I posted a reel about this, but I thought it deserved a full blog post, too. These 5 habits have made me a happier, more fulfilled, and all-around better mom. Hopefully you can incorporate a few (or all) of these habits and see for yourself what a difference they make for you and your family!
1. Making sure I'm eating enough
I don’t know about you, but oftentimes I get so caught up in my to-do list and taking care of my babies that I forget to nourish myself. I’m not talking eating my toddlers leftovers, either (if you’re a parent, you probably get it). Making sure that I am getting the proper amount of calories (particularly important if you’re breastfeeding, like I am) has been so transformative for my physical and mental health! When I’m feeling irritable for no real reason, I almost always just need something to eat to turn my mood around. Making sure we’ve got snacks I can eat with one hand (because, again, breastfeeding) – string cheese, fruit, granola bars, muffins, hard boiled eggs, just to name a few – is key for me in this season.
2. Waking up before my kids
I fought this one for the longest time, because I LOVE my sleep. Don’t get me wrong, there are still days when I wake up to my daughter calling for me on the baby monitor, or my son crying and needing to nurse, BUT, that’s no longer my “normal”. I try to wake up at least 30 minutes before my kids, so that I’m able to brush my teeth and put my contacts in, do my morning skincare routine, and get dressed for the day. I am a stay at home mom, so my version of “getting ready for the day” varies and is oftentimes just jeans and a shirt I don’t mind getting covered in spit up, flour, and who knows what else. I very much see my role as a mother and homemaker as my job, and because of that think I should, to some extent, get ready for my work day. If my babies are still sleeping after I’m done getting ready, I’ll grab a bite to eat, start coffee, and maybe throw a load of laundry in the washer. Starting my day off on my own terms has made a HUGE difference in how the rest of my day goes.
3. Getting outside
Is there anything that fresh air and sunshine can’t fix? Kidding (sort of). I make a conscious effort to get me and my kids outside for at least 30 minutes a day. Being outside transforms my kids’ moods just as much as it does mine. Even if the sun isn’t shining, I try to spend some time on our covered front porch. If I can combine fresh air with some movement (a hike, walk, or jumping on the trampoline with my toddler), even better!
4. Spending time with God
Whether it’s prayer, reading God’s Word, or worship, spending time with Him has such a significant impact on my day. Does everything go right on the days I read my Bible? Absolutely not. BUT, because I have been reminded of His truths, I am better able to deal with disappointment, frustration, etc. I also have a totally different perspective of God as our Heavenly Father now that I am a parent. The way he loves me helps me to love my children better.
5. Doing things I enjoy
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” While my husband is very good about giving me a couple hours to myself when I ask for it, it usually only happens once a month or so. Because our kids are so little (2 years and 6 months), I often have to find ways to “fill my cup” with them in my arms or at my feet. They’re in the kitchen with me while I’m making sourdough bread or chocolate chip cookies, they’re outside with me while I’m tending to the garden, they’re in the backseat while I listen to my favorite podcast or the latest audiobook I’ve “checked out” on Libby. Filling my own cup allows me to be able to pour more freely into my family.
I’d love to know which of these habits resonated with you, or habits that you implement that make you a better mom! Feel free to comment on this post or shoot me an email to continue this conversation and lift each other up in this wild journey that is motherhood.