Find a hobby
Why are hobbies important to mothers? Because it gives us the mental stimulation we crave and need. A hobby is an outlet for our stress, worry, etc. If you feel like all you do is wipe butts and clean all day every day, you can become burnt out and resentful. Just find a hobby that can give your mind a break and take you away from the stressful areas when you need it. Start a garden, blog, scrapbook, cook, sell on ebay, learn a new language, yoga. What better time to dabble in new hobbies than now?
Get out of the house often
This one is important to keep those blues away. Whether you take a walk around the block, go to the park, just play in the backyard, or plan a family outing to a museum, bowling, mini golf, etc., just get out into the world. This one is important to my mental health. Its easy to fall into a self pity spiral but getting out of the house makes me feel like I accomplished something, and the fact that I know my kids got out of the house and experienced something, even if its just a walk, eases my mind and makes me feel like I'm not a terrible mom.
Take care of yourself
Look, a pajama day here and there is totally fine. (And if you're a new mom, this one doesn't apply to you. Do what gets you through the day!) But for the rest of you, it's so important to not get lazy with yourself! This one comes from personal experience because I spent a couple years just chillin in yoga pants or treading in my pjs and slippers, unbrushed hair and all. Trust me, people notice! And it FEELS extra crappy. Get dressed in something that makes you feel good, brush your hair, take a bath when you need to relax, go for a stroll to clear your mind, move your body, read a book, meditate, paint your nails! Whatever you do, always make sure you're taking care of yourself so that you feel good-inside and out.
Have goals
Always have goals. If you have something to look forward to, it's easier to stay motivated and moving ahead. Sometimes goals for me just looks like planning a birthday party or making a meal plan. Do you want to tackle a budget and save money? Get to work! You want to plan a trip to Hawaii? Make an action plan! You want to make a side income? Work it Woman! Whatever it may be, just always have short term and long term goals clear in your mind and have your plan that you can work on to get you closer to those goals. It makes time fly by in a positive way!
Make time for rest
Have balance and make sure you are taking time to rest. Don't feel guilty for napping or taking a day to catch up on rest. You don't have to do it all, all the time-it's not sustainable! About once a week, usually on Mondays, I take a day to just lounge in bed, binge a tv show and just relax after a long week and typically busy weekend. Surprisingly, Mondays are something I look forward to.
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