Lately I’ve been noticing that I’ve been in a funk…a Mom Funk.
I’ve been a bit blah…kind of lazy…and not very productive.
I spend too much time looking at screens instead of at my kids
I refresh my email more than my soul
I eat junk instead of the fruits and veggies in my fridge
I spend more time on the couch instead of on my feet
I get bored, lazy and overall unproductive.
At first it feels like I’m “just relaxing”, taking all that Mom Time that I preach about. But it doesn’t take much for that Mom Time to become a Mom Funk. It’s a slippery slope for me.
Other times I’m completely overwhelmed with life, so I retreat to my computer and block it all out.
Usually when I end up in a Mom Funk, my mood changes. I become short tempered, impatient, and, at times, I completely ignore my kids and husband. Wow…doesn’t feel good to admit that!
Hey, Mom Funks happen. It’s just kind of part of it, I guess.
Sure they happen, but it’s up to me to pull myself out of it. And like usual, I have an action plan.
- Get Outside: Being outside in nature has always reignited my soul. Too bad, I don’t do it enough. We’ll that’s about to change. My kids love being outside, and it’s time that I join them, kick off my shoes, and run in the grass. Plus, lungs full of fresh air really helps me get energized.
- Clean One Thing: Once I get going, I’m good. The hard part for me, is just getting started. One chore, that’s all it takes. Once that one chore is done, the clean space makes me want to clean more. Then, when my house is clean and organized, I feel better and productive! Even if I don’t clean a bunch, that little bit of clean can be quite refreshing!
- Make A List: One thing about being in a Funk, is that I have no idea what else I should be doing. It’s not that I don’t have things to do, I do! I just can’t seem to think of them whenever I do have time to do them, so I check my email (for the 100th time that day) then I’m stuck in the internet again. Having a list really helps me get organized and stay focused.
- Move My Body: When I’m really in a funk, exercise always reenergizes my soul and gives me so much energy. No, you don’t have to get a real workout in…dance in the kitchen, play tag, or wrestle with your kids, go for a walk, or shovel snow. Just get moving!
- Step Away from the Screens: Most of the time, my funk starts on my computer, and I get totally sucked in. So, I close my computer and find something else to do. I really love reading, and right now I have a great audio book I listen to while doing chores or a the gym. It really helps me relax.
I’ve found that Mom Funks are really easy to get in, and sometimes it’s hard to recognize when I’m in one. But, once I’m there, it’s nice to have a plan to help me pull myself out!
Do you ever get in a Mom Funk? What do you do to pull yourself out of it?
More For You:
This is a great post Amanda. I think it is too easy to get sucked into the Mom funk and not be able to get out. When we are surrounded by little bits, when our main job is to create a peaceful household, and then we are supposed to write about it… it is easy to feel entitled to sit on the couch or not leave the house…
You are so right, that once you get started it can usually spark activity. I find the same is true for me.
Great Post!
Thanks Dayna! It is easy to get stuck in the funk :). But, I’m always amazed at how quickly I can pull myself out, once I get going. It’s the “getting started” part that’s hard!
I am in a Mom Funk right now as I type this. My computer is sucking me in. LOL! This article and tips are all so perfect. I needed to read this tonight!! Thank you! I am also happy to see I am not the only one like this. I feel like such a bad mom sometimes when I just want to be alone and my sweet kiddos are begging me to read or play with them. I teach 1st grade and have three kids so I am never without kids! Ha! 🙂 Thanks again!
Me too! I teach kinder and have a 3 year old, 2 year old, and 3 month old. I am totally in an overwhelming funk. Thank you for the advice. Good to know I am not alone!
Great post! As the dad of a ten month old, I can identify with a lot of what you’ve mentioned here. When I’m feeling tired, it’s easy to end up eating a bit too much, not doing enough exercise and spending time online. I’m going to try to make sure that I focus on getting a bit more sleep in the next few weeks as I think it’ll make a real diference.
Oh yes…sleep is a big one too! I need to and that to my action plan. I spend way too many late nights blogging on the computer.
