Be A Happier SAHM: 10 Practical Habits to Boost Happiness

Alessandra | Posted on June 13, 2024 |

If you’re a stay at home mom but lately feel like you’re lacking a purpose, you’re not alone. In this blog I’m giving real life tips to help you be a happier SAHM. Get ready to feel more fulfilled in your daily life!

Be a happier SAHM and raise a happier family! Sound too good to be true? I assure it’s not. Being a stay at home mom (or SAHM) is a truly beautiful and amazing journey filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. However, in between all those moments, you probably have also felt overwhelmed and exhausted, that’s normal. Many moms feel drained and depleted by the end of the day. The demands from of our sweet babies and toddlers is a lot. The good news is that implementing some simple yet effective habits into your daily routine can significantly enhance your happiness and well-being. Which is something you 100% deserve! In this blog post, we’ll explore practical habits that can help you feel happier and more fulfilled in your role. Let’s ward off the dreaded mom burnout you hear so much about.

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This blog is for you if…

You’re a stay at home mom
You have a baby and/or toddler
You often feel anxious and overwhelmed
You’re lacking energy, even with decent sleep
You’re ready to make some changes in your day-to-day life

Be A Happier SAHM

Let’s dive into my 10 very practical tips that I use also, to feel happier and more in control of your day. I have 3 children and have been a SAHM for about 8 years. I do these things everyday, or mostly everyday so I’m not constantly feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated and burnt out. Keep reading for a sweet freebie to help you continue on your motherhood journey in a more calm and peaceful way!

1. Create a Daily Schedule:

One key way of feeling more in control and less overwhelmed as a stay at home mom is to create a daily schedule. I honestly cannot stress this enough. It is insanely beneficial for you and your children. Setting aside specific blocks of time for tasks such as meal preparation, household chores, intentional time with your kids, and personal activities can help you prioritize your responsibilities and manage your time more efficiently. Additionally, having a structured routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability. This can help reduce stress and increase feelings of accomplishment for you and your kids!

When creating your daily schedule, be realistic about what you can really accomplish in a day. Also allow for flexibility to adapt to unexpected changes. Remember to include breaks for relaxation and self care to avoid burnout and maintain your overall well-being. You matter too and taking care of yourself IS taking care of your family.

2. Clean Up Throughout the Day

A cluttered and messy environment can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm for stay at home moms. What is it the pros say? “A cluttered home is a cluttered mind.” Instead of letting clutter pile up and feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of chores at the end of the day, make it a habit to clean up smaller messes throughout the day. Take a few minutes during nap times or while your children are independently playing to tidy up common areas, put away toys, and do quick spot cleans as needed.

By staying on top of clutter and maintaining a clean and organized home environment, you’ll feel more relaxed and at ease. And you’ll also set a positive example for your children by teaching them the importance of tidiness and responsibility. You can even have them help you out as they get older!

3. Do One Load of Laundry Every Day

This is one of my top tips since laundry seems to be the bane of existence for many, many moms. Laundry can quickly become a never-ending chore for SAHMs, especially in households with young [messy] children. Instead of letting laundry pile up and becoming an overwhelming task, make it a habit to do one small load of laundry every single day. Designate a specific time each day to sort, wash, dry, fold, and put away laundry. This will ensure that you stay on top of this essential task without feeling buried under a mountain of clothes.

By incorporating laundry into your daily routine, you’ll prevent the buildup of dirty clothes. This will lead to a better maintained and organized home. Plus it will free up valuable time and mental energy for other activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. I feel so passionate about helping moms keep up with laundry that I created a short guide to help. Get into the BEST laundry routine of your life. Click the link to learn more!

4. Do Something You Love Every Day

You do a lot for your kids, there is no doubt about that. And that’s why it’s so important to do something for you too! Amidst the demands of motherhood and household responsibilities, it’s essential to prioritize activities that bring YOU joy and nourish your soul. Make it a priority to do something you love every day. It could be reading a book, practicing a hobby, going for a walk, or indulging in your favorite form of self care. Whatever it is, you deserve every second of that and should never feel guilty about it.

