Most mothers are made of love, laughter, and endless cuddles. But for some, reality and responsibilities create a complex web of emotions that doesn’t feel as rosy. Motherhood is not all warm fuzzies. It is often interlaced with moments of exhaustion, overwhelm, and even resentment.
Society tells mothers to be thankful, needless, and self-sacrificing – to be all things to all people (except themselves). From a functional standpoint, how are moms meant to survive?
Motherhood often begins during a significant hormonal roller coaster. You’re recovering from childbirth, your body is adjusting to a new normal, and on top of that, you now have this new job of caring for a tiny human (or multiple humans) with constant needs. It’s no surprise that many moms experience fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty managing stress – all symptoms that hormonal imbalances can worsen.
Then comes the societal pressure of being the “working mom.” With remote work and freelancing becoming the norm, moms are expected to seamlessly juggle careers, childcare, housework, and self-care while maintaining a picture-perfect facade. This unrealistic expectation can leave even the most capable human feeling like a failure.
We see it all the time – moms who come in complaining of sleep issues, but what often lies beneath the surface is burnout. The constant pressure to be everything to everyone takes a toll on your physical and mental health.
There’s a way out of this cycle of exhaustion, though.
At Colorado Natural Medicine and Acupuncture, we believe in a functional approach to a mother’s health (which starts with sleep and stress management). We understand that being well goes beyond just managing symptoms; it’s about addressing and alleviating the underlying issues causing you to struggle. That’s why we use a balanced approach to support the whole mom – mind, body, and spirit. Here’s how:
Mental Health Work:
Talking to a therapist can be a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, common challenges faced by moms. At CNMA, we have two therapists who offer counseling. Both Rachel Gordon and Tonja Graves can help you find balance as a mom, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate self-compassion. Learn more about Rachel’s work as a Buddhist psychotherapist and schedule time with Rachel. Tonja Graves specializes in expressive arts therapy for women – schedule time with Tonja.
Physical Work:
Finding balance in your life requires movement—of your body and your energy. At CNMA, we offer massage and acupuncture services that can help bring your physical body back into balance. Acupuncture is a great way to optimize your hormones; both massage and acupuncture can help reduce stress and improve any sleep challenges you may be having. Acupuncture gives you an opportunity for quiet time on the table and painlessly resolves what’s going on under the surface.
Spiritual Work:
Finding our inner north star can seem impossible when we feel stressed and overwhelmed. We go through days, months, and weeks in survival mode. Stress management is a proactive step towards fostering your overall well-being. Here are a few tips to help your body and mind work in harmony with your spirit:
- Practice mindfulness: Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can all help to calm the mind and promote relaxation.
- Movement: Regular exercise is a powerful stress reliever and mood booster. Find an activity you enjoy: a brisk walk, a dance class, or a yoga session.
- Nourish yourself: Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and essential nutrients provides physical and mental fuel.
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. A well-rested body is better equipped to handle stress.
Motherhood is both a challenging and rewarding journey. Often, mothers put themselves second in favor of the family’s needs. It’s time to start processing life’s changes in a new way.
This Mother’s Day, take care of yourself for a change. Self-care is NOT selfish. Intentionally investing in ourselves is a gift we model for our kids. Give us a call if you are experiencing the ups and downs of motherhood. I would love to talk more about your situation to see if we can get to the root cause and create a personalized plan for you. I offer a complimentary call for new patients. Contact me by calling 303-688-6698 or scheduling online.
Dr. Graves is a functional medicine doctor in the Denver Metro Area of Colorado. Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture is conveniently located near Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Centennial.
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