take their toll, resulting in hypersensitivity. Exhausted mothers get angry, frustrated, or cry more easily. They are often overly emotional.
Exhausted mother syndrome can then lead to mom burnout. If this sounds like you, you will want to start taking immediate steps in reducing your workload and prioritizing more rest.
How can I be a Good Mom when I’m Tired?
Mama, even if you are tired, you can still be a good mom. Your mothering may not look like your highest expectations of what it should look like, but it will still be good. As a tired mom, you will want to draw strength from the Lord. You will want to lower your expectations until you are feeling refreshed.
What does the Bible say about the role of a mother? To learn more about being a godly mother, check out these 10 characteristics of a good mother according to the Bible.
Help for tired moms
When you are tired, there are some things you can do to still be a good mom while letting other things go. This period of exhaustion won’t last forever, but you will need some help in the meantime. Check out these tips for tired moms.
- Give yourself grace. Yes, motherhood can be exhausting, but some phases are harder than others. It’s okay if you need to let some things go until you’re feeling more up to speed.
- Focus on relationships. Draw strength from your relationship with God. Choose spending time with your children over a clean house. Take the time to connect with your husband over running off to a meeting.
- Take a break. Do essential tasks only. Order pizza or have cereal for dinner. Put a movie on for your children or hire a sitter while you take a much-needed nap. No, this isn’t a long-term solution, but it will help you get back on your feet.
- Eat healthy foods. It can be hard, but eating foods that are nourishing instead of empty calories will give your body more of what it needs for health and rest.
- Drink more water. Without even realizing it, many of us are dehydrated. Try upping your water intake and decreasing your caffeine intake.
- Find comfort in Scripture. Check out some great Bible verses for when you are tired. Find internal strength in the calling you have as a mom.
Bible Verses for Tired Moms
Having emotional comfort and strength can really help and encourage you as a mom when you are physically depleted of all energy. Finding strength in Christ can help you respond versus react to the fighting over toys or the crayon on the wall.
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 ESV
“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” Exodus 33:14
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Encouragement for Tired Moms
As you’ve seen, being a tired mom doesn’t have to last forever. There are steps you can take to minimize your workload as you take the time to replenish yourself physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Motherhood is an exhausting but rewarding calling. This is only a season, and there are steps you can take to reduce your tiredness starting today.
What do you find that helps replenish you when you are exhausted? What exhausts you the most? Please comment below.
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