5 Daily Practices to Be a Happy Mom
I don’t need to remind you how rough 2020 was on us! Through this time in quarantine, I have been able to reevaluate my priorities, self-identity, and personal growth goals. I realized my body and mind were driving 75mph in a 25mph zone. I was never fully present, always multi-tasking, and taking many things for granted. It was as if I became a robot, living my life on auto-pilot between work and home. I developed a habit of putting my personal, emotional, and mental health needs on the backburner. I put some effort into putting myself first, but that didn’t last long.
Then, motherhood came and my needs once again became completely ignored. I had a house to clean, a dog to entertain, a husband to care for, all while having a baby attached to my boob at all times! How on Earth could I possibly think about myself?!
It didn’t take long until I turned into an depressed and angry MOM-BIE (mom zombie). Sure, there were plenty of added factors to aid into my madness. I was recovering from labor, sleep deprived, emotional, and let’s be honest when was there time to shower. I was slowing turning to the Dark Side and becoming a female version of Darth Vador! Trust me, you didn’t want to stand in my way! Where was my joy for motherhood?
You see Mama, if you don’t take care of your needs, it’s very hard to take care of your baby. Your baby can sense all the negative energy and stress you are radiating from your body.
Here are some quick and easy changes to my daily life that changed me from my MOM-BIE ways!
Actions to Make Time for EVERY DAY
1. Do something that brings you happiness.
Take some time today to sit down and reflect on what brings you joy. Make a list of at least 10 things that bring you happiness that don’t include electronics. Keep that list somewhere you can see it everyday. Make it a goal to do something on that list for at least 15 minutes a day! This doesn’t need to be anything crazy. It can be as simple as enjoying your coffee on the patio or shaking your booty to your favorite song in the shower! If you can do this Mama, you are WINNING!
Mama, you deserve happiness and sanity!
2. Reading
Find some amazing books to read! Books about motherhood, novels, literally anything! Check out my favorite books on motherhood here!
Don’t feel like you have time or want to put the effort into a book? Check out a podcast! My favorite podcast is currently, “Mom is in Control” by Heather Chauvin
3. Unplug and engage
Spend time with your family! After a long day of working, it’s important to be present in the moment. Don’t get sucked into a worm hole. Life is happening right in front of you. Play with your baby/babies. Hug your loved ones. It will be a much more pleasant experience than getting caught up on your Insta feed. Need a change of scenery? Take your family on a nature walk outside.
4. Exercise
I know it sounds crazy, but my body feels much more energized when I’ve had some movement to get my heart pumpin’. Finding time or motivation to workout is difficult. I love workouts that are FREE and FUN! Check out Caroline Girvan’s workout channel! There are videos for no equipment, varied levels of difficulty, and workout times ranging from 8-60 minutes!
5. Mama Mantras
Remind yourself everyday that you are an amazing mama! Here are my daily mantras that keep me going, even on my worst days!
Give yourself grace!
Mama, just as your baby is learning and growing everyday- you are too! Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support. Whatever you do Mama, don’t go through this alone! The mom-munity (mom community) is so huge! To all my mamas out there, I challenge you to reach out to any new mamas or soon to be mamas. Let them know you will be there for them! Let’s keep this positivity going! Let’s grow a mama tribe where we embrace the chaos and applaud our failures!
We are NACHO PERFECT MAMAS!
