As a stay at home mom, it’s important to create healthy habits to bring happiness. When I first became a stay at home mom, I didn’t know what would bring me happiness. I was overwhelmed with all the tasks as a stay at home mom. The first habit that brought me happiness was waking up before my kids. I was not a morning person so initially I felt like waking up extra early would make me grumpy. However, that was the best decision I made that helped bring me happiness at the start of my day. I’m sharing 8 habits that have helped me find a lot of joy in being a stay at home mom. Every day is not perfect, but these habits have helped so much. So here are 8 habits of a happy stay at home mom.
Gets dressed
One of the benefits of being a stay at home mom is that you can wear whatever you want. Every season, I buy myself several new outfits. I love matching loungewear sets or activewear sets because they are comfortable. I always wake up before my kids to allow myself time to take a shower and get dressed. This simple task brings me happiness at the start of my day. Getting dressed makes you feel good and usually puts you in a better mood.
Wakes up Before Kids
I will admit that some days, it can be a struggle to wake up before my kids. But waking up before my kids is so important. I noticed that on the days when I don’t wake up before my kids, I’m usually not in a good mood. I feel very rushed and overwhelmed. So I set my alarm clock at least an hour before my kids wake up.
Mom Tip: If you have kids that wake up extremely early, try to find independent activities they can do in their room. Set the expectation that if they wake up before a certain time they have the option to do certain independent activities.
Morning Routine
I speak about the importance of a good morning routine that works for you. When I first became a stay at home home, I didn’t have a morning routine. I would wake up and I instantly felt overwhelmed. Then I made some changes and created a morning routine that I loved. Waking up before my kids to journal, pray, and sip on my tea in peace and quiet always brings me joy.
Give Yourself Grace
As a stay at home mom, we have so many responsibilities from taking care of the kids, keeping the home clean and organized, and so much more. It’s important to give yourself grace and tell yourself that you’re doing a good job. It has helped me to write down things I’m grateful for as a stay at home mom. Also, writing down my top 3 tasks for the day is so helpful. I try not to overwhelm myself with a long to-do list. I simply write out the top 3 things I need to do for the day. If it doesn’t get done, then I do it the next day. Remember to give yourself grace in every season.
Asks for Help/Hire Help
After having my second child I became very comfortable with asking for help. I know sometimes moms don’t ask for help because we think we can do it all. But it’s important to ask for help before we get overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to ask your spouse, family or friends for help. If your budget allows, you can also hire help. Some ways that you can hire help is getting a nanny, having someone come clean your home, or maybe getting meal delivery services. As a stay at home mom, don’t feel obligated to do everything. If it’s causing you too much stress, find ways to get some assistance.
A Village
Having a village/tribe of other stay at home moms has brought me so much happiness. It’s important to have people in your circle that can relate to you as a stay at home mom. I also love that I can have playdates for my kids with other stay at home moms. Just being able to vent about all the things we go through as a mom to someone that can relate is a great way to bond. I have also created a village of stay at home moms where we help each other. Some days, I will help another mom-friend get her child off the bus. Or one of my mom-friends might watch my kids for an hour while I do some grocery shopping. It’s a good feeling to know you have a village that supports you and you support them.
Routine for Kids
As a former teacher, it’s important for kids to have a good daily routine. Having your kids at home with you can definitely be overwhelming. You can create a simple daily routine filled with activities, play dates, and field trips. There are lots of free resources out there for kids. Also, I typically plan out my weekly activities on Sunday. This helps so I have a productive week.
Me Time
Being a stay at home mom is a full time job. Some research shows that it can be equivalent to multiple jobs. That’s why it’s going to be important for you to make yourself a priority. Having “me time” will look different for everyone. The morning time is when I like to have my me time. I get to journal, drink my tea, and relax in peace. I also schedule a spa day at least once a month. Having your me time is something you can speak with your spouse or family to find ways you can work it into your schedule.
I hope these habits of a happy stay at home mom were helpful! Remember to give yourself grace as you navigate how to be the best version of yourself. Also, check out Why I Love Being a Stay at Home Mom.
XO,
Ashley
