Quietly Overwhelmed: A High-Achieving Mom's Hidden Struggle

Hey Sis!

I see you. You're the woman who’s juggling a million things, handling them like a pro, and making it all look effortless. But let's be real for a moment – underneath that calm and composed exterior, there’s a storm of stress, worries, and a never-ending to-do list. Sound familiar? You might be quietly overwhelmed, and trust me, you’re not alone.

What does it mean to be quietly overwhelmed?

Being quietly overwhelmed is like carrying a heavy load that no one else can see. You keep your cool, maintain that smile, and soldier on, even though internally, you’re on the brink of burnout. It’s having a mind that’s constantly racing, nights spent tossing and turning, and days filled with an endless stream of tasks and responsibilities. And yet, you never let it show. Because you’re strong. Because you can handle it. Because that’s what boss moms do, right?

The Hidden Struggle

Let's paint a picture: You wake up early to get a head start on the day, juggle breakfast, school drop-offs, and a packed work schedule. You power through meetings, emails, and projects, only to switch gears to homework help, dinner prep, and bedtime stories. Finally, you collapse into bed, exhausted yet unable to switch off your brain. This cycle repeats day after day.

You maintain a calm, composed exterior because that's what high-achievers do, right? But beneath the surface, the stress and pressure build up. You might even feel guilty for feeling overwhelmed because you think you should be able to handle it all.

The Toll It Takes

Being quietly overwhelmed doesn’t just affect your mental state—it impacts your physical health, too. Fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and even more serious conditions can arise from prolonged stress. Relationships can also suffer because it’s hard to be fully present when your mind is elsewhere.

I've experienced being quietly overwhelmed, not realizing it and that part of my issues mentally and physically were because of it. For my ladies who were born in a household were you were told, "What happens in my house, stays in my house" or witnessed your mother or caretaker just keep going, even through the tough times, you know what I am speaking to. And this may be why some of us navigate in this manner.

But, okay, enough about the problem—let’s talk solutions! Here are five tips to help you manage the overwhelm and find a bit more balance:

Prioritize Self-Care:

• Why: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is crucial for being able to take care of others.

• How: Schedule regular “me-time” activities. Even short breaks for a cup of tea, a walk, or a favorite hobby can make a big difference.

Delegate and Outsource:

• Why: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegating tasks frees up your time and energy.

• How: Delegate tasks at work and home. Hire help for household chores, use meal delivery services, or delegate tasks to capable team members.

Set Boundaries:

• Why: Clear boundaries help you protect your time and energy.

• How: Create a clear schedule and stick to it. Communicate your availability to colleagues and family members and enforce these boundaries consistently.

Embrace Imperfection:

• Why: Striving for perfection is exhausting and often unattainable.

• How: Accept that some tasks will be less than perfect. Focus on the bigger picture and celebrate progress rather than perfection.

Connect with a Support Network:

• Why: Having a network of like-minded individuals provides emotional support, advice, and a sense of community.

• How: Join support groups, both online and offline, network with other professional moms, and maintain close relationships with friends and family.

Remember, being a high-achieving boss mom doesn’t mean you have to do it all, all the time. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it’s okay to seek help. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, embracing imperfection, and using the power of visualization, you can manage the quiet overwhelm and continue to shine in all areas of your life.

You’re doing an amazing job, and don’t forget – you’ve got this!

With love XOXO and resilience,

Jazz