Thank you so much for this post – I”m feeling the exact same way lately and it’s so great to hear that I’m not alone! So great to see some simple strategies that can jump start me out of this winter fog!! Thanks again for sharing! 🙂
Nope…not alone! Get out of that Funk girl! Do it with me 🙂
This is appropriately timed. Thank you for writing this – your action plan is great and useful and, like Claire wrote, it is actually kind of awesome to know that I’m not alone.
I bet there are thousands of us stuck in the funk! Definitely not alone 🙂
Great post! I always find the last part most difficult – to step away from the screens and stay away 🙂
The screens pull me in every time! I can’t just do something really quick without totally being sucked in. I’m working on that though!
No kidding! Didn’t know what to call it. Get the da funk out! Woot!
Haha! Get it out girl!
This is the same thing that happens to me! All day long I can’t wait to get home to the baby and then I sit on my phone/computer all night. I can’t wait until spring/summer to be able to get out of this boring slump!
The winter is so hard, especially this really long snowy one! I too am really looking forward to spring! Hopefully the nicer weather will get us out of “The Funk!”
Hi, Amanda! I’m Courtney, and I blog over at The Brown Girl with Long Hair. I was led to this post via Facebook, and, immediately upon reading the title I was drawn in. This was an excellent post. Unfortunately, I’ve got nothing in the way of suggestions as to how to ditch the funk. It’s been horribly cold and snowy here…and I’m stuck at home with a 2yo and a 4-month-old, so at this point, I’m basically clinging to my sanity by my fingernails. I just try to count my blessings. And have a glass of champs after I put the kids to bed. :-/
hi Courtney – I have 3 children – 2 grown and now a 5 year old. I know where you are at. been there many of times. 3 things that helped me the most is eating healthy, enough sleep and exercising – these will help your mental attitude 🙂 promise. also try and get some fresh air and sun everyday – that always helps.
It’s been horribly cold and snowy here too, so I totally get it. Baby E is a bit older than your baby, but I still can’t take him outside to play in the snow with my three year old, and we’ve been stuck inside a lot too. I totally feel your pain! Hang in there Mama, spring is coming!
Amanda, thank you for your honesty. It really means a lot to me personally. It’s good to now that I am not only one like that 🙂 screen is my worst enemy as well. The planning should be my best friend. Thanks again for a great post. We will de-Funk 🙂
You’re welcome Birute. We will de-Funk…one way or another 🙂
This describes exactly what happens to me on a regular basis. In fact as I was reading this I realized the computer was sucking me in and I was starting to get into another Mom Funk. Time to go clean something! I’m sure I’ll be coming back to these tips again and again.
I have so been there. I love this post. Love it. I love the tips to snap out of it and I love the honesty in what it feels like. I get it. And I’m with you! Thank you for this!!!
Thank you for being brave enough and compassionate enough to blog on this topic. I don’t have kids yet, but I definitely fall into a lot of “funks.” I look forward to trying your tips, but honestly, it’s just nice to see it out in the open and not feel alone.
Getting out and getting a haircut can also give you a new perspective on things.
Agreed haircuts, manicures, pedicures, anything that reminds you how it feels to care for yourself.
Your timing is impeccable! I’ve been in a funk the last week or so and haven’t really been able to get out of it (lack of sleep, due to a 5-month-old, isn’t helping). Thanks to Pinterest, I found my way here and now have a plan to work my way out. Thank you!
