Struggling with stress and emotional exhaustion as a mom can be overwhelming. Check out our list of 10 encouraging things to say to a stressed and emotionally exhausted mom, and provide some much-needed comfort and support.
Struggling with stress and emotional exhaustion as a mom can be overwhelming. Check out our list of 10 encouraging things to say to a stressed and emotionally exhausted mom, and provide some much-needed comfort and support.
Also Read – 10 Effective Ways to Overcome Mom Guilt and Stress: Expert Tips and Advice
What to say to a stressed out mom
When someone we love is feeling stressed out and emotionally exhausted, it can be difficult to know what to say to them to provide comfort and support. Here are ten things you can say to a stressed out mom to help her feel encouraged and validated:
“You’re doing a great job.”
Parenting is hard work, and it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day struggles. Telling a mom that she’s doing a great job can help boost her confidence and remind her that her efforts are appreciated. This simple phrase can go a long way in making a mom feel seen and valued.
A thoughtful card or a small gift can help show your appreciation for all the hard work she’s doing. Consider something like this mug or a simple thank you card.
This book offers practical strategies to help moms shift their mindset and overcome feelings of inadequacy.
“I’m here for you.”
When a mom is feeling stressed and overwhelmed, knowing that someone is there to support her can make a huge difference. Let her know that you’re available to listen and offer help, whether that means watching her kids for a few hours or simply lending a sympathetic ear.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider gifting her a self-care item like a spa gift card or a cozy throw blanket. This will help remind her to take some time for herself and practice self-care.
Also Read – Best Self Care Gift Ideas for Moms
“It’s okay to take a break.”
Many moms feel guilty for taking time for themselves, but it’s important to remember that self-care is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Encourage her to take some time to relax and recharge, whether that means going for a walk, taking a hot bath, or reading a book.
A guided meditation app like Headspace or Calm can be a great tool for helping her practice self-care and mindfulness, even if she only has a few minutes to spare.
Also Read – 15 Essential Self-Care Ideas for New Moms: Tips and Products to Help You Thrive
“You’re not alone.”
Feeling isolated can make stress and emotional exhaustion even worse. Remind her that she’s not alone and that other moms are going through similar struggles.
Let’s do something fun together.”
Laughter and social connection are important for reducing stress and boosting mood. Plan a fun activity or outing with her, whether that means going for a hike, trying a new restaurant, or taking a yoga class together.
A gift card to a local restaurant or a yoga studio can be a great way to encourage her to take some time for herself and prioritize self-care.
Also Read – Why Mental Health Matters for Moms: Strategies for Coping with Anxiety and Depression
“You’re strong and capable.”
Sometimes all a mom needs is a reminder that she’s strong and capable of overcoming challenges. Let her know that you believe in her and that she has the inner strength to handle whatever comes her way.
A motivational book like this one or You Are a Badass can be a great source of inspiration and encouragement.
Let’s talk about something other than parenting
While being a mom is a huge part of a mom’s identity, it’s important to remember that she’s a multifaceted person with other interests and passions. Ask her about her hobbies or interests and take some time to talk about something other than parenting.
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“You’re allowed to feel however you feel.”
Many moms feel guilty for feeling stressed or overwhelmed, but it’s important to remember that these feelings are valid and normal. Let her know that it’s okay to feel however she feels and that there’s no shame in asking for help.
A journal like this one can be a helpful tool for processing emotions and practicing.
“What can I do to help?”
Offer to take some of the load off of their shoulders, whether that’s watching the kids for a few hours, running errands, or cooking a meal. This small gesture can make a huge difference in a stressed-out mom’s day.
Take some time for yourself
Encourage moms to prioritize self-care, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. Suggest things like taking a bath, going for a walk, or reading a book to help them relax and recharge.
This book is very useful for tips and strategies on prioritizing self-care.
Also Read – 10 Time-Saving Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms: Make Time for Yourself!
It’s okay to ask for help
Many moms feel like they have to do it all themselves, but it’s important to remind them that it’s okay to reach out for support. Suggest resources like therapy, support groups, or online communities that can offer guidance and encouragement.
Also Read – How to Manage Your Time as a Busy Mom: Tips from Experts for Effective Time Management
I believe in you.
Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of positive reinforcement to help a stressed-out mom feel more confident and capable. Let them know that you believe in their abilities and that they can handle whatever challenges come their way.
You don’t have to be perfect
Moms often feel like they have to be perfect and have everything together, but this is an unrealistic expectation. By letting her know that it’s okay to make mistakes and that imperfection is part of the journey, you can help her feel more relaxed and less anxious.
This book encourages readers to embrace their imperfections and live authentically.
You’re a great mom, and your kids love you
- Stressed out moms often feel like they’re failing as parents, but it’s important for them to hear that they’re doing a great job and that their kids love them.
