The Autism Mom’s Reset: Recharging After the Holiday Hustle

Thriving Moms of Autistics

Hi Moms! The holidays have come and gone, but the dust has yet to settle. Autistic children often take a little more time to get back into the swing of things.

There are the challenges of sensory overload, schedule changes, and family gatherings.

You might feel like your cup is empty and you have no more to give right about now. It’s time to fill that cup back up!

In this episode, I explore ways to reset and recharge your batteries. There is a New Year around the corner after all! And the best is yet to come.

Find the full transcript for this episode at www.thrivingmomsofautistics.com/60

Please share the podcast with other moms to help them grow in their autism journey. You can also do this by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. I appreciate you!

The Autism Moms Post Holiday Slump

Are you lacking that holiday glow right now? The joy of giving and receiving often brings increased endorphins until you have to switch gears and help with the sensory overload and meltdowns.

It’s enough to give you whiplash. It can feel like you are up, down, and all around or in fight or flight mode. It is never boring and keeps you on your toes.

It is hard to wind down from that. Your cortisol is all over the place!

You might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or feeling some guilt. Your schedule and your child’s schedule are out of whack. Your self-care practices are no where to be found.

How Moms of Autistics Can Transition and Recharge After the Aftermath of the Holiday Season

It’s time to make your well-being a priority again! I have some mom hacks for busy moms to make that happen!

1. Offer a Confident “No” - No one can do it all. It is okay to say no. You can do so kindly and firmly. Consider delegating tasks or not going to that additional get together.
2. Get Moving - take a moment to stretch your body by starting with your head and ending with your toes. It will help relax those muscles.

If possible, walk around the block to get some fresh air, have a dance off with the kids while you’re putting the dishes away, or do 10-15 minutes of yoga.

1. Bring Your Body Back to Homeostasis – Do a mini meditation using a calming app or simply breathing in for 4, hold for 4, out for 5, hold again for 4, and repeat. This is the 4x4x5x4 method.
2. Create a Sensory Sanctuary – You can do this by dimming the lights, putting on a soft sweater or PJ’s, using essential oils, or putting on some soothing music.
3. Connect with Others Who Get Autism – This can be as simple as texting someone or grabbing a virtual coffee with an online support group.

Or you can listen to your favorite podcast. Hope is powerful! My goal is to offer you some hope in your journey and ways to lighten your load.

I am so excited for the New Year and believe that 2024 is going to be great! It won’t be without ups and downs, but if you’re willing, you will experience amazing changes for the better.

I am going to leave it here because it’s time for me to light a candle, put on some soothing music, and do some yoga while my son is in bed. You have to get it in when you can!

Looking forward to our time together next week!