There are some days where I clean the baseboards by hand, teach my children how to bake something from scratch using every measurement tool as a learning opportunity, and discuss the difficult topics such as life after death. But some days, I am the absolute laziest mom.
And it’s not because I am the only adult in the home. It’s because I get exhausted, and I get lazy. And it’s about time that every mom and dad out there cut themselves some slack over the fact that being “on” 24/7 gets exhausting, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I believe our laziest days prevent burnout.
In the corporate world, there are programs in place to manage burn out … speakers come in (I would know because I’m one myself!) and give tools, tactics, and workbooks to professionals to help them manage their mental tank throughout the day and not get burned out as they navigate their careers day in and day out.
But as moms, we are left to our own devices, sharing the shame filled texts or quick phone calls among the trusted few confessing that “we’ve done drive-through three days this week for dinner!” or “I wash the laundry but it stays unfolded in the living room for a week!”
And why do we find ourselves being “lazy?” Because we get tired. Because we only have so much energy in the day to function. And we have created these ideals for ourselves, which are terrific standards to strive to achieve, but we have to understand we cannot be clearly outstanding every single day. There have to be days where we are sustaining. Or simply surviving.
We all know that it’s going to take energy on any given day to get through the day’s homework or deal with a child resistant to new a bedtime routine. So when we start to feel the burn out coming, we cut back where we can.
Do what is necessary to make it until tomorrow, but not at the cost of your sanity. Let yourself off the hook!
So maybe instead of berating yourself for taking some shortcuts sometimes, remind yourself: I am reallocating my energy today. My energy is at 50, so I need to use it where it counts the most. And when your energy is back up to 80 or 100, you can meal plan and Pinterest the night away.
But while you’re at 50, or whatever energy number you would select if you had a rate you’re available energy for the day, let the beds remain unmade, throw on some Netflix and take a seat!