As an at-home mom, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a work-at-home mom, the challenges can often feel overwhelming. While the rewards of being present for your children and managing your household are priceless, it’s important to recognize that this role comes with a unique set of stressors. In this post, I’ll explore some of the common causes of stress for at-home moms both stay-at-home and work-at-home moms, and provide insight from my own experience since becoming an at-home mom in 2016.
Top Common Causes of Stress for at-Home Moms
1. Lack of Personal Time
At-home moms often find themselves at the bottom of the priority list. The demands of caring for children, managing the household, and, for work-at-home moms, juggling professional responsibilities, often leave little to no room for personal time. This lack of “me time” can quickly lead to burnout and exhaustion.
My Experience: As a mom of two, I’ve learned that if I don’t carve out time for myself—even 10 minutes—it impacts my mood and energy throughout the day. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee alone or taking a short walk, those moments help me recharge.
2. Feeling Isolated
Stay-at-home moms often struggle with feelings of isolation. Without regular interaction with adults, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the world outside of parenting. Similarly, work-at-home moms may miss the social aspects of an office environment, as working from home can feel lonely.
My Experience: Joining a mom’s group, both in person and online, has been a huge support. Connecting with other moms who understand what I’m going through helps to alleviate that feeling of isolation.
3. Balancing Household Chores
For both stay-at-home and work-at-home moms, the responsibility of keeping the household running smoothly can be overwhelming. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, and managing the kids’ schedules can feel like a never-ending cycle, especially when trying to keep everything in order.
My Experience: Creating a chore schedule has been a game-changer for me. Instead of trying to tackle everything in one day, I break tasks down throughout the week, which helps me feel more in control and less stressed.
4. Pressure to Be “Perfect”
Social media and societal expectations often paint an unrealistic picture of what motherhood should look like. Many at-home moms feel pressure to have a spotless home, perfectly behaved children, and a balanced life, all while keeping up with their own health and happiness.
My Experience: Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the idea of perfection is unattainable. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and let go of the need to appear perfect. This mindset shift has significantly reduced my stress levels.
5. Work-Life Balance for Work-at-Home Moms
Work-at-home moms face the additional challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with parenting. The blurred lines between work and home can make it difficult to fully engage in either, leading to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.
My Experience: Setting clear boundaries between work and home life is essential. I dedicate specific hours to work and make sure my family knows those are “mom’s work hours.” After those hours, I focus on family time, helping me create a more balanced environment.
6. Financial Stress
For stay-at-home moms, living on a single income can create financial strain, especially if there’s uncertainty about future expenses. Work-at-home moms may also feel the pressure to contribute financially while managing both home and work life.
My Experience: Budgeting has been a key tool in managing financial stress. We’ve established a plan that works for our family and allows us to stay on track with expenses while ensuring our needs are met.
7. Emotional Labor
At-home moms often take on the role of emotional caretakers for their families. Whether it’s comforting children, managing family dynamics, or supporting a partner, the emotional toll can be significant. Constantly meeting the emotional needs of others can leave little room for personal emotional well-being.
My Experience: It’s important to acknowledge the emotional labor we take on as moms. Having open conversations with my partner and kids about my emotional needs has been helpful in finding a balance.
8. Lack of Recognition
Stay-at-home moms, in particular, may feel undervalued for their contributions. Since much of the work they do happens behind the scenes, it can go unnoticed or be taken for granted. Work-at-home moms may also feel that their work is not taken seriously because it happens in a home setting.
My Experience: I’ve learned to celebrate my own achievements, even if they seem small. Taking pride in what I do and acknowledging my own value as a mom has helped boost my confidence and reduce stress.
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Products to Help Manage Stress as an At-Home Mom
As an at-home mom since 2016, I’ve learned firsthand how stressful it can be to juggle the many responsibilities of both a stay-at-home and work-at-home mom. From daily chores to work deadlines and endless parenting duties, the stress can easily pile up. Over the years, I’ve discovered some great tools that have helped me manage stress better. In this post, I’m sharing a list of products that have personally worked for me in creating a stress-relief toolkit.
- Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
- Why it works: Aromatherapy can instantly create a calming environment. I use lavender or eucalyptus oil to relax after a long day.
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- Weighted Blanket
- Why it works: This blanket provides deep pressure stimulation, which helps reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It’s my go-to for those stressful nights.
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- Yoga Mat
- Why it works: Daily yoga or stretching sessions help me center myself. It’s a simple, effective way to decompress physically and mentally.
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- Mindfulness Meditation App Subscription
- Why it works: Meditation has been a game changer for managing stress. I use an app for guided sessions in the mornings or evenings, helping me stay grounded.
- Download apps like Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/) or Calm (https://www.calm.com/)
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Why it works: Blocking out the noise, even for just 10 minutes, lets me focus on breathing exercises or enjoy some calming music without distractions.
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- Herbal Tea Set
- Why it works: Drinking a calming tea like chamomile or peppermint can be a small but powerful way to unwind. It’s part of my evening self-care ritual.
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- Daily Planner for Time Management
- Why it works: Keeping my schedule organized reduces overwhelm. I write down my to-do list and prioritize tasks, which has been key to managing my stress levels.
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- Massage Gun
- Why it works: After a busy day, I use this handheld massage gun to relieve tension in my muscles, especially after long hours of sitting or lifting kids.
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- Blue Light Glasses
- Why it works: As a work-at-home mom, I spend a lot of time in front of the screen. These glasses help reduce eye strain and headaches, making screen time less stressful.
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- Gratitude Journal
- Why it works: Writing down things I’m grateful for each day has helped shift my mindset from stress to appreciation. It’s a simple practice that makes a big difference.
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These products have made a noticeable difference in my stress levels and overall well-being. Incorporating even one or two into your daily routine can help manage the pressures of being an at-home mom. I hope these suggestions help you on your journey to stress relief! If you’ve found other tools that work, I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments. Let’s support each other!
Stay calm, stay strong!
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
While the role of an at-home mom—whether stay-at-home or work-at-home—comes with many challenges, recognizing the causes of stress is the first step to managing it. By finding ways to address these stressors and building a support system, we can embrace the journey of motherhood with greater balance and peace.
If you’re navigating the challenges of being an at-home mom, remember that you’re not alone. I’ve been on this journey since 2016, and every day brings new lessons. It’s okay to ask for help, take breaks, and prioritize your well-being. You deserve it.
What are some of the biggest stressors you’ve faced as an at-home mom? Let me know in the comments!
