Motherhood is a relentless whirlwind. Even when we check off every task on our to-do lists, the mental checklist keeps spinning in our minds, reminding us of all the things we should be doing. One mom, Rachel Thompson, recently captured this reality while observing her husband peacefully napping on the couch. This experience resonated with many parents.
Rachel, a writer for Perfection Pending, took a charming photo of her husband snoozing and then crafted a list of all the thoughts racing through her mind that would prevent her from lying down for some much-needed rest. In fact, by the time a woman considers lounging on the couch, she’s likely already juggling another mental list a mile long.
MOM THOUGHTS AFTER A LONG DAY
She titled her list “MOM THOUGHTS AFTER A LONG DAY,” which included gems like: “Oh no, the living room is a disaster. Did I pack enough snacks for tomorrow? I need to remind my six-year-old about honesty and ensure he returns that toy he ‘borrowed.’ I hope I can actually sleep tonight—not just lie there. Should I get a sleep mask? Did I forget to switch the laundry?”
It’s amusing because it rings so true. Every mom can relate to Rachel’s mental laundry list. Our minds are in a constant state of planning, worrying, and recalling. My own mother keeps a notepad and a bright pen by her bedside to jot down thoughts that pop up at night, hoping to return to sleep afterwards. It seems like the only time we’ll escape this mental chaos is when we’re gone—if even then.
Rachel continued, “Did I send that email? Is it too late to sign my eight-year-old up for soccer? Are their vaccinations up to date? Do we need more cat food? Why is the ceiling fan so dusty? Seriously, how does that happen? I hope we get into that good preschool, not the one that looks like it has a hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak.” And on and on it goes until we’re too frazzled to even think about taking a nap.
Meanwhile, her husband’s thoughts after a long day? “I’m just going to take a quick nap here.” Men seem to have this unique ability to switch off the mental noise, which is admirable but can leave us feeling a bit envious—sometimes, we might even feel like giving them a little nudge (not that we would actually do it, of course).
In a follow-up post, Rachel explained, “When I talk about the mental load I carry, I’m not trying to put down men. It’s not a competition.” She acknowledged that some men also carry this burden, but her experience—and that of many other women—reveals a different reality. “I think we’re wired differently, making it harder for us to unwind. We feel guilty resting when there are chores to tackle. My husband is fantastic and helps a lot around the house, but it’s mostly about the way my brain never seems to turn off. I wish I could relax more like he does, but I fear I’ll forget something essential.”
Rachel’s reflections highlight why moms desperately need breaks now and then. “I could really use a vacation from mom life,” she humorously wrote, “but who would remember to buy more ramen noodles?”
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In conclusion, while the struggle to unwind is real for many mothers, understanding and sharing these experiences is crucial. It helps to alleviate the pressure and fosters a sense of community among parents.