Why Mums Need to Stop Normalising Exhaustion

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard a mum say, “I’m just tired all the time.”

And not in a haha, I need a coffee kind of way—but in a deep, bone-aching exhaustion that never seems to lift.

And yet, instead of questioning it, we just accept it. We joke about it. We swap survival tips. We down another coffee and get on with it.

But why?

Why have we normalised constant exhaustion as just part of motherhood? Why do we act like burnout is a badge of honour?

Because let’s be honest—this isn’t just about sleep deprivation.

It’s about the mental load, the emotional weight, the invisible labour that never stops.

And if we keep acting like this is just how it has to be, we’re sending a dangerous message:🚨 That mums should always come last.

🚨 That running on empty is just part of the job.

🚨 That needing rest makes us weak.

I refuse to accept that. And I hope you do too.

Motherhood Isn’t Meant to Be This Depleting

Of course, we’ll have sleepless nights. Of course, there will be seasons where we’re stretched thin.

But ongoing, never-ending exhaustion isn’t normal.

It’s a sign that something is wrong. That we aren’t being supported the way we should be. That we’re carrying too much.

Studies show that maternal exhaustion isn’t just about disrupted sleep—it’s linked to the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers (Journal of Maternal Health, 2022).

Because modern motherhood is designed for burnout:

❌ We’re expected to do it all alone, with no built-in support.

❌ We’re told that taking time for ourselves is selfish.

❌ We’re made to feel like we should be grateful, even when we’re running on empty.

And it’s breaking us.

The Myth of the Supermum

Somewhere along the way, “mum life” became a competition in who can survive on the least amount of sleep, the least amount of help, the least amount of self-care.

💬 “I haven’t had a full night’s sleep in years.”

💬 “I can’t even remember the last time I did something for myself.”

💬 “I don’t have time to rest—there’s too much to do.”

We say these things like they’re normal. But they shouldn’t be.

And the worst part? We glorify it. We praise the mum who never stops. We idolise the mother who sacrifices everything for her children.

But what if the real power move was saying:

“I deserve to be rested.”

“I deserve to be supported.”

“I deserve to be well.”

What Mums Actually Need (Instead of Just Pushing Through)

So how do we break this cycle?

We start by recognising that we matter too.

That means:

✅ Saying no to unrealistic expectations. You don’t have to do everything, be everything, or “bounce back” from anything.

✅ Prioritising recovery, not just survival. Your body, mind, and emotions need care too.

✅ Finding a support system that actually supports you. Because no one should have to do this alone.

And if you don’t know where to start?

That’s why Nest Glasgow exists.

How Nest Glasgow Helps Lighten the Load

Every Nest session is designed for YOU—because we’re tired of spaces that only focus on the baby, forgetting about the person holding them.

One mum told me after a class:“This is the first time in months that I’ve felt like someone was looking after me, instead of me looking after everyone else.”

And that’s the shift we need.

It’s Time to Stop Accepting Burnout as Normal

The next time you hear a mum say, “I’m just tired all the time,” instead of laughing and moving on, let’s ask:

What support does she need?

How can we lighten the load for each other?

What needs to change so that exhaustion isn’t the default setting for mothers?

Because motherhood isn’t supposed to be about just getting through the day. It’s supposed to be about living, enjoying, and actually feeling like yourself too.

And if you’re tired of feeling tired....

💛 Come to Nest. We’ll hold space for you.

Join Glasgow's Family Wellness Centre Here

Nest Glasgow is a family-friendly wellness studio designed specifically for pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and motherhood support. We offer baby-friendly fitness classes, including postnatal yoga, pregnancy yoga, and mum-and-baby movement, so mums can focus on their well-being without needing childcare. Nest is more than just a mum and baby class—it’s a welcoming space for maternal mental health, community, and connection, where mothers can meet others, share experiences, and feel supported through the challenges of early motherhood. With expert-led sessions in prenatal and postnatal care, we provide a holistic approach to women’s health after birth, helping mums rebuild strength, reduce stress, and find their village. Whether you're looking for postnatal exercise, mum meet-ups in Glasgow, or a relaxing space to recharge with your baby, Nest is here to support you every step of the way.