May 9th is Mother’s Day and though we cherish our moms throughout the year, this special day is May is a day that we can send a collective thank you for all that you do. Being a mom is a tiring and selfless act but the rewards are endless. In order for you to be completely healthy, you must be happy. So, just what are the secrets of happy moms?
Have you ever noticed how some moms seem to be very content and confident in their role as mothers, and others seem chronically stressed and approaching burnout? Why are some moms unflappable and able to keep their sense of humor, while others overreact to the slightest stressors in their day?
Here are a few tips to stay happy and stress-free so you can be healthy in motherhood.
1) Keep it simple
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Make things simple and easy to alleviate stress. Be the mom that grocery shops every two weeks and buys the exact same thing every time to prepare the same menu of 14 dinners. Why? You know your family’s favorite meals. Save yourself time and arguments at the dinner table. Don’t reinvent the wheel twice a month. This is just one example of keeping it simple.
2) Teach your kids to be independent
This doesn’t mean they leave them to their own devices all day. But a smart mom knows that a 4 year old can prepare his own peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and a 7 year old can sweep a floor (albeit imperfectly!). Call it “outsourcing” for Moms.
3) Drop the SuperMom complex
Not sweating the small stuff seems to be a common trait of happy moms. They learn to pick their battles. Getting buckled into a car seat? Not negotiable. Pink paisley pants with the orange plaid shirt? Fashion creativity. Happy moms also realize that being an awesome mom doesn’t mean being a perfect mom.
4) Keep in mind that “This too shall pass”
It doesn’t mean that bothersome behavior in kids should be overlooked, for discipline is a huge time saver in the end. It means that moms realize much of the uncivilized behavior of their children will simply go away on its own as the child matures. Smart moms are also keenly aware of their child’s development and don’t expect more of them than they are able to give.
5) Take care of yourself.
Put emphasis on good nutrition, avoid too much caffeine and sugar, get adequate rest, and daily exercise. You can’t pour from an empty bucket.
6) Live in the moment
Happy moms realize that the days are long but the years short. It’s not that they are impervious to stress, it’s that they have learned to lower their expectations and be in the moment when things get difficult. When your toddler is puking all over the house, this is not the time to reorganize the hall closet. A sick day then turns into a time to create sweet memories of hours spent reading and cuddling on the couch.
7) Don’t worry about what others think
Whether it’s the disapproving glare from the old lady in the checkout line or the mother in law who is convinced you’re starving the baby by breastfeeding, happy moms learn not to give too much weight to the opinions of those who don’t live in their home. In other words, trust your instincts.
9) Have “something else”
Someday your baby will leave the nest, and it’s important to make sure you have a passion that will give you purpose when that happens. It may be a part time home based business or a hobby like belly dancing but be sure to have “something else” that you enjoy.
