Feeling a little bit, oh, I dunno, drained? It happens. Just as our muscles become fatigued from a tough workout, our brain can also reach a point of fatigue. Although what causes us 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.” Sounds a lot like what a parent faces on any given day, wouldn’t you say?

Mental exhaustion shouldn’t be ignored. It takes a significant toll. It messes with your sleep and mood, makes you less patient, and could increase unhealthy coping mechanisms. What helps: Learning the common signs, recognizing when you need to recalibrate, and learning what works best for you. That self-awareness and adaptation are great lessons to demonstrate for our kids, too.