I Didn’t Expect to Feel This Overstimulated as a Mom
No one warned me that motherhood might leave my nervous system feeling constantly switched on.
I expected to be tired.
I expected moments of overwhelm.
I even expected chaos.
What I didn’t expect was how easily overstimulated I would feel — not just with my own kids, but with the world around me.
The Park Moment That Made Me Pause
I was at the park the other day watching my boys play. They’re two, so playground visits are still very hands-on — lots of hovering, spotting, scanning.
There was another child there, younger than my boys. The parents seemed relaxed. Calm. Comfortable letting their child explore freely. And I noticed something unexpected in myself.
I felt tense. Every time this child climbed, my body braced. When the child fell — more than once — my heart jumped. I felt nervous. Alert. On edge.
This wasn’t judgment of the other parents. It wasn’t about right or wrong. It was simply an awareness: my nervous system was activated, even when the child wasn’t mine.
That moment stayed with me.
Overstimulation Isn’t Always Loud or Obvious
When we talk about overstimulation, we often imagine noise, chaos, tantrums. But for me, it often shows up in much quieter ways. By the end of the day, my system feels full.
The smallest things can tip me over:
Getting splashed during bath time
Water soaking into my clothes unexpectedly
One more loud sound when I’m already stretched thin
Bath time is a perfect example. It’s not unusual. It’s not wrong. It’s part of parenting toddlers. And yet — there are moments when getting wet feels like too much. Not because the situation is a problem, but because my system has reached its limit.
The Tenderness of Being Touched Out
One of the hardest parts to name — because it comes with so much guilt — is feeling touched out.
I love cuddling my kids. We’re affectionate. They climb on me, lean into me, rest on my body.
And there are moments when my skin feels like it needs space.
That contradiction is hard:
Loving physical closeness
And craving sensory relief at the same time
Both can be true. Feeling touched out doesn’t mean you’re unloving. It means your nervous system is human.
Why This Makes Sense (Even If It’s Hard)
Motherhood asks our nervous systems to do a lot.
We are:
Constantly scanning for safety
Managing unpredictable needs
Processing noise, movement, touch, emotion — all day long
For many moms, especially those caring for young children, the nervous system stays in a state of heightened alert. Not because something is wrong — but because something important is being protected.
Understanding this has helped me soften toward myself.
Awareness Before Solutions
I’m sharing this not because I have it figured out. I’m sharing it because noticing has changed things for me.
When I recognize that I’m overstimulated:
I pause sooner
I respond with more compassion
I look for regulation instead of control
This awareness is what led me to explore nervous system support more intentionally — especially through breath and gentle regulation tools. If you’re curious about how breathing can support nervous system regulation and core and pelvic floor health, I share more about that here:
👉 360 (Diaphragmatic) Breathing for Core Recovery (Especially for Overstimulated Moms)
Not as a fix — but as support.
If You See Yourself Here
If you’ve ever:
Felt on edge by the end of the day
Reacted strongly to something small
Loved your kids deeply and still needed space
You’re not broken.
You’re responding to a full nervous system.
And awareness — not perfection — is a powerful place to start.
Gentle Closing Thought
I’m learning to work with my nervous system, not against it. To notice without judging. To care for myself with the same tenderness I offer my kids. If this resonates, you’re not alone — and you don’t need to rush to fix it.
Sometimes, simply naming it is the first step toward feeling more supported.