Have you ever wondered why you’re always tired? Why is it that even when the kids are off to school or you’ve been home all day doing absolutely nothing you still feel tired? Well mums, there is a legit reason you are always tired and it’s called MUM BRAIN!
It’s not just the physical exhaustion that comes with raising little ones and later, big ones, it is the exhaustion from the nonstop duties we have in our heads.
As mums, our minds are always going fast in a million directions. It’s like we cannot explain what is going through our minds, we just can’t stop thinking, planning, plotting, solving. We’re constantly thinking even when we’re not doing anything.
So, a friend asks ” Hey honey, what’s going through your mind, you seem distracted ”
Your reflex answer is “oh no, it’s nothing”. But the truth is that your brain was spinning
Err…I need to wash my hair before the day runs out. Did I overpay the cashier yesterday? I missed my Doctor’s appointment last week. Which reminds me, does my son need any vaccines? I should call the pediatrician anyway. Did I register him for his little league? Poor kid needs new clothes for school. He’s grown so much. Oh no, the clothes, I forgot to switch the wash over to the dryer. Hope the kids are okay in school? Are my children eating healthy?
Note to self: Google recipes for healthy meals for kids. Add to grocery list. Wash hair. Call doctor. Move wash to the dryer. But smell it first. May need rewashing…
Mums, you get this right? We just have to stay four steps ahead so we don’t fall ten behind. Mothers bear the enormous responsibility of being the center of our children’s worlds and our husband’s as well. If we don’t take care of them, who will?
This is mum brain all the time. And apparently there’s even a name for it: the mental load. It’s why so many of us feel so tired, despite the fact that “all we do” is stay at home. And for those of us who balance working outside the home too? We’re superheoes!
[Tips for achieving work life balance]
Because if we don’t remember to switch the laundry over, who will? And if we don’t bother with healthy meals, well. Then doctor’s appointments, prescription refills, vacation packing lists… All on the invisible checklist inside our brain.
This is the mental load we all carry. Phew…It’s a good thing we can identify it. Sometimes, all we need is the reassurance that we’re not alone.
How about the next time a spouse, or friend, or family member asks, “What’s on your mind?” you tell them. Lighten the load. Even if just for a minute. The burden might be invisible, but it is heavy.
If they look at you like you’re going bananas, talk to another mum. Mums always understand. We sure deserve some accolades!
Source: scarymummy