This book offers practical tips and strategies for positive parenting, and emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with your children.
You’re not a bad mom for feeling this way
Stressed out moms often feel guilty for their negative feelings, but it’s important for them to know that it’s okay to struggle and that it doesn’t make them a bad parent.
How do you calm an anxious mother?
Calming an anxious mother can be challenging, but it’s important to be supportive and understanding. Here are some tips on how to calm an anxious mother:
- Listen: One of the most important things you can do for an anxious mother is to listen. Let her talk about her concerns and anxieties without judgment.
- Validate: Show empathy and understanding by acknowledging her feelings. You can say things like, “That sounds really tough, I can understand why you’re feeling anxious.”
- Offer reassurance: Reassure the mother that she is doing a great job and that her fears are normal. You can say things like, “You are doing the best you can and that is all that matters.”
- Help with problem-solving: Offer to help with practical solutions to the source of the anxiety. For example, if she is anxious about juggling household chores and taking care of the children, you could suggest ways to delegate tasks or get additional support.
- Suggest relaxation techniques: Encourage the mother to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. You can also suggest products like aromatherapy candles, calming teas, or essential oils to help her relax.
- Offer to help with childcare: Offer to take care of the children for a while so the mother can take some time for herself to relax and recharge.
- Encourage self-care: Encourage the mother to practice self-care, such as getting enough rest, exercise, and eating healthy. You can also suggest products like bath bombs, skincare products, or a massage gift certificate to help her pamper herself.
Also Read – 10 Expert-Backed Tips on How to Stay Calm When Your Kid is Driving You Crazy
What not to say to a stressed out mom
It’s important to be mindful of what we say to a stressed-out mom as certain phrases or comments can make them feel even worse. Here are some things that you should avoid saying to a stressed-out mom:
- “You just need to relax” – This statement can come across as dismissive and can add more pressure to a mom who is already struggling to relax.
- “You’re overreacting” – This comment can make a mom feel like her feelings are not valid and that she is being judged for her emotions.
- “You should be grateful” – While it’s important to be grateful for the good things in life, this comment can make a mom feel guilty for feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
- “I never had a problem like this when I was a mom” – This statement can make a stressed-out mom feel like she is failing and not measuring up to others.
- “You’re not the only one with problems” – While this may be true, this statement can make a mom feel like her problems are insignificant and not worthy of attention.
- You’re overreacting”: Telling a mom that she’s overreacting can make her feel dismissed and invalidated. It’s important to acknowledge and validate her feelings, even if they seem irrational to you.
- “Just relax”: This statement can feel dismissive and oversimplified to a mom who is dealing with stress and anxiety. Instead, try to offer specific strategies or resources that can help her relax.
- “I don’t know how you do it”: While this statement may seem like a compliment, it can actually add to a mom’s stress and feelings of overwhelm. It’s better to offer specific help or support rather than expressing awe or disbelief.
- “You think you have it bad, wait until…” : This statement is not only dismissive, but it also implies a competition for who has it worse. Avoid invalidating a mom’s struggles by comparing them to someone else’s.
- “Just think positive”: While it’s important to stay positive, this statement can come across as dismissive and oversimplified. It’s better to offer specific strategies or resources that can help a mom cope with stress and anxiety.
Remember, when talking to a stressed-out mom, it’s important to be empathetic, understanding, and validating of her feelings.
How do I comfort my stressed mom?
Comforting a stressed mom can be a challenging task, but there are several ways to offer support and alleviate their stress. Here are some tips:
- Listen actively: One of the most effective ways to comfort a stressed mom is to listen to them actively. Give them your undivided attention and let them express their thoughts and feelings without interrupting or judging them.
- Show empathy: Show that you understand their situation and validate their emotions. Use phrases like “I understand how you feel” or “That must be tough” to show empathy.
- Offer help: Ask them if there’s anything you can do to help. Whether it’s taking care of the kids or running errands, offering practical support can help alleviate their stress.
- Encourage self-care: Encourage your mom to take care of herself by engaging in activities that make her feel good, such as taking a bubble bath or going for a walk.
- Suggest stress-relief techniques: Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Encourage your mom to try out these techniques and offer to practice them together.
Remember, offering comfort and support to a stressed mom requires patience and empathy. Be there for her and remind her that she’s not alone.
Remember, being a mom is a tough job, and it’s okay to not have everything together all the time. By offering words of encouragement and support to the stressed and emotionally exhausted moms in our lives, we can help them feel heard, validated, and supported.
Whether it’s through affirmations, practical help, or simply being a listening ear, we can make a positive difference in their lives. So next time you see a stressed-out mom, don’t hesitate to offer a kind word or a helping hand – it could make all the difference.
