Motherhood, Multitasking, and Mindfulness

Mothers are master multi-taskers. But is this an evolutionary superpower, or simply a result of society’s overreliance on caretakers’ invisible labor? In this intensive era of parenting, too many parents are doing too much without systemic support in place, including but not limited to adequate federal leave policies and access to affordable childcare as well as perinatal and mental health treatment. Inevitably, the endless demand and constant overstimulation leads to caregiver burnout, mom rage, or physical ailments.

My work is dedicated to helping new and expecting parents move that heavy pendulum from surviving to thriving. And my mental health “hack” as a perinatal art therapist and working mom of 2 is this: focus on the quality of how you are spending your time to reclaim some peace of mind. Find a way to practice mindfulness that works for you and your lifestyle. Mindfulness is the antithesis of multitasking because it entails complete presence in the “here and now.” But how do we stay mindful when there’s so much to do??

My mindful moments come in the form of being relational, embodied, or creative. For example, when I’m in session with a client or even meeting with a close friend, I am completely honed in on our conversation and relationship at the moment. I am fully and wholeheartedly with them. When I’m running or dancing, I am completely in my body and following the music. And when I find a creative flow, I am transported to a different time zone where nothing else exists. These experiences feel nurturing and restorative, so that I am able to carry on from a place of abundance rather than deprivation. Can you find the areas of your life where you feel fully engaged and lean into them to cultivate a mindfulness practice of your own?

Post by Sharon Itkoff Nacache ATR-BC LCAT LPAT PMH-C