Tips to Avoid a Mental Breakdown: Self-Care Strategies for Overwhelmed Stay-at-Home Moms

Wow, Mama — We’re Already Halfway Through 2025!

Can you believe it? We’re right in the middle of the year — summer is here, routines are shifting again, and maybe you’re wondering where the time went. If you're like me, you probably had big hopes for January: declutter everything, reset your habits, maybe finally get ahead on that endless laundry pile. But here we are, and life still feels… full.

There are always dishes. Always toys. Always someone who needs something. And maybe you didn’t check off everything on your list from the start of the year — but let me tell you something important: that’s okay. You’ve been showing up every single day in small, faithful ways, and that’s what matters most.

Mid-year is a beautiful moment to pause and reflect. It’s not too late for a fresh start — emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. The Lord isn’t keeping a scorecard of what you’ve finished. He’s inviting you to slow down and partner with Him in grace for this next season.

Maybe you’ve felt overwhelmed by the clutter in your home or the noise in your head. Maybe you've been holding your breath, waiting for a break that never came. Let’s choose to breathe deeply today, Mama. Let’s clear space — in our homes and in our hearts — for what really matters.

This summer, instead of pushing harder, I want to invite you to receive more: more rest, more clarity, more peace. God is not waiting for a cleaner kitchen or a perfect schedule to meet you—He’s right there in the middle of the mess, gently whispering, “You’re doing holy work.”

Let’s release the pressure to do it all, and instead commit to doing the most important things well: loving our people, taking care of our hearts, and soaking in God’s presence—even if that looks like 10 minutes in the bathroom with a devotional and a lukewarm coffee.

You haven’t missed your moment. This is your moment. Let’s embrace this beautiful middle-of-the-year reset together—with open hands, soft hearts, and a renewed hope for what God is still doing in 2025. 🌸

Start the Year with Mindful Goals

Over the years, I’ve learned to be sober and gentle with myself when it comes to setting goals. I no longer overload my planner with long to-do lists that end up stealing my joy. I’ve discovered that striving doesn’t always mean progress, and busyness doesn’t always equal fruitfulness. This year—and this season—I’m leaving space for rest, quiet moments, and delight with my family. And sweet mama, I invite you to do the same.

So often, we plan with urgency. We map out home projects, budget goals, homeschooling lessons, church commitments, and extracurriculars with precision. But somewhere along the way, we forget to schedule what our souls crave most: margin. We forget to pencil in the kind of life-giving rest that renews our spirit and helps us pour love into our homes from a full cup.

Planning for productivity has its place, but so does planning for peace. Instead of crowding every hour with errands or tasks, let’s start asking better questions: Where is there room for stillness? Where is there room for laughter? We need to treat rest as sacred—because it is. Even Jesus rested, and He invites us to do the same.

You are not lazy for needing a break. You are not weak for needing silence. You are human. You are a mom doing holy, repetitive work. And you deserve rhythms that nourish your spirit just as much as you nourish your children.

Let’s be mamas who plan for the things that can’t be measured on a checklist or in a report card—things like joy, connection, presence, peace. Those are the real fruits of a well-tended heart and home. And they matter more than perfectly folded laundry or meals made from scratch.

This season, leave space in your planner to enjoy a spontaneous dance party in the living room or a slow walk outside just to feel the sun. Schedule the kind of moments that build memories, not just accomplishments. Because when our children look back, they won’t remember how “efficient” we were—they’ll remember how loved they felt.

So here’s your gentle reminder, mama: goals are good, but grace is better. May your plans reflect both. And may this be the season you learn to be gentle with yourself and bold about protecting what matters most. 💛

So many things have changed in my life these past few years. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned to be grateful in all things. And I’m sure you have, too. Your life has been colorful, maybe even chaotic, but God has been faithful.

He’s walked with you through sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, homeschool meltdowns, and all the invisible work of motherhood. And He’s not done writing your story.

Rest Is Not a Reward, It’s a Rhythm

Can I be honest, sweet mama? For years, I didn’t know how to truly rest. I was always doing something—folding laundry, checking my phone, cleaning up crumbs for the third time that day. And when I did sit down, I’d scroll social media and tell myself, “This is my break.” But deep down, I knew I wasn’t actually resting.

My body told another story. I had tight shoulders, shallow breathing, a racing mind, and clenched jaws. I was living in stress mode and calling it normal. I had trained myself to stay busy even while sitting still. I didn’t know how to let go. I didn’t know how to surrender the pressure to do one more thing.

