Hey love,
Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks, or seasons) where everything just feels heavy?
Your house is a mess. You’re behind on everything. You’re snapping at your kids, zoning out on your phone, and wondering how you’re supposed to keep going when you feel like you’re sinking.
I’ve been there. I still go there sometimes.
This post isn’t here to fix it all. It’s here to sit beside you in the mess and offer a few gentle steps forward—a reset, not a revolution. Because when life feels too big, what you need most is small, loving action.
Step 1: Stop. Breathe. Do Nothing for 60 Seconds.
Seriously. Just stop.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath.
Right now, you don’t need a plan. You don’t need to clean the kitchen. You don’t need to have it all together.
You just need to pause.
Put your hand on your heart or belly. Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Let the moment be enough.
You’re allowed to stop.
Step 2: Name the Heaviness
There’s power in naming what you’re feeling. It takes the chaos out of your head and puts it into words you can work with.
Try this prompt:
“Right now, I feel ________ because ________.”
Example: “I feel defeated because I can’t keep up with everything.” Or “I feel lonely because I’ve been doing it all on my own.”
You don’t need to fix the feeling. Just give it space. Let it be seen.
Step 3: Nourish Your Nervous System
When your body is in stress mode (hello, fight/flight/freeze), you’re not in a space to make clear decisions. You’re surviving.
Before you do anything else—regulate.
Ways to calm your nervous system:
- Step outside and feel the sun on your face
- Splash cold water on your wrists
- Breathe deeply with both feet on the grass
- Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and hum or rock gently
- Put on calming music or an instrumental playlist
Don’t rush this. Stay here until your body begins to soften.
Step 4: Choose ONE Tiny Action
This is not the time to overhaul your life. This is not the time to write a 27-item to-do list.
Just pick one small thing.
Ask yourself: What’s one thing I could do right now that would help me feel just 1% better?
Some ideas:
- Drink a glass of water
- Step outside and breathe fresh air
- Text a friend “I’m having a hard day”
- Clear one small surface (a counter, a chair, a corner)
- Brush your hair. Change clothes. Wash your face.
Let this small act be enough. Let it anchor you back into the present.
Step 5: Speak to Yourself Like Someone You Love
This is the one that shifts everything.
You’re likely carrying shame, frustration, or disappointment—and turning it all inward.
What would you say to a friend who was feeling what you’re feeling? Say that to yourself.
Try these:
- “You’re allowed to have hard days.”
- “You’re not a bad mom. You’re a human mom.”
- “Even now, you are worthy of love and rest.”
Whisper it. Write it. Repeat it. Then say it again.
Step 6: End the Day Gently
Don’t wait for everything to be done to rest. Don’t expect yourself to “catch up” before bedtime.
Instead, create a gentle ending:
- Turn off overhead lights and light a candle
- Play calming music or read a few pages of something nourishing
- Jot down 3 things you’re grateful for or proud of
- Say a simple prayer: “Divine Source, I release today. Thank You for walking with me. Please renew me for tomorrow.”
Let yourself close the day with softness—not shame.
When You’re Ready, Reset With Intention
Tomorrow—or whenever you feel up to it—you can reset with a little more structure. But today isn’t about structure. It’s about survival with softness.
If and when you’re ready, try this gentle checklist:
The Gentle Reset Checklist
- 60 seconds of stillness
- One nourishing meal or snack
- 10-minute tidy of one space
- A moment of connection with someone you trust
- One kind thing said to yourself
You can print it, post it, or keep it on your fridge. Use it when everything feels too much.
You Are Not Alone
If life feels heavy right now, I want you to hear this:
You are not alone. You are not lazy. You are not failing.
You are human. You are trying. And you are deeply loved.
Come hang out with me on Facebook, or shoot me a message. Sometimes just being seen and supported makes all the difference.
With all my heart,
Jamie
Labor of Love for Birth & Beyond
