by Christy Laverty and Laurel Crossley-Byers

Ever have one of those days? Ok I know silly question. I don’t think there is a Mom out there that doesn’t have the odd day where she is overloaded, overwhelmed and can’t get focused. You know the days that I am talking about, where the kids are home, screaming, the sink is full of dishes, the laundry is piling up, you haven’t vacuumed in days (ok, weeks) and not to mention the work you promised someone days ago. For me that work is often freelance work, articles that I have offered and the deadline is fast approaching or already gone and the work is not finished yet. It is getting me a bit stressed just writing about it.

Whether you are a stay at home Mom or a Mom who works outside the home, we all face challenges of work overload. There are days where you just can’t get it all done and feel the heavy burden that you put on your back.

Well, I have had more than a few of those days lately so I decided to talk to other Moms. What I realized is that we Moms share a lot of similar issues when it comes to being overloaded, overwhelmed and unable to take a few moments for ourselves to refocus and get back on track. So I asked an expert for a little help, life coach and owner of Opti-Mom Laurel Crossley-Byers.

So here is the thing, we as Moms often spend so much time focusing on other people – kids, spouses, partners, clients, employees, customers – that we forget that we also need to take care of ourselves. I am one of those very Moms. I have a hard time taking time for myself but that is one of the things Crossley-Byers says Moms need to do. She says we need to take time away from the kids.

I know what you are thinking. I can hear the comments already (or should I say the excuses); you don’t have the time, you don’t have a babysitter, I don’t have the money for a babysitter. And those are all valid reasons but as I have realized lately, there is only so long that you can ignore yourself because you eventually crash under the load. Crossley-Byers stresses it is important to surround yourself with a strong support network of friends and resources that you can turn to.

One key thing that I took away from my conversation with Laurel Crossley-Byers is the importance of being proactive. Don’t wait until you are completely overwhelmed and screaming at the top of your lungs because you just went over the edge. You know those days. You have them I know you do. Know how I know? It’s because I have them too, we all do.

All good Moms have bad days but if we work towards nourishing ourselves, with the help of family and friends then we are one step closer to having a happier, healthier and more balanced self. It is all about nourishing self and reconnecting with who you are.

So when all is said and done the important thing to remember is that it is always a work in progress. We are all striving to be better Moms, better wives, better friends; just plain better at everything we do. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember there is a community of Moms out there willing, wanting, to support you.

Christy Laverty is a mother and an editor for a Toronto all news radio station. She also does freelance writing for several parenting magazines. Visit Christy’s blog where she updates the trials, tribulations, and fun of being mom of two beautiful girls.

Laurel Crossley-Byers, is a life coach and founder Opti-Mom.  Visit her website for Mom Coaching, Seminars and Workshops.