The day to day pressures of a busy family life can consume the mental and physical energy of even the most steadfast mother. We all strive to be the type of mother who dons a superhero cape and strides through the many challenges of modern motherhood with confidence. But, super powers and magic capes are not required. You can you find peace of mind to be the mother you want to be amidst the hustle and bustle.
The secret to being happy in motherhood is to look for the joy and trust that you know what you are doing. Here are seven ideas to help you sail through the small but significant day-to-day acts of being a mom:
1 Overcommitting…resist the temptation
One of the hardest challenges you will face as a mother is balancing all of the people, activities, and responsibilities competing for your attention. Take a moment to reflect on your priorities and resist the temptation to overcommit yourself or your children. When you do commit, make sure you can do it with an open heart. Life’s too short to spend time and energy on commitments that take you away from those you love.
2 Make time for yourself…you can do it!
As moms, we spend a lot of time taking care of others: our kids, parents, spouses, friends and colleagues. Somewhere in that 24-hour period, find some time for yourself, even 15 minutes can make a huge difference. Figure out what makes you feel like you and set aside time every day for it. Maybe it’s taking a walk or just getting outside. Taking photographs. A quick read or a few yoga stretches. It doesn’t matter what it is … just as long as it contributes to your overall health and happiness.
3 Focus on the people around you
The way your toddler hugs you when you make her laugh will live with you forever … if you are truly there for the experience. With the distractions presented by technology, work, social media or even a television that is always left on, it can be difficult to live in the moment. Finding space in your life to remove distractions will open up opportunities and experiences in motherhood you would otherwise not find.
4 Ask for help
There will be a time or two or three or 10 as a mother that you’ll need help. Asking for help doesn’t make you a bad mother. In fact, it makes you a better one. Asking for help demonstrates the power of family and friendship to your children. They learn that other adults care about them and your family … and that as adults, they may be called upon to assist others.
5 Don’t believe everything you see on social media
By scrolling through your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram feeds you might get the idea every one of your friends is living an idyllic, stress-free life with brilliant children, adoring spouses, and more money than they can spend. We all know this cannot be true. Take what you read and see on social media platforms with a grain of salt. No one’s life is as perfect as it appears on social media. Social media is a great way to stay connected but remember not to let it become a measuring stick.
6 Nurture friendships
Carve out time in your life to nurture your friendships and even make new ones. Connections bring fulfillment into our lives. The more fulfilled and connected you are as an adult the more energy and focus you bring to your role as mother. Your children see through your actions that friendships are a valuable part of a happy and meaningful life. In fact, it’s amazing what friendships can do for your mental and physical health.
7 Recognize when stress is becoming too much.
Being a mother is truly one of the most challenging jobs you’ll ever do. There will be highs and lows. Times you feel like you are at the top of the world and times you feel like caught in a landslide. If you feel anxious, paralyzed, trapped or depressed most of the time, seeking professional help can provide you will the skills to be the mother you want to be. The therapists at New Vista work with individuals and families to provide counseling for stress and depression, to bi-polar disorder. We create a plan to help clients achieve their fullest potential.
New Vista is a non-profit organization that has been serving children, adults and families in 17 central Kentucky counties since 1966. For questions, support and more information please call our 24-Hour Helpline at 1.800.928.8000. We are New Vista. We can help.
