The mental load of a mum is real.
I recall mum and celebrity Kate Richie publicly breaking down in an interview with Maggie Dent (aka all round parenting legend). Maggie was explaining to the male compares about the Mum Brain - the difference of what mum's do when they go to bed compared to dad's. Kate broke down in tears because what Maggie was saying was exactly what she had been feeling. Take a watch, I am positive you will relate.
I'm share because you are not alone in your decision fatigue. In saying this, I'm not diminishing what you are feeling, but rather validating your feelings. It's not that you aren't a good mum, or are weak or fragile or there's something wrong with you.
It's a bleep'n real thing‼️
The survey responses showed me the depth of fatigue.😭
I was so concerned that I spent sometime this week thinking about how I can help. I came up with 3 simple ideas to make dinnertimes easy and stress free AND won't add to your workload. It will take me about 2 weeks to pull it together in a talk but you can register for the talk now. It will be on Tuesday 10th September at 11am AEST. If you can't make it live, don't stress, I usually record it so I can send it to you.
Nearly 100% of those who responded to the survey also said they would be happy to invest up to an hour a week for 12 weeks to learn and implement strategies for more peaceful and joyful dinner times. So I am already mapping out what's that's going to look like. Simplifying What's For Dinner is definitely going to a big focus!
But, I know right now if you're reading this, you're probably feeling some decision fatigue yourself and I want to help you now. Some time ago, I prepared Pause and Reflect Activity for my Kids Health Quest Members. It was designed to lighten the physical and mental load. I want to offer it to you now. Here's what to do.
1. Print of this Pause & Reflect Activity here.
2. Tell the family you need 20 minutes to yourself (and don't feel guilty if you need to allow your kids to have screens whilst you do this).
3. Grab a cuppa or drink of choice and a pen.
4. Find yourself a comfy spot just for you.
5. Sip your cuppa / drink for 5 minutes, just relishing you have some "you time". NOTE: do not scroll. Just sit and be. Listen to the outside world.
6. Now complete the pause and reflect activity.
Send me an email - support@therootcause.com.au when you have done the activity. Let me know what you came up with.