Have you ever felt like you’re caught in a never-ending cycle of hustle — constantly juggling work, family life, and a never-ending to-do list? As moms, we often feel this pressure to “do it all,” but what happens when we just can’t keep up anymore? For a long time, I was stuck in this cycle, believing that I had to keep pushing and doing more, even at the expense of my well-being. Recently, though, I decided it was time to press pause. I made the decision to take a sabbatical from my online business to focus on what truly matters: my faith, my family, and my mental health.
It hasn’t been an easy decision, and I won’t lie — there’s been guilt. Guilt that I’m not doing enough, guilt that I’m stepping away from something I’ve worked so hard to build. But over these past few weeks, I’ve come to realize that slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. Instead, it’s been about realigning my priorities and finding peace in letting go of things that add more stress than joy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the need to do it all, this post is for you. I want to share my journey of learning to do less, embrace rest, and choose what truly matters.
The Pressure to Hustle and the Guilt of Slowing Down
Society pushes us to “do it all” — juggling kids, careers, and everything in between. As moms, the pressure can be intense, making the idea of slowing down feel like failure. When I first thought about stepping back, the guilt hit hard.
Messages poured in from people who had followed my journey, asking me not to give up because my content had been a blessing in their tough times. I felt grateful but also guilty, like I was letting them down. The hardest part was explaining it to my 8-year-old daughter, who admired seeing me on TV and leading a community. She asked why I was quitting, and I had to tell her that I wasn’t giving up but was focusing on what truly matters right now. It was a tough conversation, but an important one.
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The guilt was real, but I found comfort in knowing that letting go of some things allowed me to hold tighter to what was most important. I can be more present for my girls and support my husband in a critical time for his business and ministry. Letting go of certain tasks has helped me realign my energy toward what truly matters for my family, making the guilt easier to manage.
The Benefits of Prioritizing Family and Mental Health
Choosing to focus on family and mental health over hustle wasn’t just a choice — it was essential. Living with bipolar disorder has taught me that if I neglect my mental health, I’m also neglecting my family. After reaching stability, I couldn’t afford to compromise that by chasing hustle.
Honestly, the first couple of weeks of my sabbatical were all about resting. I finally allowed myself to truly unwind, guilt-free. Beyond that, I’ve found joy in the small, everyday moments with my daughters — coloring, dancing, and just playing together. I’ve also appreciated the time to reconnect with my husband through deeper conversations that we’d been missing.
Since stepping back, I’ve noticed a slower, calmer rhythm in our home. I feel more at peace, my mind is clearer, and the overall atmosphere feels lighter. By letting go of the hustle, I’ve made space for what truly matters — a healthier mindset and stronger family connections.
Embracing Peace Over Hustle: Practical Tips for Moms
In choosing to step back, I’ve realized that peace isn’t something that just happens — it’s something we create through intentional choices. For me, the peace that’s come from letting go of unnecessary stress has been life-changing. But I know that this kind of shift doesn’t always come easily, especially when the demands of motherhood never seem to stop. Here are some practical tips that have helped me, and hopefully, they’ll offer you some support too:
1. Set clear boundaries. Whether it’s with work, social commitments, or even your kids’ extracurricular activities, knowing when to say “no” helps prevent burnout. Protect your time and energy by prioritizing what truly matters.
2. Be intentional with your time. Instead of packing your schedule, try simplifying it. Focus on what’s most important and let go of the rest. The extra space allows you to be more present with your family and yourself.
3. Simplify your self-care. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Something as simple as taking a 10-minute break to breathe, decompress, or even sit in silence can make a big difference.
4. Limit distractions. Reducing time spent on social media and other digital distractions can free up your mind and allow for more meaningful connections with those around you.
5. Prioritize rest. Don’t underestimate the power of rest. Sometimes the best way to “do it all” is to recognize when you need to do nothing at all.
By embracing these simple strategies, I’ve found more clarity, balance, and peace in my daily life. Letting go of hustle culture has given me the freedom to focus on what’s most important — my mental health and the relationships that truly matter.
If you’re feeling the weight of doing it all, remember that it’s okay to step back. Prioritizing your family and well-being isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s an act of strength and courage. Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what we need to rediscover what truly matters and to show up as the best version of ourselves for those we love most. Don’t be afraid to choose peace over pressure; your well-being and your family’s happiness are worth it.
About the Author
Alexandria Smith is a Women’s Wellness Advocate and Educator, and the founder of Mom, Wife, Worship Life. As a Jacksonville native, former public school educator, and a devoted wife and mom to Alia and Mia, she understands the intricate balance of motherhood, marriage, and mental wellness.
Her journey, marked by faith and resilience in the face of chronic mental illness, inspires her to empower other moms. Through her platform, she shares insights, experiences, and resources that help moms and wives to embrace self-care and find strength in their roles. Join her on a journey of not just surviving, but thriving, by becoming a part of the vibrant Mom, Wife, Worship Life community on Instagram @momwifeworshiplife.