But God, in His kindness, began showing me that rest isn’t something I earn after all the work is done. It’s something I receive—as a gift and as an act of trust. Just like we teach our children to pause and breathe when they’re overwhelmed, God gently teaches us to do the same. And mama, if this sounds like you, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to begin again.

Rest is more than sleep. It’s more than sitting. It’s soul-deep peace. It’s the kind of stillness that lets your heart exhale. True rest is when your body isn’t bracing for the next task. It’s when you can sip your coffee in silence without guilt, when you can breathe deeply without rushing to the next thing, when you trust God enough to pause.

And here’s the truth: rest isn’t laziness. It’s not selfish. It’s actually obedience. Even Jesus, the Savior of the world, rested. He withdrew to quiet places. He paused to pray. He stopped to spend time alone with the Father. If Jesus needed rest, why do we think we can survive without it?

So yes, mama—pause the laundry. Let the dishes wait. Turn off your phone and turn your heart toward stillness. Sit in your favorite chair with a blanket and breathe. Let God love you right there in the quiet. Because you are not just a mama who does—you are a beloved daughter who rests.

This year, let’s redefine what rest looks like in our homes. Let’s make space in our days for stillness. Not because everything is done, but because we are allowed to pause. You don’t have to earn it—you just have to receive it. And as you do, I pray you feel God's peace filling every corner of your tired heart.

Your Planner Needs White Space

Let’s talk about our planners for a moment, Mama. We love the crisp pages, the colorful pens, the sense of structure. We fill them with to-do lists, appointments, homeschool lessons, grocery runs, birthday parties, and meal prep. It makes us feel in control—productive. But let me gently ask you… where’s the space for you?

So often, we schedule every waking moment for others—serving, helping, nurturing. We give so much to everyone else that there’s no margin left for rest, reflection, or even quiet joy. We treat our own needs like a luxury or an afterthought, and before we know it, the days blur together in a cycle of overcommitment and exhaustion.

But Mama, you were never meant to live in constant motion. Every activity and object in your life is calling for your attention—your home, your phone, your planner, your people. That’s why the clutter in our lives often goes beyond the pantry or the toy bins. We need to declutter our calendars, too. Because busyness doesn’t always equal fruitfulness.

Instead of packing your planner with everything, what if you prioritized what matters most—faith, family, wellness, and presence? What if you scheduled space for slow mornings, family dinners, long prayers, nature walks, or simple laughter with your little ones? These are the things that matter most and will stay in your children’s hearts forever.

When we declutter our schedule, we leave room for God to surprise us with joy. Maybe it’s an unplanned cuddle session on the couch, a spontaneous picnic, or a quiet moment reading Scripture by the window. We can only receive those gifts when we’ve made room in our hearts—and in our days—to notice them.

Mama, don’t let your days be so full that you miss your own life. You are not just the keeper of everyone else’s schedule. You are a person who also needs soul-time—quiet, beauty, purpose, and peace. These things don’t show up on a to-do list, but they are sacred nonetheless.

So today, take a look at your planner with fresh eyes. What can you let go of? What deserves more space? Give yourself permission to breathe between the lines. After all, your life isn’t a race to the finish—it’s a story God is still writing, one peaceful page at a time.

Step Away from the Scroll

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again because it matters: reduce your time on social media, Mama. I know how tempting it is to scroll during nap time or after the kids are in bed—it feels like a break, a connection to the outside world. But sometimes, it drains more than it gives.

When we constantly take in highlight reels from other people’s lives, it becomes so easy to fall into comparison. We start feeling behind, not good enough, or like we’re missing out. That quiet discontent creeps into our hearts, often without us even noticing. Suddenly, our peaceful morning feels too ordinary. Our tidy-but-lived-in home feels small. Our pace feels too slow.

That’s why I encourage you to unfollow any account that stirs envy, anxiety, or guilt. If it doesn’t lead you to gratitude or growth, it doesn’t belong in your feed. You don’t need to hear every voice on the internet—only the right ones. Let your heart be guarded and intentional with what it consumes.

God isn’t speaking through every trending sound or viral video. He’s whispering in quiet moments, in Scripture, in stillness. He doesn’t shout above the noise—He waits for you to make space to hear Him. So Mama, listen more to the Lord than to the algorithm. Let His voice be the loudest in your day.

Since cutting back my own scroll time, something unexpected happened. I’ve written more. I’ve prayed more. I’ve laughed with my daughters more. I’ve lived more. My mind is quieter. My heart is lighter. And my spirit has space to breathe.

