Finding Moments of Calm as an Overstimulated Parent
As a work-from-home mom with two little ones—a two-year-old and a newborn—my days are filled with constant movement, noise, and multitasking. Some days, it feels like I’m being pulled in a hundred directions, and by the time evening rolls around, I realize I haven’t had a single quiet moment to myself. If you’re an overstimulated parent, you know exactly what I mean.
I’ve learned that while I can’t always control the chaos, I can find small ways to create calm moments throughout the day. These little pockets of peace help me reset, recharge, and be more present for my family. Here’s what’s been working for me and it can help you too:
1. Embracing Sensory Resets
When everything feels overwhelming—loud toys, endless questions, the hum of appliances—I take a few minutes for a sensory reset. I step outside for fresh air, wash my hands with cool water and a calming soap, or close my eyes and take deep breaths.
My favorite trick? Using scent to shift my mood. Lighting a candle or letting a soothing reed diffuser fill the room helps quiet the mental noise. Making sure its out of reach of the little ones.
2. Creating a ‘Quiet Zone’
I’ve designated a small corner of our home as a ‘quiet zone.’ It’s not a separate room (because, let’s be real, we don’t have that luxury), but it’s a cozy space with a comfy chair, a soft blanket, and a place to rest my coffee. It’s where I go when I need a few moments to decompress once my husband is home.
Even if I can only sit for five minutes, having a dedicated space signals to my brain that it’s time to slow down.
3. Simplifying Self-Care
I used to think self-care meant long baths and uninterrupted reading sessions (ha!). Now, it’s about small but meaningful actions. A warm shower with a moisturizing soap, a few drops of face oil before bed, or simply massaging lotion into my hands between diaper changes—these little acts help me feel human again.
4. Unplugging from the Noise
Between toddler songs, baby cries, and my phone buzzing with notifications, my brain is constantly processing information. I’ve started setting ‘phone-free’ windows during the day—usually in the morning and before bed—so I can focus on my family and myself without digital distractions.
5. Finding Joy in the Small Moments
Overstimulation often comes from feeling like we’re always ‘on.’ I try to remind myself to pause and soak in the simple joys—my toddler’s giggles, the quiet of nap time, the way my newborn’s tiny fingers wrap around mine. These moments may be fleeting, but they’re what keeps me grounded.
Being an overstimulated parent is exhausting, but we don’t have to just push through it. Finding small ways to reset and recharge makes all the difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone—and that even the smallest moments of calm can bring a big shift in how you feel.
