Struggling with Stress as a Career Woman, Mom, and Fitness Enthusiast: How I Realized It’s Catching Up to Me

Apr 7

4 min read

As a mom, a full-time career woman, and someone who prioritizes fitness, I’ve always prided myself on how well I managed stress. After all, I never showed the typical signs—no hypertension, no overeating, no late-night stress-induced snacking (I mean only sometimes, LOL). I thought I had it all under control. But recently, something shifted. It wasn’t until I had a moment of clarity—an honest conversation with myself—that I realized I’ve been internalizing stress in ways I hadn’t fully acknowledged before.

The Hidden Stress That Sneaks Up on You

A few weeks ago, I had an eye-opening moment with my family. We were all hanging out at home, and I couldn’t help but notice how disconnected I felt. My mind was constantly racing. Every time I tried to be present with my kids or talk to my spouse, my thoughts would wander back to the never-ending to-do list at work, the emails I needed to send, and the projects I had to finish. I wasn’t physically showing signs of stress—no headaches, no digestive issues—but mentally, I was a space cadet, completely disconnected from the moment.

And then, my kids asked me, “Mom, what do you actually do at work?” In that moment, I was hit with a realization I couldn’t ignore: I’m so many things to so many people every day that by the time I get home, there’s nothing left of me to give to my family. I’m a coach, an influencer, an educator, a disciplinarian, a therapist, a cheerleader, an implementer, and, sometimes, even a firefighter (not literally). The constant juggling act of being everything to everyone all day at work left me drained and emotionally unavailable by the time I got home.

The Mental Load of Doing It All

So why do we do this? Why do we constantly feel like we have to be perfect in every role—whether at work or at home? For me, it’s the expectation to excel in my career, be a present and supportive mom, and maintain my fitness routine, all while managing the mental load that comes with being everything to everyone.

I’ve come to realize that it’s not just about physical exhaustion. It’s the mental and emotional toll that comes with the need to perform and be “on” all the time. It’s easy to assume that you’re managing stress when it doesn’t manifest physically. But the truth is, stress often shows up in ways you can’t see, like in your thoughts, your emotions, and your relationships.

The Impact on My Family

What I hadn’t fully processed until recently is the impact my stress was having on my family. Being physically present but mentally checked out means I wasn’t able to connect with my kids, be fully present with my spouse, or even just enjoy the small moments. It’s like my brain was always a few steps ahead, trying to solve problems, handle tasks, and anticipate the next thing that needed to be done.

And when I realized I had nothing left to give at the end of the day, I felt guilty. I was trying to juggle all the responsibilities of work, home, and self-care—and, quite frankly, it was exhausting.

How to Combat Stress When You’re Everything to Everyone

It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of overwork and trying to be everything for everyone, but here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you don’t make time to refuel and address your stress, it will eventually catch up to you, as it did to me.

So, what’s the solution? Here are a few things that have helped me start to manage my stress better and reconnect with my family:

Set Boundaries:
I’ve realized that one of the biggest mistakes I made was not setting boundaries—whether with work or even with my family. I’m learning to say “no” more often, and that’s OK. I’m making it clear when I need time for myself, and I’m creating space where I can prioritize my mental health without feeling guilty.
Practice Mindfulness:
Being present with my family has become a focus for me. I try to take a few moments each day to pause, breathe, and reconnect with my surroundings. Whether it’s a quick meditation session or just a few deep breaths, mindfulness helps me get out of my head and into the moment.
Delegate When Possible:
I’ve stopped thinking I need to do it all myself. At work, I’ve learned to delegate tasks to others, and at home, I involve my kids in more responsibilities, even if it’s just setting the table or putting away laundry. The burden doesn’t all have to fall on me.
Create “Me Time”:
Fitness has always been a priority for me, but I’ve realized that it’s not just about physical health—it’s about mental clarity too. Whether it’s a morning workout, an evening walk, or just a solo trip to the gym, creating time to care for my body and mind is essential for stress relief.
Ask for Help:
One of the hardest things for me to admit is that I can’t do it all alone. I’ve started leaning more on my support system. It’s OK to ask for help, and sometimes, it’s necessary to maintain balance.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that stress is sneaky. It doesn’t always show up in obvious ways, and we might think we’re handling it well until it catches up to us in unexpected ways. As a career woman, mom, and fitness enthusiast, I’ve learned the hard way that I need to make time for myself, set boundaries, and be more present. I can’t continue to give all of myself to work and others and leave nothing for myself or my family.

Remember, you are allowed to rest, to take care of your mental health, and to ask for help. Managing stress isn’t about avoiding it altogether—it’s about learning how to recognize it and respond in healthy ways. We’re all doing the best we can, and sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves and our families is to take a step back, breathe, and prioritize our well-being.

If you’re in the same boat, know that you’re not alone. It’s a journey, and we can get through it together.

How do you manage stress as a mom, career woman, and fitness enthusiast? What’s helped you find balance? Let me know in the comments below!