How To Stay Motivated As A Stay At Home Mom In Winter

Alessandra | Posted on December 23, 2024 |

Winters can be a tough time for many people. As a mom, it’s tough to be stuck inside during the cold months with your kids. In this blog I’ll give you my best tips to stay motivated if you’re a SAHM during the winter months.

If you find yourself thinking how do I stay motivated this winter, you’re not alone. It seems that after the festivities of Christmas pass, there’s not much more to look forward to through the winter. The weather gets colder, meaning you’re stuck inside more often, the sun barely shines most days, and there’s just not a lot going on around town anymore. I mean, it makes complete sense why so many moms lose their motivation this time of year! It’s easy to feel drained and uninspired. The energy and enthusiasm you might feel in other seasons can seem to disappear as the cold sets in.

Winter can be a challenging season for stay at home moms, but staying motivated during these months isn’t totally impossible. With the right mindset and tools, you can work through the tough winter season! In this blog, we’ll dive into why staying motivated is so hard in the winter and I’ll share six practical tips to help you thrive as a stay at home mom, (SAHM) even when the weather is less than inspiring.

*This blog contains affiliate links, you can learn more at my terms. Thank you for supporting my mommy blog!

Why Is Staying Motivated So Hard?

Motivation doesn’t always come naturally, and when you’re a stay at home mom, it can feel even more elusive. The repetitive nature of daily tasks, the constant demands of your kids, and the lack of immediate rewards for your hard work can lead to burnout. Add to that the emotional labor of managing your household, and it’s no wonder that staying motivated can feel like an uphill battle. Without a clear sense of progress or acknowledgment, it’s easy to fall into a mom rut. Then on top of all that, add cold temperatures, short days, and being stuck inside, it’s a recipe for zero motivation. Keep reading if you’ve been struggling to stay motivated this winter!

How Come You Lose Motivation in the Winter?

We’ve talked a little bit about why you probably can’t stay motivated in the winter, but let’s dive a little deeper. Winter brings its own unique challenges that can sap your motivation and here’s why.

1. Shorter Days

The lack of sunlight each day can actually disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, leading to extra fatigue. Add on top of that, cloudy days that disrupts even more sunshine leads to more sluggishness and less motivation.

2. Colder Weather

Freezing temperatures make outdoor activities less appealing, which limits movement and fresh air. These are two critical things that boost mood and energy. And I’m not sure about you, but when it’s cold outside, I can never seem to warm up, which makes it harder for me to want to get up and do anything. I’d rather sit on my couch with a few blankets!

3. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

For some people, winter’s darkness triggers seasonal affective disorder (or SAD.) This is a type of depression caused by lack of sunlight that can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Learn more about SAD at the link. *I am not a doctor and this is not meant to be medical advice.*

4. Holiday Burnout

Holiday burnout is real! There’s so much excitement and things to do from Thanksgiving until New Year’s, then it’s done and you realize how tired you are from it all. The stress and exhaustion of the holiday season sure can linger, leaving you feeling depleted.

5. Cabin Fever

Cabin fever is real too! Being cooped up inside with your kids can increase stress and make the days feel monotonous and oh so long. It’s why I always tell new moms to get out of the house each day to reduce overwhelm and mommy burnout. But we’ll get to that another time!

6 Tips to Stay Motivated as a Stay at Home Mom

Now that you understand why it can be so difficult to stay motivated in the winter, you can start to take the first steps to overcome it. Let’s explore real, actionable ways you can learn to stay motivated this winter as a stay at home mom!

1. Create a Daily Routine

Structure is your best friend all the time, but especially in winter. Establish a consistent daily routine that includes time for chores, play, meals, and even self care. Knowing what’s next can reduce decision fatigue and help you feel more in control of your day. Even if the kids throw curveballs, having a framework to return to keeps you grounded. Below you can grab my FREE daily schedule to help you out!

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be difficult, and it’s definitely not selfish. It’s truly essential, especially after all the craziness of the holidays! Find small ways to recharge daily, whether it’s a 10-minute meditation, reading a chapter of a book, or enjoying a hot cup of tea without interruptions. Prioritizing your well-being helps you show up as the best version of yourself for your family. I challenge you this winter to get up and shower and get yourself ready every single morning! This is self care and you’ll be amazed how much better you’ll feel everyday.

3. Get Outside Daily

If you’re like me and you hate this cold, this can be SO difficult! But try to bundle up and spend at least 15-20 minutes outside, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block. Exposure to natural light and some fresh air really can boost your mood and help combat the winter blues. If it’s too cold out, try opening the blinds and sitting by a sunny window to soak in some light for a few minutes instead.

4. Set Small Goals

Winter probably isn’t the time for overly ambitious to-do lists. Let’s be honest right?! Instead, focus on small, achievable goals you look forward to working on. Whether it’s organizing one drawer, baking cookies with your kiddos, or exercising for 10 minutes, completing tasks, no matter how small, can give you a sense of accomplishment and momentum.

5. Connect with Others

Our society likes to glorify being alone but connecting with friends is SO important! Isolation can intensify feelings of low motivation (and unhappiness), so make an effort to connect with friends, family, or other moms. Schedule playdates, attend community events, or simply call a friend for a chat. Surrounding yourself with support reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey. Plus, knowing you’re going to see someone gives you the motivation to get ready!

6. Find a Winter Hobby

It’s always a good thing to have a hobby or something that’s just for you. Embrace the season by picking up a winter-friendly hobby, it’s such a good time to find something new to enjoy indoors. You could try knitting, crafting, baking, or journaling. Engaging in a creative or relaxing activity can give you something to look forward to each day and help break the monotony of winter.

Final Thoughts

Staying motivated as a stay at home mom in winter isn’t always easy, but with a little effort and intentionality, you can find ways to thrive. The 6 tips I listed above are also all a form of self care! So pick a couple and stick to these things to have a great winter where you can actually stay motivated. Remember too that it’s okay to have off days, you’re only human! What matters is that you keep moving forward. By creating routines, prioritizing yourself, and finding joy in small moments, you can beat the winter blues and make this season a fulfilling one for yourself and your family. You’ve got this!💪🏼 Let me know what you think by leaving me a comment in the comment section below!

Related Blogs:

Use the image below to save these tips to stay motivated as a stay at home mom in winter to your favorite Pinterest board!

Sharing is caring! If you liked this blog, I’d truly appreciate it if you’d share it with your mama friends! Just use the social buttons below. Thank you for supporting my blog. You can also support me by following me on Instagram @justabasicmama for more SAHM life!

Facebook Pin Tweet