5 Things I Do to Stay Calm When Life Feels Overwhelming

Motherhood comes with seasons where everything feels heavier - mentally, emotionally, and physically. At Mighty Mums, we’re all about the small, realistic things that help you feel more grounded and supported. These are five simple habits I lean on when I’m stressed, stretched, or running on empty.

1. Have an Outlet - a friend, a psychologist, a journal.

We all need somewhere or someone to release the pressure when things feel too much.

Consider having a go-to person or place for when things feel overwhelming. This could be:

1. Having a good friend that you can call whenever you need to vent. They don't need to fox anything. Sometimes just having someone to offload to, who will listen, and hold space for you, can make a real difference.’
2. Keep regular psychology or therapy sessions in the calendar. It's easy to let appointments like this slip when we are out of our usual routine. But often we need this outlet more than ever during holiday periods. Keeping your sessions in the calendar will mean you have your regular opportunities to speak to a professional about what’s going on for you.
3. Journal your thoughts. Make this a daily ritual. Even when you don't know what to write, let your thoughts leave your head and get them down on paper. This in itself can make the load feel a bit lighter.

Having an outlet helps me process emotions before they build up. It’s not about having solutions - it’s about having options to get things out of your head, which sometimes makes a significant difference.

2. Make Time for Movement

Movement doesn’t need to look like a workout. Some days it’s something super simple to get a boost of those happy hormones.

• A walk around the block
• A 3-5 minute stretch on my living room floor
• A quick dip in the ocean

The goal isn’t “fitness” - it’s to boost hormones, relieve stress, and clear brain fog. Moving my body always shifts my mindset, even if it’s just a few minutes.

3. Prioritise Sleep

I know what you’re thinking - easier said than done for mums with little ones! But if we do get the chance to prioritise sleep this silly season, it really is one of the best things we can do for our mental health, our mood and our energy levels.
If I’m with my family and have extra hands around, I take the opportunity to have a quick nap if I’m tired. And equally, I never feel guilty about going to bed at a fairly early hour, if that’s what I want to do. Prioritising sleep is nothing to feel ashamed or silly about. It’s admirable!

4. Make Time for Something That’s Just for You

Not something for the kids. Not a chore. Not something productive. Just you. This could be:

• A massage or facial
• A dinner date with a friend
• A coffee date with a book
• A walk with a podcast
• A girls night in with some friends

Whatever it is, choose something that fills your cup. As mums, we still deserve to experience joy through non-kid-related activities! It’s an important part of maintaining some of our identity, prior to becoming a mum.

5. Get Outdoors Without Your Phone

Or at least switch it to airplane mode. It’s so easy to fall into scrolling, especially during holidays when the days blur together. And I am 100% guilty of this!
Getting outside for fresh air, sunshine, and time in nature always helps me reset. There’s something powerful about stepping away from the noise and giving your mind space to breathe. This doesn’t need to be a big nature walk every day. This could be:

• A walk to the shop without your phone.
• A quick trip to the playground and being mindful of not checking your phone until you are home.
• Grab a morning coffee and a mate and take a short walk without your phones.

Task!

1. Grab a piece of paper or your Notes section in your phone, and jot down 2-3 ideas from the list above that you will have as your go-to when things get tough.
2. Keep them handy (pin the Note, or pop the paper in your wallet) so that you have your little list of 'reset activities' on you when you might need a little break.
   ​
   ​