3 Ways I fight burnout as a working mum who leads

Thank you for sharing Kagiso! I am also not a mum, so I cannot relate in the same way, but I loved how open you are to your son about needing some solo time. My mom has always done the same, openly communicating when it all felt a bit too much, and it has created a true culture of rest in our household. I found it very interesting you made the distinction between rhythms and routines, because they are definitely not the same. This does not have a direct link with motherhood, but I have been trying to listen to my body more, by understanding my menstruation cycle properly. There are certain days/weeks where I know I will have a drop in energy, so I try to accommodate accordingly. That’s how I try to protect my energy 🙂

Thank you Kagiso for sharing, this is helpful. I like when you said “deadlines matter but I try to match tasks with my energy levels and responsibilities at home”. This is a meaningful priority.
I also love where Omodara said she protects her energy by choosing which conversations are worth having. I resonate with this in some way, I protect my energy by giving no attention to distractions. Lara! Understanding your body is powerful and menstruation in particular can be draining if the entire self is not well prepared for it especially amidst busy schedules.

Thank you so much, Kagiso, for sharing this. Though I am not a mother myself, I deeply resonate with what you’ve written because motherness, as an essence and as a way of giving, is something I carry too. Burnout, for me, has often been tied not just to the present workload but also to old wounds and childhood traumas. Acknowledging that, instead of burying it under more responsibilities, has been such an important step in my journey. Like you, I’ve learned to honour rhythms over routines — knowing when to pause, when to respond, and when to simply shut down and rest. I still struggle to ask for help (often feeling like a lone warrior), but posts like yours remind me that leaning on others is part of healing too. My me-time is usually in the mornings, I try to find joy in small, simple things that keep me grounded- lighting a candle, dancing, doodling, or even just looking at an old picture. Thank you again for this reminder that we don’t have to carry it all.

I am a mother of a 17-year-old boy, and parenting is tough at the same time fulfilling; it teaches you beyond words. It never gets easy, you just start getting better and better.

My picks are
I used to take quick naps when he was sleeping to recharge myself
My go-to person was always my mom,
And my walks without any digital device, which I still do

Quality matters over quantity; it is still my mantra 🙂

Love

As someone who has also been close to burnout several times, I feel that being a mother has actually saved me from it.
For me, my daughters have always been a guard against unlimited investment in work, because my presence at their side counts for more than anything else.
But also because their fantasy of everyday life helps to take an instant break from work.

Love this🌟 Protecting energy is so essential, especially when balancing work and home. I’ve realized even small intentional pauses—like a 10-minute walk or mindful breathing—can recharge me more than I expect. Truly inspiring how you model this for your son too.

Kagiso👏 I really felt this.

This season brings so many expectations—both at work and at home. As the year closes and “Santa duties” kick in 🎅, I’m learning to protect my energy by slowing down, being present, and honest about what’s realistic. Managing expectations helps me show up with intention, whether I’m leading a project or wrapping gifts. It’s a gentle reminder that balance isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what truly matters. ♥️