Why Motherhood Feels So Loud (And How I’m Learning to Turn Down the Noise) | South Florida Photo and Video
If you’ve been a mom for more than… let’s say… 24 hours, you already know: Motherhood is LOUD.
There’s the obvious stuff: toys crashing to the floor, little voices yelling “MOM! MOM! MOM!”, the baby crying while the toddler sings the Paw Patrol theme song at full volume (on repeat).
And then… even when the house finally goes quiet… your brain isn’t.
It’s still running through the to-do list, checking the clock for the next appointment, wondering if you left the wet laundry sitting too long (again).
The noise doesn’t stop just because the kids do.
The Invisible Noise We Carry: A South Florida Motherhood Photographer & Videographer Perspective
Some days, it feels like my brain is a browser with 47 tabs open, all playing music at the same time.
That’s the mental load.
It’s the invisible list we carry from the second we wake up until the moment we collapse into bed, only to lay there wide awake, remembering that we forgot to order more stuff on Amazon.
And when your brain’s overloaded like that, even normal sounds start to feel… too much.
Like when your toddler’s asking for a snack, and it feels just as urgent (and stressful) as a work deadline.
That’s not you being dramatic. That’s your brain saying: “I’m maxed out.”
How I Hit Pause on the Noise (Even When I Can’t Escape)
One thing that helps me when I’m mentally spinning:
I do a quick “brain dump.” Grab a notebook or open my Notes app and just spill it all out. Everything circling in my head:
Pediatrician appointment
Grocery list
That birthday gift I still haven’t ordered
Once it’s written down, it’s like telling my brain: “You don’t have to hold this right now.”
Then I pick ONE thing to tackle first. Not five. Not ten. Just one.
Even if that “one thing” is setting a reminder for tomorrow. Because even a tiny reset gives my brain a little breathing room.
When It’s Not Just Mental… It’s Sensory Overload
Let’s be real: Babies and children are walking, talking sensory explosions.
They climb on you. They shout next to your ear. They make a mess in your house… while yelling.
Some days, I swear if one more person touches me, asks me something, or makes a loud noise, I’ll just… burst.
That’s sensory overload.
It’s your nervous system waving a white flag.
And no, this doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom or “not cut out for this.” It means you’re human.
Little Resets That Actually Work (And Don’t Take an Hour You Don’t Have)
Here’s what I’ve been trying when I feel like I’m on the edge:
The Two-Minute Escape: Step outside. Close your eyes. Breathe deep. Even if the kids follow you to the door, the fresh air still helps.
Turn Your Back to the Noise: Literally. Face a wall for a second. Take a sip of cold water. Rub your hands together. Give your brain something else to focus on for just 30 seconds.
Say It Out Loud: “I need one quiet minute.” You’re allowed to say it. Your kids might not love it but they’ll survive.
Soothing Background Noise: When the house feels like a circus, I put on soft instrumental music. It helps cancel out the chaos without making things louder.
Shake It Out: Stand up. Shake your hands, your arms, your legs. Yes, you’ll look ridiculous. Yes, it helps.
And here’s a weird one… but it works for me:
If I’m really on sensory overload, I’ll grab an ice cube and hold it for a few seconds. The cold snaps my brain out of panic mode fast.
You’re Not Alone in This
If you’ve ever hidden in the pantry for 30 seconds of peace, or sat in your parked car for an extra minute before going inside, same here!
This season is loud.
But we’re allowed to pause.
We’re allowed to protect our peace.
And most of all: we’re allowed to admit when it’s all a bit too much.
You’ve got this.
And if no one’s told you today:
You’re doing an amazing job.