I have 4 kids: 6.5 yr old daughter I homeschool, 4.5 yr old son, 3 yr old daughter and 1 yr old toddler who destroys everything. We have had sickness after sickness this winter, most recently norovirus. When a big family gets a bad bug it lasts over a week because a new person is infected every few days. I live in Vermont where big snowstorms are the norm and 25 degree weather feels warm. I know that other people look at me like I’m a saint and acknowledge that my job is difficult, but I seem to forget that this job isn’t hard because I stink at it…It’s just HARD. I have these great productive days, but it seems like right after that my dream is completely gone and I want to hide in a cave with my laptop and disengage. Every sound the kids make when I feel this way feels like nails on a chalkboard. It’s not only unfair to them to have a mom who is in a funk, it causes me intense guilt and shame that I am wasting this opportunity to be at home with my kids when my friends would sever off their right hands to be able to do this. I have 4 healthy, beautiful, sweet & smart children that I get to teach. My oldest daughter wakes up ready to just take over the world & I can barely move until 2 pm. I drink too much coffee and have fallen off the wagon with my eating habits. I had adopted a paleo lifestyle and was experiencing incredible benefits until I got sick. The saltines & popcicles made me crave sugar & wheat again, and I got out of the habit of doing Insanity which made me feel great. I need to get back into it and hopefully get some consistency into my daily life instead of these peaks and valleys. Some greenery or eye candy like an art museum would be a good idea to add. I find myself staring at green landscapes and crazily contemplating going to a tanning bed just to feel some UV rays in my skin. Scary fantasy given my family history of melanoma! Might be good to get back into my Vit D regimen too!
Thank you for giving words to something I haven’t shared with even my best friend. I was feeling so alone & condemned about it.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this post!! I have been feeling off lately and didn’t know what it was or how to explain it, besides cabin fever/winter depression. It is such a relief to hear others are in the same funk! I am definitely going to take your advice and make a list! Thank again! I am excited to read your other posts!! 🙂
Enjoyed this. I’ve been in a funk recently. I’ve been yelling again, having less patience, in a general state of annoyance. I realized the one thing that changed is I wasn’t checking my parenting pages (like this one) regularly or reading articles. I find when I glance through a few articles a day it keeps how I WANT to be in the forefront of my thoughts.
Yes. This is also true. It is crazy how our minds can really play tricks on us and control our emotions and behaviors so dramatically. A little reading as a reminder we are not alone and your perspective is refreshed.
Wow, I feel like you just wrote about me, word for word. You have a new follower on your blog. Thank you.
Yep, yep, yep!!! I got the mum funk!! I need to get out of it quick smart!!
TOTALLY THE ARTICLE I NEEDED AT 5am! so funky these days, needed the encouragement!
Good to know other moms are like me. Makes me feel rotten when I get to that irritable point. But like you said cleaning usually gets me going and helps my mood too. Also got some healthier snacks to replace my hourly (lol jk) ice cream sandwich. I really am wondering if winter will ever turn into spring though. It’s snowing almost every day it seems still! My baby is also too little to be out much. But we watch out the windows and make sure to move around a lot indoors.
Wow, great post! Felt like you you’re writing about me! So refreshing to know that other parents feel this way. We need to support each other and not always compare ourselves. Thanks for the great tips! I’m off to clean my bathroom before bed!
Thank you for writing. I have been in a Mom Funk the last few days, mostly because we have been snowed in a lot and have all had colds this week. I sit down and never get up. I get sucked into my laptop as well and always end up seeing other lovely moms’ blogs and all the creative things they are doing with their kids, and it just makes me more “in a funk” over my laziness. Good to know all good moms feel that way some days. Now, I will get off the computer and go read to my kids! 🙂 lol
I have been in a funk for a while now, and I finally pulled myself out 2 days ago. I have a preschooler and a newborn, and I was having trouble getting anything done. I sat down and scheduled out my days, with every tiny little recurring monotonous task that comes with mothering. I now have alarms on my phone that remind me to get up and do each thing, including exercise and down time that I don’t have to feel guilty about. Lists and exercise have made me feel better than I have in weeks.
Love this post! So true! Back in October, my job was downsized. The next week the divorce that had been pending for a year was finalized-a good thing overall for me, but a huge change for my children. I went from working way too many hours in a salaried position 5-6 days a week and juggling 2 kids and a household, to working night shift 3 days a week (I’m an RN). Even though I’m still working full-time, I have a lot of free time on my days off and I’m def feeling the mom funk! I really have to focus and get myself off the couch and away from the screens to get things done-I have many projects I need to get done. I agree with other posts-its been hard with this winter weather-you just want to crawl up in your blankets and pull the covers over your head! 🙂 Looking forward to more spring weather and that “spring cleaning” motivation!
Thanks for helping me not feel alone in this!
