2. How to Stay Chill When Life as a Mom is Chaotic and Loud
How to Cope with Anxiety as a Mom
Being a mom is a wild ride—equal parts love, chaos, and emotional whiplash. And when chaos and anxiety sneaks in (as it so often does), it can feel impossible to find a moment of peace. But here’s the thing: motherhood doesn’t have to mean constant overwhelm.
Creativity can be the secret weapon that helps you reduce anxiety and stay grounded, even in the messiest moments.
In a recent Chill Like a Mother podcast episode, expressive arts practitioner Rachel Rose and I dove into the reality of parenting when life gets loud and overwhelming.
We talked about:
The resentment you might feel about being the default parent.
Resourcing yourself into support.
Why are kids so loud?
Practices that help you when overstimulated (art journaling, creativity and mindfulness).
Acceptance and agency over the long game of motherhood.
Being intentional about your downtime (not having your phone nearby when you have a moment, just yours).
Expressive Art is a way of knowing yourself and a resource for self-care in motherhood.
The Pressure to Keep It All Together As a Mom
“I’m resentful that we (moms) have to set the tone. If I'm messing up or tired or not my best self, I watch it reverberate around my household until I somehow gather the energy to turn it around.” —Rachel Rose
If you’ve ever felt like your mood dictates the entire household vibe, you’re not alone. Rachel spoke about how easy it is to feel guilty when you’re not feeling your best—because, somehow, that energy ripples through the whole family. But here’s the thing: you are not a mood thermostat. You’re a human being. And just like your kids, you deserve space to regulate, recalibrate, and breathe.
One of the most powerful ways to do that? A circle of stillness—a space where you can reconnect with yourself through creative expression, mindfulness, or simply a few deep breaths. Rachel finds grounding in making art, writing, and spending time outdoors, and she encourages other moms to do the same.
3 Ways to Cope When Mom Life Gets Loud
Motherhood doesn’t come with a mute button (tragic, I know), but there are ways to carve out quiet within the chaos. Here are three small but powerful ways to reclaim your calm:
1. Create a Circle of Stillness
Find a space—physical or mental—where you can retreat when life feels overwhelming. Maybe it’s a cozy corner with a sketchbook, a journal on your nightstand, or even a 10-minute walk outside.
2. Be Intentional With Your Time
When anxiety creeps in, it’s easy to numb out with mindless scrolling (hello, rabbit holes). Instead, try bringing awareness to how you spend your time. Even small shifts—like swapping doom-scrolling for doodling—can make a massive difference in your mental space.
3. Ask for Help (And Accept It)
Moms are notorious for doing everything solo, but we’re not meant to. Asking for help isn’t a failure; it’s a resource. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or even a therapist, reaching out for support can lighten the mental load and make space for creativity and calm.
Why Creativity Is a Game-Changer for Mom Anxiety
Bubble baths doesn’t always cut it. Creativity, on the other hand, gives you a tangible way to process emotions, express yourself, and find moments of joy.
Rachel shared that engaging in creative activities—whether it’s painting, writing, or learning something new—helps her navigate the ups and downs of motherhood.
Research backs this up: creative expression is linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and even increased resilience. So, if anxiety is creeping in, consider reaching for a paintbrush, a pen, or even a lump of clay.
Finding Peace in the Motherhood Mess
Within the motherhood chaos, there’s also space for stillness—if we allow ourselves to claim it.
By creating a circle of stillness, being intentional with our time, and asking for help when we need it, we can navigate the overwhelm with a little more ease. And through creativity, we can transform anxiety into something softer—something that fuels us instead of drains us.
So, the next time life gets too loud, take a breath.
Pick up a pen, a paintbrush, or whatever calls to you. Because sometimes, the best way to quiet the chaos is to create through it.
Ready to Explore This More?
Join the waitlist for Motherload—the program designed for busy moms who want real self-care, not just another thing to check off the list.
You deserve time for yourself, space to breathe, and support that actually helps.
