Overstimulated Mom Symptoms and What you Can do to Help Yourself in the Moment

Learn about overstimulated mom symptoms and strategies to help you cope while you are overwhelmed.

The baby is crying…

Your toddler is whining and saying Mama, Mama, Mama!!!

You have spilled goldfish crackers, cereal, and milk on the kitchen floor…

The dogs are barking..

The TV is playing in the background…

You are starving and want something to eat right now, but your kids are needing you and you are feeling extremely overwhelmed, irritable, and angry!

You want to explode and you scream out in frustration!

You feel like a horrible mom and just want to cry….

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What is Overstimulation?

Overstimulation is when a person is exposed to more sensory input than they can comfortably process. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as too much noise, too many lights, too much movement, or too much physical contact. Overstimulation can cause a person to become overwhelmed and can lead to a variety of physical and emotional responses, such as difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, and even panic attacks. It is important to be mindful of how much sensory input a person is exposed to in order to prevent overstimulation.

What does it feel like to be overstimulated?

Being overstimulated can feel like an overload on your senses. You might feel overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. You may even feel like you are losing control of your thoughts and emotions. This can cause feelings of anxiety, stress, and even panic.

Overstimulated Mom Symptoms

Overstimulated moms may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

feeling overwhelmed
irritable
exhausted
anxious
difficulty concentrating
difficulty sleeping
have difficulty making decisions
have difficulty staying organized
become easily frustrated
have difficulty controlling emotions
and they may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or chest tightness.

If you are feeling any of these symptoms, it is important to take time for yourself and reach out for help.

Ways to Cope with Overstimulation in Motherhood

Motherhood can be overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to managing overstimulation. Here are a few tips to help you cope:

Take time for yourself: Make sure to set aside time each day for yourself, even if it's just for 5-10 minutes. This can help you reset and reenergize.
Practice mindful breathing: Try focusing on your breath for a few moments and take some deep breaths. This can help you find a moment of calm amid the chaos.
Connect with other moms: Talking to friends or family who are also parents can help you feel supported and less alone.
Get organized: Having a plan and routine can help you manage your time and energy more efficiently and reduce stress.
Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's from your partner, family or friends, having someone to lean on can make a huge difference.
Find joy in the small things: Make sure to take time to appreciate the small moments. A funny joke from your child, a beautiful sunset, or a quiet moment alone can help you feel more connected and balanced.

No matter what you're going through, remember that you can get through it and that you are not alone.

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How to Regulate Yourself in Overstimulating Moments

One of the best ways to regulate yourself in overstimulating moments is to take a few deep breaths. Focusing on your breathing can help you to bring yourself back to the present and can help to calm you down. It can also be helpful to practice mindfulness and to be aware of your surroundings. It can be beneficial to identify the source of the stimulation and to take a few moments to assess your physical and emotional reaction to the situation. Taking a few moments to pause and to recognize your feelings can help you to find a healthy way to regulate yourself. Additionally, it can help to take a short break from the situation and to do something that brings you peace and joy. This could include listening to music, going for a walk, or talking to a friend.

Books to Help with Overstimulated Mom Symptoms

The Highly Sensitive Parent – Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a Highly Sensitive Person (take the test here), this book has amazing recommendations on how to cope with overstimulation.