We all have them. We’re busy moms, holding life together by a thread.
You’ve had a series of THINGS happen. And by the way, it’s a BIG misconception, that it just came out of nowhere. No, it didn’t. This meltdown has been building up over time, like lava beneath the earth’s surface.
The “things” can be big or small, it really doesn’t matter.
It’s just a bunch of issues over time that build and build. You may have had
moments where you thought you had dealt with them.
But in reality, you were probably just dealing with PIECES
of the issue, and the rest was getting shoved aside to be handled another time.
Only, you’re a BUSY MOM! “Another Time” rarely comes. You’re
pushing ahead through the next thing and the next.
I’m just going to use my example really quickly because I
know EVERYONE’S situation is different.
Perimenopause is causing a plethora of physical issues
including night sweats, fatigue, sleep disruption, mood swings, weight gain,
and others. Big Issue.
Crazy schedule for Mini-Me. Small Issue.
We lost my Mother-In-Law. Big Issue.
Hubs traveling to help take care of family matters. Medium
Issue.
More crazy schedule for Mini-Me. Small Issue.
My stepdaughter lost a baby. Huge Issue.
Hubs had surgery. Medium Issue.
My sons graduate college. Medium Issue.
Stepson and Step-Daughter-In-Law move away. Big Issue.
See where this is going? You have things happening in your
life so once you finally hit that limit, the breakdown erupts. And it doesn’t
even have to be anything BAD.
My son hugged me and told me he loved me, and I broke down sobbing. He’s still hugging me and trying to figure out what’s happening and calling for Hubs, and I’m just bawling my eyes out.
So.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A BREAKDOWN HAPPENS?
Well, for me, I cried. Ugly, snot and tears everywhere,
crying. Don’t be embarrassed or feel like you have to be strong, hold it
together, never-let-them-see-you-cry nonsense. Let that stuff OUT!
Next, hot shower. Personally, even in the summer, I’m
going to scorch myself until I’m bright pink. I do not recommend making this a
shaving legs/exfoliating/deep-conditioning kind of shower. This is a standing
under the water until you get pruney and letting go of the tension kind of
shower.
Comfy clothes. No work clothes or jeans or tight
shirts or anything. If you can get away with it, bye-bye bra. You need roomy,
soft, and comfy. I don’t care how dumb it sounds – you need the space to BREATHE!
I also recommend soft, cozy blankets, too.
Then, pick a treat. Now, I want to put this out there
before I get in trouble for knowing better as a health coach, that you
shouldn’t “eat your feelings”. I know this. There are obviously healthier ways
to deal with emotions than eating an entire pan of brownies. And I’m not
suggesting you eat a PAN of brownies.
But, girl!
On Breakdown Day, within reason, it’s okay to eat one of
your favorite comfort foods. Cookie, brownie, chips, pizza, whatever. Again, I’m
not advocating for out-of-control binge eating. If you struggle with binge
eating, absolutely DO NOT DO THIS! But I am absolving you of
feeling guilty for cheating on your eating habits or whatever.
Now, music. Anything that makes your toe tap or your booty pop. Or anything that soothes your nerves. Rage music to get all the emotions out. Whatever you need. Maybe it’s all of the above – rage, then soothe, then pop your booty. But multiple studies show that music is good for your mood.
At this point, I’m usually calming down enough that I will
either:
A.) do some deep breathing exercises;
B.) stretch to release more tension;
C.) journal to get all my feelings out and logic my way through
them; or
D.) take a walk to clear my head and re-gather my
thoughts and feelings.
If you have your own rituals or routines for dealing with a
Breakdown Day, that’s awesome. I’m genuinely happy for you, and would love it
if you left a comment about what you do to work through it.
But if you struggle and feel like you’ve failed somehow
because you weren’t able to hold it all together, just remember: you’re not
alone, we all go through it; if you’re really struggling reach out for help in
whatever way you need; you do whatever you gotta do to get through; and as
cliché as it sounds, this too shall pass.
If there are bigger issues, definitely seek help IMMEDIATELY!
But on a Breakdown Day, do what you must and hang in there. You’ve got this!
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