It’s been a week since ex-Cyclone Alfred swept through QLD, and while we (family and I) didn’t face as much damage this time around as we did a few years ago when the tornado hit, it doesn’t mean the emotional impact isn’t real or significant.
Even when you’re prepared, it can still take a toll on your mental wellbeing especially when you're balancing work and motherhood.
We lost power for four days, and I tried to laugh it off as a “first-world problem,” reminding myself how lucky we are to have dedicated crews working around the clock to restore services.
But I’ll be honest, it was hard not to feel defeated when I got the notification saying the power wouldn’t be back for a few more days. As if by some miracle, the lights flickered back on that very night, but the emotional weight still lingered.
Now that life is back to normal, I’m reminded of how I felt when lockdowns lifted back in Sydney, relief mixed with an odd heaviness. It wasn’t the natural disaster itself that hit me the hardest.
It was more the logistics: juggling work, keeping the kids on track with their education, and facing a to-do list that just kept growing. Sometimes it feels like there’s no space to pause and process how we’re really feeling.
So, if you’re feeling a bit “off” too even if nothing terribly bad happened to you personally ... know that it’s completely okay. You don’t need to justify your feelings of sadness, frustration, or overwhelm.
They’re real, they’re valid, and you deserve space to acknowledge them.
Finding Your Way Back to ‘Normal’
I wanted to share a few gentle tips to help you recalibrate and take care of your mental wellbeing as life starts to settle down again.
1. Rebuild Your Routine
Routine is your best friend when life feels chaotic.
It offers a sense of control and familiarity that can be incredibly grounding. Start small maybe it’s enjoying your morning coffee before the kids wake up or writing in a journal before bed.
Even practical rituals, like tidying up the kitchen after dinner, can help you feel more in control.
2. Break Tasks into Bite-Sized Pieces
When your to-do list feels like it’s never-ending, break big tasks into bite-sized chunks. Instead of tackling “clean the house,” focus on one small thing at a time like clearing one room or wiping down surfaces.
For me, it was getting through the piles of laundry!
Celebrate each tiny win and remind yourself that progress is progress.
3. Unplug and Reset
Give yourself permission to switch off for a while.
Whether it’s curling up with a good book, zoning out to a light-hearted show, or chatting with a friend about something completely unrelated, creating space for yourself is essential.
Mum life is no small feat, especially when life throws you curveballs your way.
If you’re feeling a bit lost or emotionally drained after the storm, I get it. This post is to reassure you it's all valid.
You can also download the SOS Burnout Cheat Sheet: 5-Minute Strategies to Calm Overwhelm and Reclaim Energy as a starting point for support and practical tips to help you feel a bit more grounded.
Merly Hartnett, INHC HCANZA Accredited Career & Burnout Coach @ Nurture Ambition Supporting mums to balance career growth with joyful motherhood.