Thank you for writing this! I literally stumbled upon this at the right time. I am a stay at home mom of 3, three year old twins and a 19 month old, and I am currently in this mom funk. This winter is not helping either and we all have a touch of cabin fever! It’s so nice to know I am it alone and am going to start making some changes first thing in the morning to get out of this funk!!
Loved this post. Like you said, sometimes you’re in a funk and don’t even realize you’re there. I think this is particularly true for stay-at-home parents. You get lost in the day to day and before you know it, you’re just going through the motions. I’ve also noticed that a lot of those ways we think we are “treating ourselves” when there’s not time for real relaxation – junk food, couch time, etc. – easily lead to funks and not taking care of ourselves in the important ways.
Thank you! It’s refreshing to hear I’m not alone in the way I feel.
I actually just search “overwhelmed mom” on Pinterest and this came up. I have three kids, and all three are playing sports this season (two baseball, one soccer) , and one is also doing cheer, ballet and tap. I am one of those moms who signs up for everything. And it was working great, I truly am happiest when I am busy, until it wasn’t working great. My husband won a trip and he and I got to go on vacation for a week. It was amazing, but when I came back, I could not jump back into my life, I was seeing it through the eyes of someone who has tasted the sweet nectar of leisure time! 🙂 I couldn’t find the word for what I was feeling, but it is definitely a funk. In the last two weeks, I have done more than I did in probably three months before I had kids, but I haven’t done it with much gusto or joy. I find myself escaping to FB whenever I can. I chronicle all of our adventures, and I think it’s bc I just really secretly, passive aggressively want people to realize that I don’t have anything to give right now. I usually am very disciplined about my diet and workouts, but that has all fallen away. I am literally eating chips and drinking a Sprite right now as I type this and looking at (not kidding) probably 20 loads of laundry. I can’t seem to make myself get up early and workout anymore. I am just plain burned out. I needed to read your words today! Thank you. And also the poster that said this “job” isn’t hard because I suck at it, it’s hard bc it’s hard. That hit home!
It is hard and we all suck at it sometimes. Lol! But that’s ok.
Thanks for these tips! It’s really easy to get carried away once you’re online, so I may it a point to get outside the house everyday.
Thank you for this! I really needed it.
So glad that I’m not alone♡
I really needed this today. I lost my job last week and have been spiraling since. Please send some goodness my way because I def need it. For my part I am signing off and going to try to pick up the pieces of my life and the to 50,000 toys on the floor. Lol
Thank you so much for this post, I’ve been in the “mom funk” all week long, and I’m so glad I’m not the only one, reading you be so open and honest by saying that you’ve been in front of a screen and not paying much attention to your kids or your husband just really is how I feel I have been this week, I’ve been to the point of being so frustrated at myself this week because I’ve been so unproductive and in tears because of one of my four sweet kiddos has just not been herself all week long and has thrown probably at least 10 temper tantrums per day every day this week and I’m just feeling so drained, and if I’m completely honest with myself, her not being herself has probably got a whole lot to do with the fact that I haven’t been myself and haven’t been running this household like I usually do. I’m just so glad I’m not alone in this and that I’m not the only one who does this, I mean obviously I’m not the only one, but, when you’re in it things certainly do seem that way. So again, Thank you!! 🙂
WOW! Thank you so much for posting this! I am in this funk right now! I needed to read that I am not alone! I feel like a terrible mother and wife! Thank you!!! I am going to pin this and print it to keep it fresh in my mind!!
OMG! So identify with this post! I thought I was the only one in the world and I was afraid to admit it, I was afraid to discover that I was a lazy person! But I really go on spurs when I clean and clean and then I fall on times that I can barely wash a plate! I will practice the steps to get out of the mom funk as soon as I feel the first symptom! Thanks for this post!
Thanks for sharing, I can definitely relate this is what I’m
currently going through. Your words were a true eye opener
I hope I can snap myself out of it soon.Thxs again Cece
I seem to frequently fall into these mom funks. It’s been about 5 months since I transitioned from working outside the home to staying home with the kids. Some days I really struggle. It feels a bit better to know I am not alone. Thanks for a great post that really hit home.
