It can be hard to practice self-compassion when you feel like everything is out of control, but it's worth it!

My kids were having a snippy, snipey week of bickering and taunting behaviour and I was feeling drained and worn out so I joined in the bollocks behaviour that was giving me the shits.

The irritation and frustration soon escalated to anger and a quick explosion of rage in the form of yelling. My husband was doing his best to help me with the daily grind, but I was feeling "TOO" fill in the blank, to ask him for help in the way that I really needed it and I could see that he was so full of his own "busyness" from his daily responsibilities that I didn't want to ask him to do anything extra. Come to think of it, all I really wanted was for him and I to pour a bath, lock the door and give each other a long foot rub while soaking in the bubbles until the water got cold and then we filled it up a little more! I was completely exhausted and felt like the only thing I could do was to muddle through on my own even though there was a bit of mud slinging along the way!

It really was a touch week. I was feeling so overwhelmed that I started to shut down and with draw from anything that wasn't basic necessity. I stopped engaging in conversation with my husband and kids and was trying to preserve any fleeting energy I may have left for the absolute bare basics. I was trying to put on a brave face but that nasty little inner critic came out and started dribbling in my ear about what a bad mum I am and how I would never win any "mother-of-the-year-awards", and as if that wasn't enough it then started on questioning what my husband even sees in me, I'm not a great wife!

Ok....I know what you are thinking - maybe I was being a bit hard on myself, but the truth is, those thoughts were there. They were small and insignificant to begin with, but by the end of the week I was so worn out and exhausted that that bitchin' voice was yelling it from the roof tops!

In hindsight, I can see that I could have made different choices. I could have looked at what was actually important and reprioritised everything else. I could have delegated to the kids more. I could have found out what was triggering my kids so they could feel calmer about what they were experiencing that week. I could have asked for help, taken a break, or reached out to a friend. BUT I DIDN'T! Instead, I chose to be compassionate with myself and allowed myself to take some time to process what was going on for me last week, how it made me feel and identify what I needed that I wasn't getting.

I took a few deep breaths and did my best to put things into perspective. I reminded myself that I am only human, and that this too shall pass. I made sure to invest some quality time with my family, we did a few fun and nurturing things together to reconnect and relax, and I also scheduled in some much needed "me-time".

I'm grateful that I was able to eventually find balance and peace of mind after a stressful week. I'm thankful for the ability to be understanding and forgiving of myself because it made all the difference to how I was feeling in the moment and ultimately how I was going to be able to move forward, hopefully, into a much more peaceful week ahead.

It can be hard to practice self-compassion when it feels like everything in life is falling apart.

You may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated, and helpless.

However, it is important to remember to be kind and compassionate to yourself in these moments. This can be easier said than done, but there are ways to make it easier.

First, try to recognize the feelings that you are having. Acknowledge that it is okay to feel overwhelmed and frustrated, and remind yourself that it is okay to take a break. Take some deep breaths and find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. It is important to take some time for yourself and to not be hard on yourself for needing a break.

Second, try to practice some mindful self-care. This could be anything from taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or writing in a journal. Doing something that helps to relax and clear your mind can help to bring some calmness and peace into your life.

Third, reach out to someone who you trust and can talk to. It is important to have a support system in times like these, and talking to someone can help to give you perspective and remind you that you are not alone. Genuine connection is paramount for all humans in this journey.

Finally, remember that it is okay to make mistakes and that it is okay to take time for yourself. This can be easier said than done, but it is important to remember that making mistakes is part of being human. It is also important to remember that taking time for yourself is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and resilience. It is a necessity in helping you to fill your own cup and re-charge your batteries so that you have the energy available to do all the wonderful things you do in the day-to-day journey that is mamahood.

Practicing self-compassion can be hard when it feels like everything is falling apart, but it is important to remember to be kind and compassionate towards yourself in these moments.

Taking some time for yourself, reaching out to a trusted person, and recognizing and acknowledging your feelings can help to make it easier. Ultimately, remember that it is okay to make mistakes and that it is okay to take time for yourself.