Parental Burnout is My Enemy: 3 Ways to Defeat It

“I rel bun.”

Recently I’ve noticed that I am not as receptive as before. I become irritated very quickly, and the muscles behind my neck feel strained.

Everything I do becomes overwhelming, and I feel the need to escape too often. I searched the Internet for answers because I may not manage this burst of anxiety much longer. I woke up early one morning and attempted to journal my feelings and what my day entails.

ü  Wake up

ü  Make breakfast

ü  Prepare my daughter for online school

ü  Drop her off at grandparents’ house

ü  Get to work

ü  Return home to await her arrival

ü  Do homework

ü  Practice revision questions (she’s in standard 4)

ü  Make dinner

ü  Light house-cleaning

ü  Organize for bedtime

ü  Preparations for the next day

I read it over, and it felt overwhelming. The pandemic changed everything. Parents in my circle have mentioned the stressors of being a parent at this time and the mental overload. Parents feel the need to disconnect emotionally with their children for short periods to reset and start again. It worsens as the schools may not open in the near term and children are becoming frustrated.

How can we manage our parental burnout?

According to recent studies, three techniques can help parents manage burnout as well as decrease anxiety.

1. Don’t be too hard on yourself

No one is perfect. You and the children are learning during the parenting phase. Too much criticism can lead to low self-esteem and frustration. Be kind to yourself and do what works for you.

2. Communication is essential

If your child or children are liable enough to share responsibilities, assign them to tasks that reduce your multitasking load. Talk to parents or friends for support as it can show strength and willingness to improve your well-being.

3. Me time

Time spent away from the children in the presence of friends can take some of the overloads. Laugh, have fun, entertain yourself. If not, spend time with you. Whether it’s binge-watching a Netflix series or playing Candy Crush, discover ways to relax your mind and step away from the stressors.

The pandemic has affected us worse than expected, but we must find ways to combat mental burnout and share it with parents. If you feel that these techniques have not impacted you, I suggest that you talk with a therapist or counselor. Seek assistance.

What would you say to a friend that is experiencing the same feelings?