Motherhood. It’s an ever-changing journey, filled with lots of ups & downs and learning curves. Sometimes, it can be hard to see the joy in our role as moms when it feels like our tasks are so repetitive that they usually have to take priority over other more enjoyable things.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, certain habits can make the journey of motherhood smoother, more fulfilling, and ultimately, more joyful!
Here are 10 simple but key habits which empower moms to balance their personal lives while they nurture their children, so they can become happier and more productive.
1. Start the Day With a Good Routine
How you start your morning is crucial to your day, especially as a busy mom. I know it may be difficult with young kids, but I highly recommend trying to make it a priority to wake up before they do, so you have some quiet time to yourself before the hustle of the day begins.
That time of peace & quiet will set the tone for the rest of the day and absolutely change your attitude and perspective going forward. Maybe you enjoy a cup of coffee while you read your Bible, or perhaps you prefer to do some light exercises. These small acts help you wake up peacefully and prepare you mentally and physically for the day ahead.
I also recommend getting ready every day, even if you don’t have plans to go anywhere. As a busy mom, it can be hard to make yourself a priority and spend a few extra minutes doing this, but it matters! Feeling good about yourself and how you look leads to a better sense of self-worth, which increases your overall happiness.
And, I know it may sound unimportant but making your bed in the mornings can be a game changer too. Having a clean and tidy bedroom has the ability to set your mind at ease and start the day going on the right trajectory. This is such a simple and easy daily habit, but one that has a big impact.
2. Practice Gratitude
One of the best habits of happy moms is to practice gratitude. You might think keeping a gratitude journal sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference.
Every day, write down three things you’re thankful for. If you’re struggling and feeling like you don’t really enjoy being a mom, practicing daily gratitude will help so much!
Actively thinking about what’s good in your life will pull your focus away from all that may be going wrong, to the positive things, and improve your mood right away.
3. Embrace Imperfections
One of the best ways to maintain your sanity and happiness as a mom is to embrace imperfections. Accepting that life with children is inherently filled with small things that can go awry is essential.
There will be messes, noise, and unpredictable days. However, learning to accept these imperfections can reduce your stress levels and lead to a more relaxed household.
This doesn’t mean lowering your standards, but rather understanding that small changes in your expectations can lead to a much more peaceful life. Remember, you don’t need to be a perfect mom; being a mom who’s doing her best and who loves her children is what truly matters.
Embracing the chaos at times allows you to enjoy the beauty of family time without the constant pressure to control every aspect of daily life.
4. Be Flexible
A little flexibility goes a long way. Sometimes it’s good to zoom out and see the big picture, because sometimes we pick the wrong battles to fight.
Perfectionism, control, and stubbornness make a poisonous, explosive mix, so it’s good to step back a bit and see if we would actually be better off giving up on a certain rule or “right way” of doing things.
Although it may not seem like it in the moment, it’s always better to be kind than to be right. Some things won’t matter long term and insisting on them may just hurt a child’s self-worth, make you lose your self-control, and ultimately even destroy your relationship with your kids.
Keeping an eternal perspective also reminds us that whatever phase our children are in won’t last forever, and that all you’re doing now to pour into the next generation does have lasting significance.
5. Delegate Tasks
Being a mom is tricky because we are supposed to nurture our kids, help them, teach them, guide them, and protect them… but this is supposed to be temporary.
I always say that being a mom is working yourself out of a job, because as you train your children to do things by themselves, you won’t need to do it for them when they are perfectly capable.
Reasonable responsibility will give them a sense of being useful and valuable. And delegating more tasks to your children will ultimately help you feel supported, and will free up time for any other purposeful activities you’ve wanted to pursue.
6. Practice Self-Care
Because we are so focused on being productive and there’s always something on the to-do list waiting for us, we forget to embrace the act of simply taking a break once in a while and spending some well-deserved time alone.
Motherhood is demanding, and prioritizing taking care of ourselves helps us recharge and handle the stresses of parenting better. This is important also in order for you to give the best of yourself to your family.
Whether it’s something as simple as an at-home aerobics session, an uninterrupted hour of watching a TV show, scheduling a lunch with friends, or setting aside an hour each week dedicated to a hobby you enjoy, make sure you set aside plenty of moments to care for yourself as you would for others, and create the boundaries needed to enforce it.
7. Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals is the best way to manage your responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. It’s especially important for new moms who might be adjusting to the demands of parenting.
Start by jotting down a list of tasks each morning or even the night before. Prioritize the most important things—those that must get done that day—and permit yourself to move less urgent tasks to another day.
This is a healthy habit that helps you manage your daily basic tasks without setting unrealistic expectations for yourself.
Remember, parenting is hard work, and a crucial step to being a happy mom is acknowledging that you can’t do everything at once. Enough sleep and alone time are just as crucial as any other task on your list.
8. Limit Technology Use
To be a happier mom, it’s important to limit technology use in your home. Setting boundaries around screen time is vital for both parents and children. Too much screen time can detract from family interactions and reduce the quality of time you spend together.
A simple way to manage this is by designating specific times of the day as technology-free. This could mean no phones or tablets during meals, or turning off TVs and other devices an hour before bedtime.
By reducing the time spent on social media and other digital distractions, you can focus more on being in the present moment with your family members, which leads to a richer, more connected home life.
Encourage activities like reading, playing games, or going for a walk outside which can be healthy habits that replace screen time and benefit everybody’s happiness.
9. Dedicate Time for Play
Dedicating time for play is so important as a mom, not only for your children’s development but also for building a strong bond between you and your kids. Play isn’t just for kids; it’s a great way for moms to reduce stress, feel more joyful, and connect with their little ones on a deeper level.
Whether it’s building a fort in the living room, having a dance party, or playing hide and seek, these activities are simple habits that create joy and closeness.
It’s also an easy task that doesn’t require a lot of time, but makes a huge difference in your relationship with your children and helps keep everyone in a good mood.
10. Connect With Other Moms
No mom is an island and in these sometimes long & difficult days of motherhood, having a network of support is invaluable. Whether it’s for sharing tips, venting frustrations, or arranging playdates, building relationships with other moms can provide both emotional and practical support.
Building a community of other moms provides you not just with necessary social interaction, but also a chance to share experiences and receive advice that can make your daily parenting journey easier.
Through this support network, you have access to a wealth of collective knowledge and experiences, as well as emotional support from those who understand the unique challenges of motherhood.
By cultivating each of these 10 habits, you can not only improve your own well-being, but also foster a nurturing environment that encourages your children to thrive!
Watch the video here:
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.