Holiday Burnout: How Moms Can Reclaim Time for Themselves

Holidays are a magical time for our Littles. Just this last weekend, the Easter Bunny made several appearances at several egg hunts — thank you, Grandparents! — and in our home with a beautiful basket and bunny-themed breakfast. Once the baskets were empty and friends and family were gone, the exhaustion lingered longer than the joy. That “post-holiday slump” is real, and it’s often where burnout quietly creeps in. The good news is, this is also the perfect moment to reset and intentionally carve out space for yourself again.

Build a Recover Day

It can be difficult for parents — Moms especially — to take an entire day to themselves without checking things off the never-ending to-do list, but here’s your permission: Even if it’s for one hour, do something for just you. Turn off the lights and turn on a Spotify Spa Music playlist. Put some cucumbers on your eyes and lie down for a bit. If even that is too much for you to dedicate time to, then make it a simple day. Make simple meals, make minimal commitments, do as little as possible. The laundry, dishes, and emails can wait. 

Let Go of Doing It All

The mental load is heaviest during holidays. Your routine is disrupted and replaced with magic moments that have to be orchestrated. That is exhausting. Fun, but exhausting. In the week following the fun, ask for help where you can. Ask your partner for help around the house, ask your friends for playdates so kids can play with each other, and ask your kids to do age-appropriate chores! Our son loves to throw things in the trash can — it can keep him occupied for 15 minutes straight — so we let him pick up any scraps of grass from the Easter baskets, chocolate wrappers, and any other trash that might have been left on the floor and throw it all away. 

You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup

It is so easy to finish one thing and look around for the next. There will always be something else you can be doing, but instead of jumping into something, pause and ask yourself: “What do I need right now?” You need a moment to care for yourself the same way you care for everyone else. Treat yourself like your Littles — if they were exhausted, overwhelmed, and doing too much, what would you have them do? Now you do that.

Sincerely,

Your Dallas Mom Friend

How are you reclaiming your sanity this week?