Thank you for this post. I thought i was the only one. I love all your posts. Great tips. Thank You.
Great post! I get into a mom funk quite often too! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Amanda! These are GREAT and even though I’ve never thought about it in this way, these things always work for me too. This would make a helpful printable. I’d like to print a handy list to hang in the laundry room and remind me what to do when I get in a funk. Thanks for these.
Great post and great suggestions for getting out it!
This is so, so well said. The thing that I do is to get up and do something. I’ve been in a funk lately. This was a good reminder that I don’t have to stay there but can get out. I think I really do need to turn off my computer more, and I’ve made steps in that direction.
I can relate to this, yes, but it’s easy to just say “get up and get out of the house” or “do something.” While I really do like this post and agree with it, I’m also tired of bloggers telling me how to feel and “what to do to fix it.” What I need is my husband not to have to work so much. What we need is help and a better support system, not to clean something or make a list. I wish it was that easy.
Just speaking my mind like it says to do.
I hear you Jenn, I really do. I don’t have a support system either and my husband also works long hours. Unfortunately, I can not change those things for myself, but I can change my attitude about them. I know that there is a lot that goes into our Mom Funk’s sometimes and cleaning and making lists doesn’t make it all go away instantly, but it can get us started on the right track.
Great post! Sharing on the My Sweet Homeschool facebook page. http
It’s like you have been watching my life! Seriously, I thought it was just me! Thank you for this post!
Normally i will get to the point where I’m like ok suck it up! Go in the backyard, read a book with my son, make a target run; it’s hard to remember that there is a whole world outside your funk. But it’s temporary and will be ok!
Wow! This totally came at the right time, I am in a mom-funk as we speak. Have been for the past few weeks when hubby left for 2nd tour overseas. I’m sure a lot of my funk has to do with him being gone. I have 3 children, ages 10 to 16. They are a huge help…but only when I ask them, unfortunately they get sucked into a kid-funk and spend too much time in front of their electronics too and being in a funk myself, I let them because they are quiet that way. So so bad! It’s not winter here by any means, hot and sunny, there’s a pool that beckons in the back yard and yet we all sit inside attached to electricity on a daily basis. My poor house looks like it’s been abandoned yet we still live here. The dog hair has blanketed my stairs, the linen closet now sits atop the back of my couch, I know where to walk to avoid the sticky messes on the floor, and worst of all, we’re living on the clothes from the depths of the closet because the laundry has piled up. Oh man, do I have a big chore ahead of me, which only puts me in the funk more since I never know where to start. I turn to pintrest for ideas and once again I’m sucked in. It’s my drug I guess LOL Thank you again for posting this, being brutally honest, and helping us with ideas to get out of the funk!
Oh Jessica, It’s so hard when the guys are gone. Deployments just seem to amplify the funkiness of the entire family…so hard. Might I suggest finding ways to connect and play with your kids? I know that they are older, but family play time is good for everyone’s soul. Good luck on the deployment!
I don’t think you have to be a Mom to get into one of these funks and I love the approach, I am definitely going to try some of these the next time I am feeling blue!
What a great post!! I agree with you 100%! Are we soul sisters?? Just found your blog through Pinterest and have been in a bit of a Mom Funk lately as well. I just wrote a blog post the other day about Staying Outside & Finding Joy because that’s how I can quickly get out of my funk! Leaving my “devices” indoors and getting OUTSIDE with my boys 🙂
I appreciate your honesty and ideas!
http://www.funmomfitness.com
Thanks for the tips! Funny how I’ve recognized all of these things, but it’s good to be reminded. I have an extra hard time avoiding the funk because I work full time from home, so it’s unavoidable for me to be on the computer a lot – but I recognize that I’m in a funk when I spend any free time looking up more stuff on the computer instead of playing with my kids. I’ve also noticed that days when I manage to be more involved and more caring, my 3 year old is a lot easier to handle and usually takes a nap without a problem. Days when I’m distracted and irritable, he fights the naps like a champ and I end up spending the day battling him over nap time and getting more and more irritated.
