Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also noisy, messy, and busy. Between feeding, soothing, cleaning, and keeping up with daily life, many mums find themselves feeling overstimulated. That buzzing, frazzled feeling where the noise is too much, your patience feels thin, and even small things tip you over the edge.
If this sounds familiar, please know you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means your nervous system is working overtime. The good news? Small, simple resets can help you calm your body and mind so you can feel more grounded in the moment.
Here are 10 practical ideas you can lean on when it all feels like too much:
1. Step outside for fresh air 🌿
Even two minutes outside can shift your mood. You don’t need to go for a walk—just step onto the porch or open a door, take a deep breath, and feel the air on your skin. A quick change of scenery can reset your senses and bring perspective.
2. Pop on headphones 🎧
Noise is one of the biggest triggers for overstimulation. If the house feels loud, try putting on headphones with calming music, white noise, or even a podcast. Sometimes soft background noise can help block the chaos and give your brain something soothing to focus on.
3. Try box breathing 🧘♀️
This simple technique helps slow your heart rate and calm your nervous system. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold for 4. Repeat a few times. It only takes a minute, but it’s powerful for creating a sense of calm in the middle of the chaos.
4. Ask for a 10-minute break ⏱️
Sometimes the best reset is simply stepping away. Ask your partner, a family member, or even a friend to hold the baby while you take 10 minutes. Use the time to have a shower, make a cup of tea, or sit quietly. Those small breaks matter.
5. Change your environment ✨
If the energy feels heavy, try shifting the space. Dim the lights, lower background noise, light a candle, or even tidy a small corner. A calmer environment can make you feel calmer too.
6. Babywear reset 🤱
Sometimes your baby just needs closeness, and you need your hands free. Babywearing can calm your baby while giving you the freedom to move, make food, or simply feel less “stuck.” It’s a beautiful way to reset for both mum and bub.
7. Go screen-free for 5 minutes 📵
When overstimulated, phones can add more clutter to the mind. Put your phone down for just five minutes and allow yourself to be present. Notice your surroundings, your baby’s breathing, or the quiet moments. It’s simple, but grounding.
8. Try the cold water trick 💧
Cold temperatures can interrupt overwhelm and bring you back to the present. Splash your face with cold water, hold a cool drink, or run your wrists under cold tap water. It signals to your body that it’s safe to calm down.
9. Repeat a grounding mantra ❤️
Sometimes, overstimulation feels endless—but it will pass. Choose a simple mantra like “This moment will pass” or “I am doing my best” and repeat it when things feel overwhelming. It’s a gentle way to bring compassion to yourself in hard moments.
10. Find a little micro-joy ☕
Look for one small thing that makes you feel good—a hot cup of tea, five minutes in the sunshine, or even a square of chocolate. These micro-joys may feel small, but they add up and help you feel more supported through your day.
Final Thoughts 💛
Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re not coping—it means you’re human. Motherhood is full of stimulation, and your nervous system can only handle so much at once. By leaning on small resets, you can find moments of calm in the busiest, loudest days.
Remember: looking after yourself is also looking after your baby. Start with just one reset from this list today—you deserve it.
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