It’s not about becoming anti-social media—it’s about becoming pro-soul. You deserve peace. You deserve clarity. You deserve to enjoy your real life more than the one everyone else is curating online.

So give yourself permission to unplug when you need to. The world will still be there, but your home, your heart, and your children? They’ll be better for the presence you give them.

Create a Home that Breathes Peace

A cluttered home can mirror a cluttered heart. I used to think the mess was just part of motherhood—but then I started noticing how it affected my mood, my patience, and even how I connected with my family. That’s when I began a yearlong journey to declutter our home, one drawer and one decision at a time. And Mama, it has changed everything.

Decluttering isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about peace. When every surface is covered and every closet is bursting, our minds feel the same—crowded and chaotic. But when our space breathes, our souls do too. Less stuff equals more peace. It creates a rhythm in the home that invites stillness, not stress.

We really don’t need 27 coffee mugs or every trending toy on the market. What we need is a place that reflects our values. A place that’s safe, sacred, and slow. When we let go of what no longer serves our season, we make room for what truly matters—time with our kids, quiet moments with the Lord, space for joy to enter.

Decluttering doesn’t mean your home will be perfect. It means your home will be intentional. Every item has a purpose. Every room tells a story. And slowly, your house begins to feel less like a storage unit and more like a sanctuary.

It’s also deeply emotional work. As I went through closets and bins, I cried over baby clothes, old journals, and things I bought during hard seasons—trying to fill an emotional void. Letting go of those items meant acknowledging growth. It meant healing. It meant giving myself permission to move forward.

And don’t be surprised if this process brings up guilt. Guilt for what you spent money on. Guilt for what you’re throwing away. Guilt for holding onto too much for too long. But here’s the truth: God isn’t asking for perfection—He’s offering you peace. He gently invites us to release what weighs us down.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, Mama, start small. One drawer. One basket. One shelf. Invite the Holy Spirit into the process and ask Him to help you create a home that supports your heart—not one that competes for it. Decluttering is holy work. It’s emotional. It’s healing. And it’s so worth it.

Mama, Trace Your Boundaries with Grace

Let’s talk about boundaries, Mama. As women—especially those of us who are faith-filled and servant-hearted—it can be really hard to say no. We want to be helpful, supportive, and available for everyone. But here’s the truth: overcommitting is the fast lane to burnout, and it steals our joy and peace.

Saying yes to everything might feel like love or duty, but it often leaves us exhausted and overwhelmed. We end up running on empty, and that’s no good for us or our families. Setting healthy boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s sacred. It’s a way to protect the life God has entrusted to us.

Before you agree to that extra commitment—whether it’s a homeschool co-op, meal train, Bible study, or volunteering—pause and ask yourself some honest questions: Will this bring peace into my home? Is it life-giving for me right now? Does this fit with the season I’m in?

Sometimes the right answer is “not right now.” And that’s okay. Choosing rest over busyness doesn’t mean you love less; it means you love wisely. It means you are honoring the rhythm God has for your life and your family.

Remember, Mama, your yes is powerful. It carries weight. When you say yes to one thing, you’re naturally saying no to something else—often rest, presence, or peace. Let your yes be a thoughtful, intentional choice.

Setting boundaries can be hard at first. You might feel guilty or worry about disappointing others. But God’s grace covers those feelings, and His peace fills the space you create. Trust that by caring for yourself, you’re also caring for those you love most.

So lean into grace. Protect your time and energy like a precious gift. Saying no isn’t rejection—it’s a way to say yes to what truly matters.

Final Word of Encouragement

Dear mama, we’re already halfway through 2025! This year doesn’t need a “new you.” It needs the faithful you—the rooted you—the you who knows she is deeply loved by God and capable of small, beautiful acts of faithfulness in her home.

I’d love to hear from you! What word or focus have carried you through the first half of the year? What rhythms or habits are you nurturing in your home as you move forward? 💬 Share your journey in the comments below—I read every single one and cherish your stories!

Remember, you are doing holy work—even in those quiet, everyday moments. Let’s keep sowing what will last together as we finish this year strong. 🌱

 Take care ♥

Ready to create more peace and order in your home? Download your free 7-Day Decluttering Reset for Stay-at-Home Moms and start your journey to a calmer, more joyful space today!

Related: Daily Habits for the Christian Mom-Simple Practices to Strengthen Mind and Spirit