Are You Running on Empty... Quite Literally?
We throw around the phrase “running on empty” like a badge of honour… half-laughing, half-exhausted. But what if it’s more than just a feeling? For many mothers, burnout isn’t just emotional, it’s physiological. Depleted vitamins, unbalanced hormones, and chronic stress can leave your tank truly empty. And yet, we’re expected to keep going like it’s all in our heads. It’s time to talk about the real reasons behind your exhaustion and why your body might be waving a red flag.
Burnout, depleted vitamins, and why it's not just in your head.
We say we’re “running on empty” all the time.
Usually half-joking. Usually while holding a half-drunk coffee, wiping a high chair, and Googling “is it wrong to feel tired all the time?”
But here’s the thing: you might actually be running on empty—physically, chemically, and emotionally.
And we don’t talk about that enough.
Let’s talk about maternal burnout
(And no, it can’t be fixed with a bubble bath)
Burnout isn’t just being tired.
It’s chronic stress that’s left unaddressed—emotionally, mentally and biologically. It builds up slowly and silently, until your baseline becomes foggy, snappy, exhausted and maybe even detached from the people you love most.
According to the World Health Organization, burnout is now recognised as a legitimate health condition. And for mothers—especially stay-at-home mums or those in the mental load trenches—it’s practically epidemic.
A 2023 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that maternal burnout affects at least 40% of mothers, with many experiencing signs of depression, anxiety, or physical fatigue they can’t explain.
What does ‘empty’ actually look like?
Spoiler: It’s not just emotional
When we say “running on empty,” it might not just be a feeling—it might be a fact.
There are a few key deficiencies that show up often in mums including:
Iron Deficiency (Anemia)
Low Vitamin B12
Vitamin D Deficiency
Magnesium Depletion
Cortisol Imbalance
If you’ve been telling yourself “I’m just tired” for months (or years), it might be time to explore whether burnout has a biological root.
Mother Brand does not offer nutritional advice however we do have trusted nutritionists who we can refer clients to if necessary.
How We Keep Burnout at Bay
(Or at least try to)
Let’s be honest—we don’t always get it right. But here are some small shifts that help us stay out of total depletion mode.
1. Get Blood Work Done
Not glamorous. But genuinely empowering. Ask your GP or private provider for a full health check including blood tests to rule out any issues - especially relating to iron stores, thyroid function and cortisol.
2. Eat Like You Matter
You pack snacks and make meals for everyone else - so remember that you need this level of care too. It’s the least you deserve. Your dinner each evening should not just consist of the children’s leftovers.
Also: drink water. Carry a bottle with you, just like you make sure your children do.
3. One Supplement, Not Ten
Over-supplementing can be just unhelpful and expensive. A high-quality multivitamin for women, tailored to motherhood or postnatal needs, is a good starting point. Always check with a GP or specialist if you need guidance.
4. Nervous System Regulation
We know this phrase gets tossed around a lot but the basis of it is really key. Aim to implement simple things like this into your days:
10 minutes outside with no phone
Deep belly breathing
Cold water on your face
Saying “no” to just one extra task this week
5. Ask For Help (Before You Break)
Whether it’s hiring a cleaner, sharing the mental load, or finally booking that free discovery call for coaching—you are allowed to get support. You were never meant to carry all of this alone.
Let’s Stop Calling It Normal
If you’re exhausted, disconnected, and constantly overwhelmed—it’s not “just motherhood.” It might be burnout. Or nutrient depletion. Or both.
And you deserve to feel better.
Want to refill your cup?
Start with us. Book a free discovery call and let’s talk about how coaching could help you reset your energy, rebuild your rhythm, and feel more like you again.
You’re not lazy. You’re not failing.
You might just be… empty.
Let’s refill.
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