Mum Burnout Is Real — Here’s How to Spot It (and Stop It)

You know that feeling when your brain has 87 tabs open, your coffee’s gone cold (again), and you can’t remember if you actually washed your hair or just thought about it? Welcome to the silent epidemic of modern motherhood — burnout.

We love our kids fiercely, but between school runs, work, WhatsApp groups, and the never-ending “what’s for dinner?”, it’s no wonder so many mums are running on empty. Burnout doesn’t always look like a breakdown — it often looks like functioning perfectly fine while feeling quietly exhausted inside.

Here’s how to spot it… and how to gently pull yourself back.

1. You’re permanently on autopilot.

You go through the motions — school drop-off, meetings, laundry, bedtime — but you’re not really there. You forget things, lose track of days, and feel like you’re living life in fast-forward. That’s your brain waving a tiny white flag.

Try this: Stop for 60 seconds a few times a day. Breathe deeply, stretch, sip water, or step outside. You can’t pour from an empty cup — or a dehydrated one.

2. You feel touched out and talked out.

When everyone needs something — a snack, a cuddle, an answer — your nerves start to buzz. You snap quicker, crave silence, and maybe even feel guilty for wanting time alone. You’re not a bad mum. You’re a human being.

Try this: Schedule non-negotiable alone time. Even 20 minutes counts. Read, walk, or just stare at the wall. Call it recharging, not selfishness.

3. You’ve lost your spark.

Remember hobbies? The things you loved before you were “Mum”? If the thought of doing something just for you feels impossible or indulgent, that’s a warning sign.

Try this: Reclaim something small — music on your commute, journaling before bed, or a morning coffee ritual that’s just yours. Joy can start tiny.

4. Everything feels like too much.

Burnout often shows up as irritability or tears over small things — like spilled cereal or forgotten library books. It’s not weakness; it’s overload.

Try this: Lower the bar. Dinner doesn’t have to be perfect, birthdays don’t need Pinterest boards, and “good enough” is often plenty.

5. You’re craving connection — but also space.

You miss your friends, but you’re too tired to text back. You want your partner’s support, but you can’t explain what’s wrong. Burnout thrives in silence.

Try this: Be honest. Tell someone you trust, “I’m struggling a bit right now.” You’ll be amazed how many other mums whisper back, “Me too.”

Because here’s the truth: burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’ve been doing too much for too long without enough support.

You deserve rest, softness, laughter — not just survival.

So let the laundry wait, order the takeaway, and remember — sometimes, the most productive thing a mum can do… is rest.