Taking time for yourself and engaging in activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment is not selfish. It’s essential for your overall well-being and mental health. By prioritizing self care and doing something you love every day, you’ll feel more energized, refreshed, and better equipped to handle the challenges of motherhood. Which in turn, makes you a better mom. I believe when we change our mindset around that, moms will feel less guilty about taking time for themselves.

5. Get Ready for the Day

I know you probably tend to stay home most of the day as a SAHM. Which makes it easy to fall into the trap of staying in your pajamas all day and neglecting your appearance. However, taking the time to get yourself ready for the day can have a significant impact on your mood, confidence, and overall sense of well-being! Make it a habit to shower, get dressed, and put on a little makeup or style your hair each morning. Who cares if you don’t even if you don’t have any plans to leave the house?! You will feel more like you and I truly believe you will have a better day.

Getting ready for the day not only boosts your self-esteem and motivation but also signals to your brain that it’s time to start the day with purpose and intention. You’ll feel more prepared to tackle your daily tasks and interact with your family with confidence and positivity. If that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will. 😉

6. Prioritize Self Care

As a stay at home mom, it’s easy to prioritize the needs of your family over your own. However, neglecting self care can ultimately lead to burnout and decreased happiness. Prevent this by making self care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Set aside time each day to focus on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This could include activities such as exercising, meditating, journaling, or enjoying a hobby such as knitting or reading.

When you take care of yourself, your kids will see that! And they will learn that it’s important for them to take care of themselves as well. And that’s a really important thing for our children to learn while growing up!

7. Cultivate a Supportive Community

Feeling isolated is a common challenge for stay at home moms. This is especially true if you’re spending most of your time at home with young children. Building a supportive community of fellow moms can provide invaluable encouragement, advice, and companionship to help you be a happier SAHM.

Consider joining local mom groups, attending playdates, or participating in online forums. This will help you connect with other mothers who understand your experiences. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share similar challenges and triumphs can significantly boost your morale and sense of belonging. You’ll be feeling less alone and confident in no time!

8. Set Realistic Expectations

It’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism as a SAHM and constantly striving to meet unrealistic standards of parenting and homemaking. However, striving for perfection only sets you up for disappointment and unnecessary stress. Instead, focus on setting realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Recognize that it’s okay to have messy days or to ask for help when needed. Instead, prioritize tasks based on importance rather than trying to do it all.

Embracing imperfection and letting go of our cultural pressure to be perfect can lead to greater happiness and peace of mind. You don’t need to be a super mom and do everything, it’s all about finding simplicity if you want to be a happier SAHM.

9. Find Joy in Everyday Moments

Amidst the chaos of daily life with toddlers, it’s important to pause and appreciate the small moments of joy that happen each day. Whether it’s sharing a heartfelt conversation with your child, witnessing their laughter and curiosity, or enjoying a peaceful moment of solitude with your breastfeeding baby, finding joy everyday can cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and fulfillment.

Practice mindfulness by staying present and savoring the simple pleasures of motherhood, knowing that these moments are what truly matter in the end. It’s easy to get caught up in all the bad or wrong things that happen during the day, so make sure to look for the good as well!

10. Pursue Personal Growth and Fulfillment

While being a SAHM is a full-time job in itself, it’s also important to maintain a sense of personal identity. It’s ok to pursue interests outside of motherhood. Investing in your own personal growth and fulfillment not only benefits you but also enriches your role as a mother. Whether it’s furthering your education or exploring new hobbies, carving out time for your own aspirations and passions can reignite your sense of purpose. Which in turn, can contribute to a happier, more balanced life.

Remember that you are a woman outside of motherhood and that’s ok. Having an identity outside of motherhood is perfectly fine and will ultimately lead you to becoming a better, happier SAHM for your family!

Final Thoughts

Being a stay at home mom is a challenging and difficult and also incredibly rewarding and amazing. It is an experience like no other, there is no denying that! And even though it feels all-consuming and mentally draining, there are ways to get out of that rut. You don’t always need to feel like you’re “just surviving.” By incorporating these very practical habits into your daily routine, you can cultivate greater happiness and fulfillment to be a happier SAHM. Remember, small daily changes can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to start implementing these habits today and enjoy the benefits of a happier and more balanced life. Start slow and enjoy the process to become the mama you always wanted to be!

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