Stop the Burnout: Practical Ways for Busy Moms to Reclaim Their Calm

Written By Laura Ollinger

Many high-achieving moms find themselves trapped in a cycle of constant doing, managing both high-pressure careers and the complex "mental load" of a household. You might have everything you’ve ever worked for, yet feel a deep sense of stress and overwhelm because you are the one planning and thinking of everything for everyone else.

Episode 104 addresses the common feeling of being "un-selved"—where your own identity has been replaced by the needs of your boss, your spouse, and your children. If you feel like the whole world is overwhelmed and you are simply trying to survive the day, it is time to shift from chaos to intentional living.

Key Strategies for Navigating Overwhelm

  • Understanding Stress vs. Overwhelm:

    Learn why true overwhelm causes you to lose the ability to think clearly or prioritize effectively, making even simple tasks feel unmanageable.

  • Breaking the People-Pleasing Cycle:

    Discover why high achievers often use "doing more" as their only strategy and how to begin setting boundaries that protect your well-being.

  • The Power of Over-Functioning:

    Explore how stepping back from managing every detail of your teenager's life builds their adult competence while restoring your own sense of self.

  • The Love and Fit Test:

    Master a simple two-question framework—"Do I love this?" and "Does this fit the life I'm creating?"—to decide what actually earns a spot on your calendar.

Listen to the Full Episode Here
Listen to the Full Episode Here

Questions About Parents of Teens and Overwhelm

Why do I feel like I’ve lost my own identity now that my kids are older?

Many moms tie their "enoughness" to how much they help their children function, leading them to adopt their kids' hobbies and friends’ parents as their own. Reclaiming yourself starts with small daily exercises in neuroplasticity—focusing on a specific taste, smell, or song you enjoy, regardless of whether your family likes it.

How do I find "White Space" when my schedule is already packed?

Creating white space isn't about finding extra hours in the day; it is about intentional outsourcing and automation. By automating bills or hiring help for chores like laundry, you create the mental calm necessary to be truly present when your teen finally wants to talk at 10:00 PM.

What is the first step to stop feeling so overwhelmed?

The first step is simply noticing that you are doing too much for everyone else and acknowledging that "doing more" is no longer a sustainable strategy. Once you gain this awareness, you can begin to take the problem apart and work on one small piece at a time.

About Our Guest Michelle Gauthier

Michelle Gauthier is a professional life coach and a former corporate executive who helps overwhelmed women create calm and intentional lives. As a single mom of two, she uses her experience to help hundreds of women navigate the demands of career and home with ease.

Resources from Your Host, Laura Olinger

The end of the school year is a high-trigger season for families. Don't let the "May-Crazies" overwhelm your household.

Laura Ollinger https://www.positivelyhealthycoaching.com
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