Being a mom is beautiful, but to tell the truth, it is much. And the day continues, and the work never stops. Breakfast to school, laundry to work, cleaning, and what appeared to be some time to go get everyone together. Seems like it is interminable. And this is why having a few simple daily habits can make so much difference. Things that will assist you in making sense of all this madness.
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva
And since now Mother’s Day is only a few short days away, it is only logical to recall that moms are supposed to have it easy, need some care, and even some love, too.
These are some of the simple habits that can indeed lighten up mom’s life.
Wake up 10 minutes earlier (just to you)
That can be tiresome, especially in cases where one is sleep-deprived. But one of the tips that can make your entire day different is waking up 10 minutes earlier than other people.
Sit quietly. Coffee or tea should be drunk when hot. Don’t rush. You do not have to do anything large. Just breathe. Such a few minutes will make you feel more in control before the day starts.
Have a little mom corner
This will be anything: a drawer, a shelf, or any small area that is purely yours.
Keep things that make you feel good:
- A book
- A journal
- A photo
Something special of your liking.
It may even be a small bit of jewelry you can use every day, such as a moissanite ring to make you remember a special moment. Not to any other–just to you.
At times, these small things make you feel like yourself again.
Keep mornings simple
Mornings are fast becoming stressful. A little trick is to make decisions the previous night.
- Prepare clothes to dress yourself and the children.
- Pack school bags
- Plan breakfast
This saves time and morning quarrels. Easy decisions = reduced stress.
Have an afternoon reset moment
Afternoons are heavy. Kids are tired. You’re tired. The house is dishevelled once again.
Choose one little reset habit:
- Make a cup of tea
- Sit for 5 minutes
- Open a window and get some fresh air
You do not have to take a complete break. Just a pause. It allows you to re-energise before the evening rush.
Clean, not fully clean in 15 minutes
Rather than attempting to clean the entire house, have a timer for 15 minutes.
That’s it.
Wash as much as you can within that period and then halt when the timer runs out. This makes things manageable. It also gets rid of the pressure to be perfect. A home is a home that is lived in.
No guilt
Not everything needs to be done. Not all requests require a yes.
It’s okay to say:
- “Not today.”
- “I need a break.”
- Tomorrow I will do it.
You are not a machine. Caring about your family also includes taking care of your energy.
Make morning slower
Evenings do not necessarily need to be in a hurry.
In the evening, endeavour to make things slow:
- Take a seat together for a few minutes.
- Talk about the day
- Laugh a little
You do not have to have big plans. It is just a matter of being together. These are the events that young ones recall.
Have one thing to thyself
This is important.
Take time every day, no matter how small the act, to do something just for you. It could be:
- Listening to music
- Viewing a short program.
- Taking care of your skin
- Something which looks good on you
Even a basic chore like putting on a lab-created diamond ring can be anything unique.
Release the hold on perfect
This one is a tough one, but it makes everything different.
- The home will not be clean all the time.
- The children will not listen all the time.
- You won’t always get it right.
And that’s okay.
It is not necessary to be a good mom to be a perfect one. It translates to showing up and doing your best and loving your family.
Receive assistance (even a little assistance)
When somebody assists, accept it.
- Allow your partner to do dinner occasionally.
- Allow the children to take part in minor tasks.
- Allow a friend to intervene.
You don’t have to do everything alone.
A little reminder of this Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is not all about presents and grand plans. It is about seeing moms. Appreciating them. Letting them rest. This is to remind you, moms: You are doing well. You are enough.
And in case you know somebody who loves a mom, perhaps you can bring her something that is basic, yet significant. Not loud or excessive. Something to say, I see you. Even a small, gentle gift that she can carry with her, even an eloquent reminder of love that she can carry with her daily, may serve as that sometimes, even.
Mom’s life will never be dull at the end of the day. That won’t change. However, it can be somewhat more gentle with a couple of routine exercises. A little calmer. A trifle more yours.
And that is all the difference.