If you want to know who the biggest multitasker in the world is, look no further than your own mother. Mamas know how to care for the house, bring home the bacon, pack lunches, spend one-on-one time with their children and their spouses, and so on, all while surfing Pinterest for the next dinner idea. “Supermom” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Parenting is stressful, especially when your busy schedule creates marital conflict or leaves you feeling exhausted. By taking care of yourself, you’re able to be the best mother, wife, domestic goddess, and hard worker possible. Here are six ways to keep your cool in the world of motherhood.
1. Enjoy Motherhood
Sometimes motherhood can become so overwhelming that you forget to have fun. It would be wrong to say being a mom shouldn’t give you anything to stress about, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
They’re only young once, so try to relish the time you have to be silly, to play, and to go on family adventures together.
It’s important for families to spend time together regularly, whether it’s for a snack-filled movie night or for one meal together at the table each day.
Family game night is a great way to reintroduce fun into your weekly routine. This time can reduce anxiety while helping you bond, communicate with your children, and get to know them better.
2. Keep a Weekly Date Night
Your spouse is your supporter, your partner in crime, and your best friend, so why aren’t you spending more time together?
You are likely exhausted by the end of the week, but studies show again and again that one of the top contributing factors to marital conflict and divorce was growing apart. Don’t let the relationship you worked so hard at fall to the bottom of your priority list. Take charge of your relationship issues by scheduling a weekly date night with your spouse.
Every Friday (or whatever day of the week works best for you), hire a babysitter and get out of the house. Plan a real date night like you used to when you were first dating. Or if you can’t find a babysitter, take the date to the bedroom by lighting candles, popping open a bottle of wine, and talking together without distractions.
Having a regular date night allows you and your spouse to connect on an emotional and physical level, to communicate, laugh, and get to know each other all over again. These things will strengthen your relationship and prevent communication problems.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Easier said than done, right? Especially when your kids are infants. However, science shows that getting enough sleep is beneficial for both your mind and body, so it’s time to start prepping for a good night’s rest.
As a mom, you know how important it is to be at the top of your health game. This is yet another reason why catching some Zzz’s is essential to happy parenting. According to a study published in the SLEEP journal, well-rested individuals will take fewer sick days than their exhausted counterparts.
4. Take Time for Yourself
In order to be the best mom possible to your children, you need to make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Before you were a wife and mother, you were a woman who had goals, friends, hobbies, and desires. Don’t let the woman you were fall by the wayside. Celebrate yourself by taking time to continue pursuing your dreams and hobbies.
Just like a good night’s rest prepares your mind and body for the day ahead, regularly scheduling in some “me time” each day or week will refresh you mentally and help you to feel rejuvenated for the tasks ahead.
Setting aside even 15 minutes a day to be alone, take a bath, read a book, exercise, listen to a podcast, or just enjoy the silence can do wonders for your spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
5. Get Organized
Motherhood makes a busy, busy life, especially if you work, whether full-time or part-time on the side. But when you’re too busy for your spouse, marital conflict is bound to happen. Help keep your life, and your marriage, feeling harmonious by staying organized.
Instead of scrambling in the morning to shower, get the kids dressed, make lunches, and kiss your sweetie goodbye, slow down, take a breath, and start prepping.
Prepping breakfasts and lunches on the weekend is a great way to get ahead of the weekly game. Buy reusable meal prep containers and take a few hours on Sunday to prepare meals for the days ahead. Make large batches of reheatable breakfasts and cold lunches to help streamline your mornings.
Organizing your week’s activities and scheduling in appropriate date nights, family time, after-school activities, and work deadlines is another way to keep you feeling prepared.
6. Practice Spousal Communication
Without your partner, you’re a lone wolf in the wild world of parenting. Props to single mothers everywhere, because it’s no easy job.
By listening to your spouse and having a healthy back-and-forth, you will not only strengthen your marriage, but also avoid misunderstandings and prevent resentment from festering.
Avoid marriage communication problems and other relationship issues by communicating honestly with your partner. Talk about any issues you may be having, talk about the kids, your work, your sex life, your stresses, what made you laugh. It doesn’t matter what it’s about, just make sure you’re talking regularly.
Stay sane by taking time for yourself, keeping a regular date night, spending time with your little ones, and accepting help whenever you can. And remember to enjoy your kids while you can – because one day, they’ll suddenly be grown up.