Updated 5/14/23

It’s been a busy, interesting, and stressful week in this household. There are many highs and lows in parenting and life. Parenting can be hard and downright stressful at times. As moms, we need ways to relax and decrease our stress levels so we can keep our family moving forward and thriving.

I try my best to be positive and take life as it comes, but this week made me realize that I need to be better at embracing the chaos and taking time to relax. I need to remember that things don’t need to be perfect! Sometimes, as moms, we all need reminders to relax, give ourselves some grace, and take care of ourselves. We need to learn how to let go of some things and embrace the chaos!

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Some weeks things seem to flow so smoothly and easily… I can keep up on housework and laundry, I make healthy meals, the kids get along, everyone gets good sleep, the kids are clean and happy, etc. It just seems like everything works great and I don’t have to try so hard.

Then other weeks, it seems like no matter how hard I work, I can’t keep up with running to activities and appointments, cleaning, laundry, etc. The kids keep fighting and picking on each other… I feel like I am constantly doing something, but yet getting nowhere. It can be overwhelming sometimes. In these weeks, it’s hard to stay positive and focused. It can be downright stressful.

But you know what?! Both situations are ok! Things happen… life happens!

Sometimes no matter how hard we work, things aren’t always going to be the way we want them or expect them to be. We don’t always get the outcomes that we want or hope to. There are times when life is hard, but it can also be a great teacher. We can learn from it and become better people and better parents.

We can’t always change the outcomes of things or how other people react, but we can change OUR OWN actions, reactions, and thoughts.

When things get hectic and life gets stressful, we need to remember that it’s ok if some things need to wait. Sometimes laundry or dishes will sit until the next day… or maybe a few days. Sometimes we need to reschedule appointments and obligations to give ourselves a little breathing room.

And THAT IS OK! We need to remember to be kind to ourselves and give ourselves a bit of grace.

I think I can speak for most moms… we are hard on ourselves! And we shouldn’t be. We have a lot going on and a lot to manage… and THAT IS OK!

It’s ok for our house to be a mess and to not be able to keep up with household tasks.

It’s ok to make a quick meal that we normally wouldn’t, to ask for help, or relax for a bit instead of cleaning. We need to be kind to ourselves (and to other moms)! Some days we thrive and other days we just get by, but either way, we are doing the best we can. Check out this post for 12 amazing things that will make a mom’s life easier!

As I am writing this, it’s almost 8:30 pm. It’s been a crazy day and I just sat down to eat supper and THAT is OK! My kids are fed, bathed, and in bed. I decided to leave the pile of dishes, 3 loads of laundry, and toys everywhere for tomorrow. I decided to take some time to sit in the quiet and type this up… and you know what?! THAT IS OK!

When I am having a hard week, I like to give myself a “timeout” and sit quietly… while I am reflecting, I like to think of at least 3 positive things in my life, something I can work to improve upon and read some devotions. Those things seem to help keep me grounded and turn my thinking a little more positive.

So, remember we all need to take a break sometimes, embrace the chaos, and be kind to ourselves! We have to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our littles. I just wanted to remind you… that it’s OK to feel like you don’t have it all together! Even amazing moms that seem to have it all together feel this way sometimes.

You are a good mom and you can do this! It’s ok to just embrace the chaos of life, especially with children. I put together a list of ways for moms to relax and to help decrease stress. Most of these things are simple, but they are good reminders and they really can help.

Ways For Moms To Relax And Decrease Stress:

• Be kind to yourself.
• Give yourself grace.
• Give yourself a “timeout”- even if only for a few minutes.
• Reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions and see if changes can be made to increase positivity.
• Find a good book- whatever you enjoy.
• Read daily devotions- Here is a great daily devotions book for moms and here is another one of my favorite devotions books.
• Get a sitter- even if only for a couple of hours- to give yourself some time away.
• Reach out to a friend- even if it’s just a quick text.
• Work on deep breathing- 5-10 minutes of diaphragmatic breathing has been shown to reduce stress.
• Write down 3 things you are grateful for each day- this can really change your mindset! Here is a gratitude journal to help you with this process.
• Remind yourself that wherever you are at in life is ok and normal, even if you have different expectations for yourself.
• Find a guided meditation or relaxation video online and take time each day to listen to this.
• Download “Calm” or “Headspace” apps. They can both help with relaxation/meditation.
• Have a cup of coffee, tea, a glass of wine, or whatever beverage you enjoy.
• Remember to take care of yourself.
• Ask for help from a friend, family member, sitter, etc.
• Go for a walk or get some form of exercise.
• Just relax!
• Take a nap or go to bed early if possible.
• Spend some time with your significant other. Here are ways to help keep the spark alive after having kids.
• Get outside. Fresh air can do the body and soul good!
• If you have the financial resources, get a cleaning lady. A clean house makes me feel so much better. Here is how to quickly and easily keep your house clean (even without a cleaning lady)!
• Get take out and use paper plates so you don’t have to cook or clean for a meal.
• Take a class to help you decrease stress and help with self improvement.

These are just a few ways for moms to decrease stress, relax, and learn to embrace the chaos. If you are having a hard week and are reading this, just know you aren’t alone. You got this and it will get better! Just do the best you can and remember to take care of yourself. Remember there is a community of other moms out there (likely working through some of the same difficulties) willing to lend advice or a listening ear!

It seems crazy but just changing your mindset slightly can help you to feel so much better!

What things do you struggle with as a mom? What are some things that help you through challenging times?

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