I get in a funk often. Mostly from tedium! I try to set a goal for myself that gets me excited or trying something new. I also “allow” myself a funk – for a night- and then the next day I push myself to get going. Thanks for the post!
This really is a good post. Every since we moved to our current location (hubby is military), I have been in a Mom Funk… or maybe you can just call it a depression. It’s not that I don’t like it here. I just have nothing to do. The job market is horrible so I am left staying at home all day long. I have gained 30 pounds and I feel horrible about myself. Anyway thanks for the article.
I just started following your site & love it!
I think we all fall in to mom funks from time to time! Thank you for writing about this because it is a hard thing to admit even though it is common 🙂 my funks happen often in winter as well when we get stuck in the house for days on end, but two things that help me are taking a break ie going out for dinner with just my husband or getting a coffee with a friend and also changing my heart towards my kids instead of trying to keep busy to take my mind off of feeling blue…so when I find myself hiding in the bedroom with the excuse that I need to fold the laundry in there I try and refocus on playing or reading or just listening to the kids and on being the mom I want to be 🙂 thank you again I enjoy reading your posts!! 🙂
Betterinthrees.com/2014/04/03/all-I-have-to-do-today/
Great tips. I would add call a friend or family member. Sometimes talking gets me motivated or helps pull me out of a funk.
Yes, yes, and yes!!! Thanks for sharing your action plan! I get so overwhelmed and just shut down then the Funk gets really deep! Thank you for sharing from your heart and with an honest vulnerability!
Omg I didn’t know this was an actual thing that other people could relate to. And here I thought I was just being lazy and over sensitive occasionally! I was totally in one this weekend so finding this is like some weird sign that I’m not just an awful mom. I think it also has something to do with it being ridiculously cold and grey outside. Now if I could just pry myself away from the screen of my cell phone I think I may actually get something accomplished…..
Oh this is sooo how I have been for the past month… just can’t seem to shake the mom funk.
Today I actually did a short work out and printed out my blog and life planner … in hopes of being more productive.
This is a great post!
Personally for me I like to blast music and clean or just simply dance around with my little one… it sort of pumps me up and gives me a little more energy! 🙂
That is too funny! For me the “mom funk” always comes when I get too into the routine and need to take care of EVERYTHING. You are absolutely right, though. Learning to identify the warning signs and have a game plan for when it strikes is key! For me, the game plan is to let go of the dispensable items on my to-do list and take time to do something for myself. It’s always better when that something can include the kids too – scrap-booking family photos, making double chocolate brownies, or even blogging or journaling. Thank you for the tips!
I have been in a horrible mom funk lately. I blame it on 13 straight days of having company in our house – that’ll throw anyone off!!
But now I can’t seem to get motivated for anything!
I think I will start today with just one small task. Hopefully that will help jump start! (For me? Time outside just makes me want more time outside, and we forget about everything else!)
Yes, I bet that can throw you off! Hope that you get your mojo back soon 🙂
Wow, this is me! For the last couple of years it seems. I’m thinking it has a lot to do with getting sick and having to go on S.S. DISability and during this time my husband and I getting divorced because, let’s just say he’s selfish. I got what I wanted out of it, my son. I didn’t even have a car back then. But in the last 3yrs I’ve moved us to my home town ( Ohio) and my son is doing great in school and soccer. But I’ve never lived on my own, by myself, ever in my life until we moved here on March 2011. I always could make good money to take care of myself and my family. Until I got sick. It’s a lot different now, how my life is and mom funk seems to take over more and more when I’m by myself. At least I have figured this out! But the rest of it, well, I can stay positive around my son and other people as long as they don’t come over with out letting me know first. Which is easy because not many friends come over these days. My mom and I tell her I’m working on my crafts which I am, but I can’t seem to finish anymore and that’s breaking me apart. It’s what I do, what I love! Ohio is dreary, but not as hot humid as Georgia where we lived, me for 27yrs. I know for sure that has a lot to do with it! And being alone with the computer doing the same thing as I finally see others are doing….which makes me feel 100% better! I’ve never wrote about this or spoke a word to another person about this until now. Everyone else has gave me the courage to speak up and tell a bit about me. Maybe it will help someone else to feel better or ok with themselves too.
