Emotional Wellness Mary Symmes is the founder of Self Investment Strategies and a life coach devoted to the empowerment of working women. Mary is also a clinical social worker in Alexandria, Va. Visit her Web site at SelfInvestmentStrategies.com Working Mom Stress Question: Lately I've been feeling unmotivated and tired at work and even at home. I've been working 40+ hour weeks and also have two toddlers. Any advice for handling the working mom stress and burnout issues? I just feel like I can never get ahead in the amount of things I need to do both at home and at work. Lynne Answer: Lynne, the easy answer is that you need more help and need to let go of some jobs. The hard answer is that you probably need to change some of your attitudes and expectations. What do I mean? I mean that it would be useful to look at a lot of things, the most important of which are: 1. Do I let other people impose on me (do I have trouble saying no)? 2. Are my standards too high for life with toddlers? (Do I expect my house to be clean and neat, the kids always clean and well dressed, and a balanced meal on the table every night?) 3. Is my mate or partner shouldering 50% of the load? If not, why not? 4. Do I take care of myself? Do I get enough sleep, exercise, good food, and fun? As you think about these questions, see if there are things that you can change about your life's work-load. And if you find yourself either not seeing any potential for changes or afraid to rock the boat and ask for changes, then I suggest you talk to a counselor to find out why. We all get trapped in boxes we can't get out of now and then. Any woman with the workload you have is going to be tired and at times even overwhelmed, but it sounds like you have reached your limit and may be moving into a mild depression. Work on some changes before you start feeling even worse. The life you save may be your own! Other Recent Questions: I just started a business, and I can't stop worrying I'm worried that my husband may be having an affair. How can I find out? Ask Mary your questions The above is for general information only and is not intended to substitute for professional mental health treatment. Individuals should consult licensed professionals as needed.