Being a mother is not something that you can do part time. It’s a full time job that requires endless energy, patience, and love and while it’s incredibly rewarding, it can also make you lose yourself.
From managing school runs and meal prep to dealing with tantrums and sleepless nights and worries, it’s no wonder so many mothers feel like they’re running on empty. While you’re busy pouring into the cup of everybody else, you have to be pouring into your own, too.
But fear not! Keep your sanity as a mother is entirely possible and we’ve got some practical ways that you can stay grounded below.
Here Are Some Easy Ways:
- To keep your sanity as a mother, it’s crucial to prioritize time for yourself, even when it feels impossible amidst the demands of children, housework, and potentially a full-time job. But one of the things to remember is that as a parent, it’s OK to take a break and you should be encouraged. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee while the kids are napping or sneaking in a 20 minute window of reading time, carving out time for yourself is going to keep you sane. If you’re looking to add a little bit of structure to your self care routine, consider getting active. Turning that Pilates hobby of yours into a business can also help you to work around the kids, so why not sign up for a Pilates instructor certification? Not only will you be doing something for yourself, but you’ll get the opportunity to help others.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out a hand. There is no such thing as a perfect parent. If you need help, reach out that hand and ask for it. Enlisting your partner to take your kids to the park for an hour to give you some breathing space, or asking a family member or a friend to watch them so you can run errands alone, makes a big difference to how happy you feel. Leaning on others is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to do everything yourself when there are others willing to help. You need to create a network of support and it’s essential so that you can stay sane.
- One crucial way to keep your sanity as a mother is to embrace laughter. Parenthood is filled with moments that will make you laugh, often unexpectedly. Your kids are going to do silly and funny things that make you giggle, you’re going to share that moment with your partner where you both look at each other and wonder what the heck you got yourselves into. Whether it’s a mispronunciation of a word or a funny parenting meme, or simply the chaos of daily life, you need to laugh so that you can maintain that lighthearted perspective.
- Don’t sit still. We know, it’s pretty impossible to sit still when you’re a mother anyway! Physical activity is great for your body, which is why we talked about that Pilates hobby of yours earlier on. If exercise can help you to release endorphins, then you should try and fit in as many walks and exercises you can. Get the kids involved by chasing them around the pot or going to a soft play centre climbing up the tunnels and slides with them. It makes all the difference to how you feel within yourself and that can really help to curb that insanity that creeps in from time to time.
