As a single or divorced mum, the constant balancing act of managing work, parenting, finances, and personal life can easily leave you feeling overwhelmed. You might be juggling so many tasks that emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion becomes a regular part of your life – but it’s not always easy to recognise when you’ve reached your limit.
Mental overload is something that many women experience, but it often goes unnoticed until it leads to burnout. Let’s explore some clear signs that you might be mentally overloaded and discuss how to manage the strain to regain balance and peace of mind.
1. Constant Forgetfulness and Disorganisation
Are you struggling to remember basic things like where you put your keys, or do you struggle to keep track of daily tasks? Forgetfulness and disorganisation are often key indicators of mental overload. When your brain is juggling too many things at once, retaining information or staying organised becomes harder.
What to do:
Start by writing things down. Create a to-do list or use a planner to track important tasks and responsibilities. This helps offload some of the cognitive strain and keeps you organised without relying on memory alone.
2. You Feel Emotionally Drained All the Time
Do you find yourself waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Do small inconveniences make you feel more frustrated than they should? Emotional exhaustion is a major sign of mental overload. It happens when your emotional reserves are depleted from handling too many decisions, stressors, and problems on a daily basis.
What to do:
Take regular breaks for yourself. Incorporating small moments of self-care throughout the day, like a short walk, deep breathing exercises, or a 10-minute break to enjoy a cup of tea, can help you reset emotionally.
3. You’re Always Multitasking
If you’re constantly doing three things at once – checking emails while cooking dinner and helping your child with homework – you’re likely in overdrive mode. Multitasking may seem efficient, but it can lead to mental fatigue, making you less productive and more stressed in the long run.
What to do:
Try time-blocking – dedicate specific chunks of time to one task at a time. For example, block out an hour in the evening to focus solely on meal preparation, then another 30 minutes for family time. This helps you stay focused and complete tasks without feeling like you’re spread too thin.
4. Feeling Easily Irritated or Snapping at Loved Ones
Do you find yourself snapping at your children or feeling unusually irritable over minor things? Irritability is a common sign that you’re overwhelmed and your mental load is too heavy. When your brain is on overdrive, it takes less to trigger frustration, and the smallest challenges can feel like insurmountable problems.
What to do:
It’s essential to communicate with your loved ones about how you’re feeling. Let them know when you’re overwhelmed and need some space to decompress. In addition, practising mindfulness or short relaxation exercises can help you reset your emotions in stressful moments.
5. You’re Struggling to Sleep
If your mind races with thoughts and worries when you try to sleep, it’s a sign that your mental load is keeping you awake. Stress, worry, and overthinking can interfere with your ability to relax and get a good night’s rest.
What to do:
Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Consider using techniques like journaling before bed to get your thoughts down on paper, allowing your mind to release any pent-up worries. Additionally, limiting screen time an hour before bed can help prepare your mind for sleep.
6. You’re Overwhelmed by Small Decisions
Are you finding it difficult to make even the simplest decisions, like what to cook for dinner or what to wear? When your mind is carrying a heavy load, decision fatigue sets in, making even the most routine decisions feel overwhelming.
What to do:
Simplify decisions by automating certain aspects of your life. For example, you could create a meal plan for the week, so you don’t have to decide what to cook each day. Having routines for tasks like meal prep, cleaning, or family schedules can eliminate small decisions and free up mental space.
7. You Feel Disconnected from Yourself
When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to lose touch with your own needs, passions, and desires. You might find that you’re living on autopilot, simply getting through the day without any time for self-reflection or personal fulfilment.
What to do:
Reconnect with yourself by carving out time each week to engage in activities you enjoy. Whether it’s reading, journaling, meditating, or pursuing a hobby, finding time for yourself is key to reducing your mental load and feeling more in control of your life.
8. Physical Signs of Stress
Mental overload doesn’t just affect your mind; it can manifest physically, too. You may experience headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or frequent colds. These are signs that your body is under stress and needs a break.
What to do:
Prioritise your physical health by incorporating regular exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques into your routine. Movement, even in small doses like stretching or walking, can relieve physical and mental stress.
9. You’re Constantly Worried About Letting People Down
If you’re always worried about not meeting expectations – whether at work, with your kids, or in social situations – it’s a sign that your mental load is overflowing. The pressure to be “perfect” can weigh heavily, especially when you’re already feeling stretched thin.
What to do:
Remind yourself that it’s okay not to do everything perfectly. Learn to say no to additional commitments that don’t align with your priorities. Setting boundaries with others, including family and colleagues, is crucial for protecting your time and mental well-being.
10. You Don’t Have Time to Breathe
When was the last time you sat down to do nothing? If your answer is “I can’t remember,” that’s a huge red flag. Constant busyness is a sign that you’ve taken on too much. When you’re moving from one task to the next without a break, you’re not giving your brain time to rest and recharge.
What to do:
Schedule regular breaks in your day. Even 10-15 minutes of quiet time, meditation, or simply sitting without an agenda can do wonders for mental clarity. It’s important to give yourself permission to rest, even if everything isn’t done.
Reclaiming Your Peace of Mind
Mental overload doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By recognising the signs and taking small, intentional steps to reduce your mental load, you can regain control over your life and create more peace and balance. Whether it’s learning to delegate tasks, setting stronger boundaries, or practising mindfulness, every small step will help you feel more empowered and less overwhelmed.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many single or divorced mums struggle with mental overload, but it’s important to know that it’s okay to ask for help and to take time for yourself. You deserve peace, and you can find it by lightening your mental load and prioritizing your well-being.
P.S. DID YOU KNOW?
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PLUS You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!
- Do you need clarity on whether you should leave your partner or not?
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