August is a traditionally slower month, a time of vacation and recuperation and, if we’re being honest, trying to keep it together before the school year begins. It’s also a good time to assess, and take some time to care for, your own mental health. Just as our muscles become fatigued from a hard workout, our brain can also reach a point of fatigue. Although what causes someone to hit this wall varies from person to person, common causes include “being in a lot of situations that require us to be responsible, to be present for others, or that bring up a lot of emotions.”

That sounds a lot like what a parent faces on any given day, doesn’t it?

Mental exhaustion takes a toll. It messes with your sleep and mood, makes you less patient, and could increase unhealthy coping mechanisms. What helps: Learning the common signs, and recognizing when you need to recalibrate. That self-awareness and adaptation are great lessons to demonstrate for our kids, too.