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot! Thank you so much for taking the time and having the courage to share your story. Feeling normal can be so healing.
Oh my gosh, this is a great post. Sorry you’re in a funk and I hope things have turned around now. All of your remedies are great one. The only other thing I would suggest is human contact. Make a lunch date with a friend or go get a pedicure.
I LOVE the human contact tip! You’re so right, that is always so helpful. Thank you!
Young mothers aren’t the only ones who can get into a funk. My husband and I are “empty nesters,” sort of. This last year was really tough; husband had to take a medical retirement (SS Disability), our daughter got divorced, we had to bring her home from Texas because she could not support herself and my work situation went nuts, really, really fast (lots of overtime and lots of bouncing around trying to cover 4 medical offices). In addition, my husband and I were trying to finish turning a large storage room into my husband,s “man cave” which includes his large quilting machine, sewing machines and fabric which leaves all of that stuff in my living room. Even though we haven’t had snow (western drought), it was easy enough to get into the funk (all three of us).
When I realized that I had read through a whole series of books (11) and restarted on another author’s series (15 books), I realized I needed to do something. I have been making an effort to get the bed made in the morning before I leave for work, and get the dishes in the dishwasher before I go to bed. Thank heavens my husband does the laundry. One thing I DID NOT DO was quit the community choir I have been part of for 8 years. Another thing I DID NOT DO was quit attending church. Both gave me the outlets of meeting with other people and focusing outward.
Yes, life is hard, but connecting with others, as well as the advice mentioned above can help you move forward. However, if you can not pull out of the Mommy Funk within a reasonable period of time, please, please, please discuss the issues with your healthcare provider and include medication, at least for a time, as a possible option.
Oh BOY! Thank Heavens for all of you sisters out there. Amanda, your post really hit the nail on the head. The one thing that I might add to our Mom Funk is having the husband who still wants “his needs” taken care of, so-to-speak. (A 50yo with the stamina of a kid half his age, lol.) You know the Funk is bad when Mom has resorted to an emotionally delivered “D-word”. No worries, I realize I it will pass and I love my two littles too much to end a good thing. All in all, your post couldn’t have fallen in my lap at a better time. Thank you for your heartfelt post and the honesty of all your commenters out there!! I’m a new follower and together, we will defunk!! Lol
I’m a mom of 3 kids, and on my own, and so I know all too well how easy it is to get overwhelmed without any effort. Things pile up, nothing is moving forward, things fall apart, and you just don’t know where to start to put things back together. To get back to the norm, requires a bit more effort though. Sometimes, just a refreshing shower, and a beautiful nature walk with the kids can bring a bit of simplicity back and the world you once knew, back into focus.
Thank you for the post!
I was in a major Mum Funk a little while back. It took all my energy to muster myself back into the fray. I did it by looking deep within myself and finding Me. I did some of the things I used to do before I had children and suddenly I felt more motivated, energetic and hopeful.
In the short time, I love to dance with the kids or take them for a scoot to the park but when I find myself in a long term funk, I have to make a much more concerted effort to get back on top of things.
Thanks for such a lovely post!
THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS POST!!!!!! I can’t tell you how guilty I’ve felt for falling into the mom funk. I can usually pull myself out of it, but it can be hard at times. I am so grateful to see that I’m not the only mom that goes through this. I have 7 year old twin boys and a 20 month old baby girl so it can get a little hard at times. Best of luck to all of you moms and dads out there and stay strong!
Loved this. I stumbled across it on Pinterest and it fits me exactly at the moment. I would love to link to it in one of my own blog posts if that is okay! Love your blog, so glad to have found it, and look forward to checking in more often. Cheers momma!
Sure, feel free to link it back, I just ask that you don’t copy it. Thanks!
Hi Amanda,
I love this article. This was extremely helpful and definitely gave me some insight into what I may be going through.
