As a mother, I don’t think I am alone in feeling that some days we just try to survive. There are also days when we excel at being super moms.
It’s getting a bit overwhelming with all that’s going on in the world right now–family lockdown, social distance–for me. I’m starting to feel more chaotic, almost out of control. Not knowing what will happen in the coming weeks or when my kids go back to school.
It can be a bit unsettling for moms who are used to the crazy schedules of school, activities, and other commitments. We are even starting again.
You may feel like you’re just barely surviving motherhood at this moment. I would like to encourage you with some things that helped me thrive. Here are six mom sanity tricks!
1. Maintain a routine
You can thrive by creating a routine that you and your family follow. You might want to include in your routine doing the housework, having a routine for the morning and the night by going to sleep at the same time. Schedule in your routine the time you spend working out and writing. When our lives are routine, or we feel that our lives have some sense of normalcy, keeping a schedule helps us thrive.
Write down 3 tasks or goals
Have you got a list of tasks that you need to accomplish? You may have a long list of things to do, but you don’t know where to begin. Every morning, I write down three tasks or goals that I want to achieve for the day. It makes my day easier and I feel more productive when I complete 3 goals or tasks.
Think about the three tasks or goals that you MUST accomplish on that particular day. They can be tasks that you need to complete or things that will help you achieve your goals.
Keep track of all these things in a notebook. When you feel distracted or stuck in a “lull”, look back at that notepad to help you get back on track.
2. Redesign Your Year
What goals have you set yourself for the new year? Are you on track to achieve them? You may have achieved some or all of your goals for this year.
You may have put your goals on hold because of the many changes that are happening in your life. But you should sit down and re-design your year. Decide which goals you still have the ability to achieve. Set aside goals that you can’t accomplish this year until later so you don’t feel stressed. Later this year, you can revisit those goals. Consider what new goals you want to achieve this season.
Imagine how you could redesign your year. What are your goals right now? You may want to make a scrapbook out of some pictures. You may want to reorganize and declutter your closets and rooms. You may have some goals that you would like to achieve with your children. It’s a good time to achieve those goals at home.
3. The To-Do List That Never Gets Completed
All of us have a list of things that we never accomplish. What’s on your list of things you never got done before because you had crazy schedules or routines? You have more time now that your hectic life has ceased.
Last month I spent a weekend doing spring cleaning. I cleaned the entire kitchen, bathroom downstairs, living room and dining room. I cleaned even the staircase and hallway, including the railings. After my deep cleaning I felt proud to have finally accomplished something on my never-ending to-do list.
What can you do to complete the list of things that you never get around to doing?
4. Doing one thing just for you
What’s the one thing that you can do just for yourself? Moms tend to put everyone else before themselves and forget about taking care of themselves. We burn out quickly and get stressed when we forget to take care of ourselves. We need to take time for ourselves and do something just for us.
You can do many things for yourself. You might want to organize your own spa evening. You might just want to spend some time with friends. Make a facial at home. Spend some time on the phone with your friends.
Every day, take some time to yourself. Find something that makes you feel successful in your day.
5. Create a Quiet Space
There aren’t many positive news stories in the media with all that is going on. You and your family may be more anxious. Switch off your mobile phone. Turn off your computer. We must reduce the noise in our heads and concentrate on what will make us thrive.
Find some quiet time in your day. You can find some quiet time to slow down and take in what’s going on around you. It’s important to create a quiet place. I know that we are all busy with the kids, the cleaning, the work from home and the dinner. You need to take some time for yourself. Do not worry about anything. When September arrives, your kids will be in the exact same spot.
6. Spend Time With Family and Friends
Spend some quality time with family and friends. Spend some time together playing games, talking, or watching movies.
Spend a little more time at the table with your family. Create questions that you can ask at the dinner table. Check out our table talk ideas if you need some help with questions. You can find daily questions and riddles as well!
There are creative ways to stay in touch with your friends even though you can’t go out and hang out. Zoom, Facebook Live and Google Hangouts are all great ways to have a fun night with your friends. Ask your friends how they’re doing by sending them a text. Ask your friends what crazy things are happening at their home with their families.
Remember to stay connected and reach out to one another during this time.