15 Secrets of Happy Stay-At-Home Moms

It is quite a task to look after your kids, fulfill their demands and simultaneously manage your household chores. If you don’t manage your work well you will only end up getting frustrated at the end of the day. Here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your day and become a productive mom. Read on!

Are you frequently overwhelmed by how much you have to achieve in a given day? It’s perfectly normal – what with kids, meals, and all the rigmarole that running a household entails, you’d have to be a saint to not get frustrated at just how much work you have to cram into a given 24 hours. Here are 15 tips and tricks to help you get things done, while keeping you calm and happy.

1. Exercise, Even if for a Little while

Nobody is too busy to exercise, and you are no exception! Make sure you get at least 20 minutes of exercise daily – preferably first thing in the morning. Not only will this boost your metabolism, it will also keep you fit and happy.

2. Wake Up Ten Minutes Earlier Than You Do

It’s a cardinal rule, and it’ll stand you in good stead. Stop hitting the snooze button, and get yourself up, to get some precious me time, before the rest of the household is buzzing, and the day with its madness begins. It also gives you a chance to get ahead in peace so that you’re less harrowed and have some time to spend with your kids when they are up.

3. Stick to a Schedule

Making a schedule and sticking to it is of utmost importance – both for yourself and the rest of the family, especially your little ones. When they get into a set routine and wake up, sleep, study, play and have meals at the same time each day it inculcates discipline, and these are lessons for life which will stand them in good stead when they start school, and progressively when they grow into disciplined adults.

4. Draft a To-Do List

While you may have set a schedule, it’s still important to make a to-do list daily for you to check things off as you go along. It’s a good idea to prepare your to-do list a night in advance so that you know what to prioritise accordingly. This saves you time spent in planning and keeps you on schedule.

5. Hydrate, Hydrate

Since the human body is made up of approximately 50% water, it is essential to drink plenty of water for your body to function properly. What’s more, it even helps improve your mood and energy levels. If you are a breastfeeding mother, it is particularly important that you drink enough water, as nursing mothers are more likely to get dehydrated.

6. Eat Healthy

As tempting as it is to snack on that chocolate cake you baked for your kid, it’s important that you eat healthy, nutritious food. Avoid eating too much sugary and processed food to ensure that your energy levels stay constant and high throughout the day. Incorporate vegetables and whole grains in your daily diet to look and feel fabulous.

7. Ask for Help when You Need it

Just because you are at home full-time does not mean you are solely responsible for looking after your household and kids. Whether you need assistance for a trip to the doctor’s, or need a babysitter for a much-deserved night out with your friends, don’t be ashamed to ask for help.

8. Involve Your Kids in Household Chores

Rather doing all the household tasks on your own and leaving your kids in front of the TV, get them to pitch in. Figure out what interests your kids and assign stuff accordingly – or set some rules. Making their own beds after getting up, keeping books and toys back in place, packing their school bags or even watering the plants can be managed by kids. Giving them responsibilities will save your time, and get them organised.

9. Socialize with Your Peers

From playgroups to baby classes to mommy support groups, there are a lot of options for you to socialize with other stay-at-home moms. Not only will this give you a chance to get out of the house, you will also find support and humor in similar experiences of other moms.

10. Keep Supplies Handy

Kids keep hurting themseles, will demand snacks at odd times, and can run out of endless crayons and color pencils. One way to stop running out, is to buy these in bulk, and keep all these odds and ends in storage units. You can pick some attractive ones like these – so they won’t be an eyesore and there are so many varieties to choose from! Instead of making a trip to the store each time they demand something, save yourself the time and energy by shopping for art and craft supplies online – and keep them close at hand so you can dole them out when you want to keep the kids busy for a few minutes.

11. Find Time for Your Hobbies

Being a mom does not mean you cannot pursue the things that interest. Even if you do something that you enjoy for as little as 15-20 minutes a day, you will notice a huge difference in your mood. You do not need to lose your sense of self to be a good mom.

12. Take Time to Rest

With your schedule like it is, you’d be hard pressed to get any time to take a breather – but it’s critical you take some time in a day to catch your breath. Whether it’s a 15 minute walk in the evening, or a power nap at noon, take a break. Get your husband to chip in for this, or look for times in the day when you can take small breathers to do the things that help you unwind. Read a book, flip through a magazine, or surf the net for some much needed alone time.

13. Dress well

Being at home does not give you an excuse to walk around with formula-stained clothes and unkempt hair. Get out of your pajamas and slip into something stylish yet comfortable. Remember, if you look good, you will feel good. Stay away from these common fashion mistakes many of us fall prey to!

14. Ignore Criticism

There is no parenting rulebook, and people will have endless opinions on your parenting style. No matter how harsh the judgment and criticism gets, learn to not take it to heart.

15. Go Easy on Yourself

Despite your best efforts, your kids will get hurt, your house will get messy, and your kids will embarass you in public. Your life will always have chaos and confusion, and the sooner you accept that, the better. Just know that you are doing the best you can, and that you are a good mom.