I am a first time mother of a beautiful 7 month old baby boy. I went back to work when he was 10 weeks old on a part time basis. Within a few weeks I started working full time, so much of my time was spent away from home and the baby which at first I was saddened by. However I came to accept it and enjoyed and appreciated my time at home that much more when I had it. Fast forward a few months and I’ve found myself out of work while I wait to be transferred. The first week I got up and out everyday with the baby. Here it is week three and I’m struggling to find the will to even get up and do necessary activities such as pump.
I say all of this to ask, is this a normal mom funk or could it be something else? Also, can mom funks occur more than once?
Oh, I’m so sorry you’re struggling. Being a new mom is hard and it sounds like you’ve had a few changes lately than can certainly be a reason for your funk. There’s a scale here when it comes to it just being a funk and full blown depression. The key is, how much does your mood interfere with your every day life? Does it prevent you from going out, taking care of yourself and your child? Do you cry and feel numb most of the day? Does it feel impossible to get out of bed? Do you have continuous negative self-thoughts that impede your ability to connect with others? From what you’re describing, it sounds like you’re just feeling funky, but if there’s more to it than just feeling bored, irritable, and uninspired, then go see your Dr. or counselor. They can help you really sort it out.
I love this post! I think we all get to this point but don’t want to admit it!! Thanks for stepping out for us all!!
I did not know this was a thing. I thought it was just me being lazy and unproductive and I couldn’t figure out how to escape. I have definitely been in a “mom funk” for way to long. Thanks for this post.
Oh, it’s totally a thing! Glad this post helped.
Wow. I didn’t realize how bad of a funk I’m in. This spoke to me. EVERY.SINGLE.WORD. Thank you.
Love this post…first time reader here…LOVE THE BLOG TITLE! Thanks for being real, and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Thank you 🙂
I thought I was crazy and an awful mother. Seriously why does no one talk about this stuff
I don’t know why no one talks about this, it happens to so many parents out there. Girl, you are NOT alone!
Oooh my goodness, this is me right now for the last week plus!!! I haven’t been myself and was seriously thinking of seeing my old therapist. I upped my fish oil and vitamin D just in case but seriously, thinking I’m just in my blah mommy moment. Thanks for sharing, glad to know I’m not the only one going through this.
Screen time. Hadn’t considered that. So much negativity in the world. I need to be more careful exposing my mind and heart to all the tragedies in the world.
Thanks for the reminder.
Daphne
This is so me right now. All your points about getting out of the funk are exactly what helps me too… getting fresh air and cleaning ONE thing especially. I’m definitely saving this post to remind me. Hubby was great and took the kids to his parents for the day so I could be at home by myself to catch up and re-energize. So helpful to start the day with a cleaner house and having distraction free time to just do things at my pace.
In my own Funk right now and reading up on tips to help get me motivated to get out of my funk. Starting tomorrow off with first hour in the morning no phone what-so-ever! I to am really good when I am not in a funk, but once there it is like my brain dies and I loose all patience’s with my son. For me too it’s not that I cannot think of things I need/ could be doing its more like I have no urge or deserve to even get up and do them. It is a sad truth about being a mom that you fall into this funk and it is me (you) who has to get you out of it.
I love how you compare these two types of mom, thanks for sharing.
I am so happy to know im not alone with this feeling. I didn’t know that other moms felt this way and it’s such a relief to not have the guilt alone. I, too, find the internet to be a MAJOR role in my mom funk. Ill check my emails or messages and next thing I know its three hours later and im somewhere lost on wish wondering how I got there…. Ive noticed also that getting myself started to do anything is the worse. I was actually in a mom funk until today. My 6 year old daughter started picking up the living room and I felt so guilty of being this lazy bum that I started to take over. She said ooohhh can we spend time cleaning together? I realized right there I was in a mom funk. I about cried when she asked me this. Wondering how I couldve just been so invilved with myself that my child was willing to do chores to bond with me! So we cleaned and then took a walk spent sometime watching her favorite videos and then made supper together. I hate getting the “mom funk” and most of the time it takes something like this to guilt me into realizing I need to snap out of it. I just thought i was the only one who ever felt this way glad to know theres a community put there 🙂