When you’re a single mum (especially post-separation), exhaustion isn’t just physical. It’s emotional and nervous-system deep.
You don’t need more willpower. You need regulation. Here’s how to regulate your nervous system.
Why You Feel So Drained
Separation activates the body’s threat response.
Your nervous system may be stuck in:
- Fight (irritability, anger)
- Flight (anxiety, overthinking)
- Freeze (numbness, shutdown)
This is not a personal failing. It’s biology.
Regulation Does Not Mean Relaxation
You don’t need hour-long meditations or bubble baths.
Regulation is about sending your body signals of safety – often in very small ways.
Simple Nervous System Tools for Exhausted Mums
1. Ground Through the Body
Try:
- Pressing your feet into the floor
- Holding something warm
-
Gentle stretching
These tell your body: I’m here, I’m safe.
2. Breathe Slower Than You Think You Need To
A simple option:
- Inhale for 4
- Exhale for 6
Longer exhales calm the nervous system.
3. Reduce Sensory Load
Lower:
- Noise
- Bright lights
-
Multitasking
Even small reductions matter.
4. Name What’s Happening
Quietly saying “This is stress. I’m safe. I’m not in danger.” helps the brain stand down.
Regulation Is Not a One-Off
Think of regulation as brushing your teeth – small, frequent, necessary.
You don’t need to feel calm. You just need to feel a little safer.
P.S. DID YOU KNOW?
Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again very soon! Join the waitlist here.
PLUS You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!
- Do you need clarity on whether you should leave your partner or not?
- Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
- Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?
Click HERE to read about coaching and to hear from some others who have gone through coaching programs with Julia, and book in here for your 30-minute complimentary Clarity Call.
The purpose of the Clarity Call is:
- For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
- For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
- To see if we are both comfortable working together.
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