It's the day before Thanksgiving, and you're surrounded by piles of dirty laundry, dishes, and toys strewn everywhere. You feel like you're standing in the middle of the aftermath of a hurricane that just blew through your house - and your life.

As you look around at the mess, you feel panic wash over you. The thought of the holidays ahead - of trying to make everything perfect for your family while also dealing with the everyday demands of motherhood - is overwhelming. You know you are heading for mom burnout.

Mom Burnout: What Is It, and How Can You Cope?

If you feel like you're already running on empty before the season has begun, you may be on the brink of burnout. Here are some tips for preventing and coping with mom burnout around the holidays.

Recognize the signs of burnout.

Mom burnout is a state of chronic stress that leads to physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. If you think you might be experiencing mom burnout, the first step is to recognize the signs: 

1. You always feel exhausted, even after a good night's sleep.

2. You're struggling to find the motivation or to focus on anything.

3. You're easily irritable and quick to snap at your kids or spouse.

4. You're feeling hopeless and like nothing you do is good enough.

5. You're withdrawing from social activities, hobbies, or festivities you used to enjoy.

The holidays are intended to be a time of joy and excitement, but if you're burned out, you may feel less than enthused. The holidays and all they encompass may seem more like added steps and stress to your dreaded mommy to-do list. When it starts to feel this way, along with any feelings that come up for you, always remember they are valid.

Give yourself permission to take a break.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or burned out this holiday season, it's important to give yourself a break. Even just a few minutes of "me time" each day can make a world of difference.

There are lots of ways to enjoy some well-deserved rest. Try taking a hot bath, diving into a new book, or going for a walk outdoors. By giving yourself some time to recharge, you'll be able to enjoy the holidays – and motherhood – even more.

Ask for help from your spouse, family, and friends.

It can be difficult to admit that you help, but it's vital to your health and sanity. Don't try to do everything yourself – delegate tasks to your loved ones, who can help you with everything from childcare to housework to running errands.

Asking for help doesn't mean we're weak or not good mothers - it means we're smart enough to know when we need a break!

Imperfect holidays are perfectly normal.

Between cooking, cleaning, shopping, and entertaining, it's easy to understand how mom burnout can happen. And when it does, it can make the holidays more of a chore than a joy.

If you find yourself feeling this way, remember that the holidays are about spending time with loved ones and creating lasting memories. So, if your house isn't perfectly decorated or your Christmas dinner isn't gourmet, don't worry! Your family will still love you and appreciate you.

Nevertheless, it can be tough to cope with burnout, especially if you are trying to maintain a cheerful facade for your family during the holidays. If you need support from someone who understands this time of year, I am here to help equip you with the tools and strategies to release stress, guilt, and expectations and make the most of your holiday season!