40 Simple Habits Of A Happy Mom
Discover a big beautiful list of simple habits of a happy mom.
Today, I want to share something close to my heart—simple habits that can bring so much happiness into our lives as moms.
Let’s face it, being a mom is a rollercoaster ride filled with endless love, joy, and, of course, a fair share of challenges.
But amidst the chaos and the never-ending to-do lists, it’s crucial to prioritize our own well-being and find moments of happiness for ourselves.
Trust me, I’ve been there, and I know how challenging it can be to carve out time for self-care.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of simple habits that have helped me find my happy place as a mom.
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Why You Should Develop Better Habits
Developing better habits as a mother is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a powerful form of role modeling for your children, instilling healthy behaviors early on.
Secondly, it enhances your physical and mental health, providing more energy and resilience to fulfill your parental responsibilities. Effective time management habits reduce stress and increase quality family time, while financial stability habits secure your family’s future.
Communication skills, an organized home, and stress management habits contribute to a harmonious family environment. Cultivating a habit of continuous learning benefits both you and your children.
Ultimately, these habits lead to greater long-term well-being, benefiting both you and your family’s overall quality of life.
Habits Take Time To Build
Building habits takes time, especially for busy moms, but it’s the best way to become a happier mom and a better person. In the midst of daily routines, household chores, and the constant struggle to balance it all, it’s easy to put new habits on the back burner.
However, dedicating a little time each day can make a huge difference in your life. Simple habits like taking quiet time, getting enough sleep, or going for a daily walk in the fresh air can significantly improve your mental and physical health.
Social media and affiliate links may seem like fun distractions, but investing time in online courses or quality family time with your kids will ultimately bring more joy.
Remember, as a mom, you’re already a good mother, and adding these little things to your daily routine can help you become an even happier mama.
Habits Of A Happy Mom
Embrace Gratitude
Every good thing begins with a thankful heart. Start your day with a gratitude journal. Jotting down even the smallest joys can shift your focus from the spilled milk and sleepless nights to the giggles and impromptu hugs. This isn’t just feel-good advice; it’s a practical way to elevate your mood and perspective.
Prioritize Sleep
We’ve all been there—running on empty, fueled by coffee and sheer will. But let’s be real, sleep deprivation is a form of torture. A good night’s sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for your sanity. Remember, sleep is not the enemy; it’s your ally in maintaining a sane approach to the demands of motherhood.
Seeks Help When Needed
A happy mom knows that asking for assistance is a great way to manage the roller coaster of mom life. Whether it’s from family members, mom friends, or professionals, seeking help is an important part of maintaining a positive and healthy home life.
Embraces Self-Compassion
The best thing a mom can do for herself is to practice self-compassion. It’s an easy way to alleviate mom guilt and navigate the challenges of motherhood with a positive attitude.
Focus on Positivity
Prioritizing a positive attitude is a daily habit that can make a mom’s life much fun. It’s a cheat sheet to handle daily activities and create a happy family environment.
Find Your Spiritual Center
In the midst of the hustle, finding your spiritual center can be your anchor. Whether it’s through meditation, prayer, or simply sitting in nature, connecting with something greater brings peace and perspective. It’s the sane approach in an often insane world.
Set Realistic Expectations
The perfect parent does not exist. Let that sink in. Embrace the beautiful, flawed journey of motherhood. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your kids. Celebrate the wins, learn from the losses, and know that each day is a new opportunity to try again.
Establish a Daily Routine
Setting a daily schedule time can be a huge help for a happy mom. It provides structure and allows for one-on-one time with the little kids, while also freeing up some much-needed alone time.
Encourage Independent Playtime
Giving children the opportunity for independent play is a good habit that allows mom to have some free time. It’s an important part of nurturing your marriage and maintaining a happy family.
Savor Life’s Small Joys
Finding joy in the little things is the easiest way to be a very happy mom. Taking a long bath, indulging in your favorite things, or enjoying an ice cream treat can make a big difference.
Prioritize Regular Exercise
Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is the best medicine for a happy mom. It helps manage stress, keeps the heart rate up, and ensures a healthy and happy mama.
Cultivate Creative Hobbies
Engaging in creative hobbies is a great idea to reduce stress and maintain a positive attitude. It’s a perfect way for moms to have some alone time while pursuing their interests.
Practice Patience with Kids
Being patient with your children is hard work, but it’s one of the important things that successful moms do. It helps build strong relationships and creates happy moments at home.
Nurture Your Marriage
Keeping the spark alive with your spouse is the only thing that makes for a happy marriage. Whether it’s a date night or a dance party in the living room, spending time together is crucial for a happy mom.
Learn from Life’s Challenges
A good mom knows that life’s challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. By efficiently managing her time and choosing battles wisely, she navigates these challenges with a positive attitude.
Make Time for Friends
Close friends are the lifeline of a happy mom. They’re the ones who understand why you consider a trip to the grocery store alone a mini-vacation. Dr. Meeker emphasizes the importance of adult interaction. It’s not just about venting; it’s about connection, support, and sometimes, a good laugh over the absurdities of parenthood.
Efficient Time Management
Successful moms utilize time effectively to balance their responsibilities. They learn to say no when necessary and tame their inner critic, allowing them to make time for reading and self-care.
Choose Battles Wisely
A wise mom knows that not every battle is worth fighting. She focuses on what truly matters and expresses love daily to create a positive atmosphere at home.
Make Time for Reading
A happy mom carves out time for reading, even if it’s just a few pages a day. It’s a great way to relax and begin the day mindfully, setting a positive tone for the entire family.
Learn to Say No
To maintain her well-being, a good mom learns to say no when needed. By doing so, she fosters independence in her kids and finds more time for herself.
Tame Inner Critic
Taming the inner critic is a daily activity for a successful mom. It helps her sing with joy and appreciate the little things in life.
Sing with Joy
Singing with joy is an excellent way for a happy mom to savor life’s small joys and cherish the precious moments of motherhood.
Cherish Motherhood Moments
Cherishing motherhood moments is the best thing a mom can do. It strengthens the bond with her children and encourages their independence.
Express Love Daily
A very happy mom understands the importance of expressing love daily to her family. It’s the heartwarming foundation of a happy family life.
Quality Time with Each Child
A loving mom prioritizes quality time with each child, making an effort to foster strong bonds and celebrate life’s blessings with them individually.
Reconnect with Nature
Reconnecting with nature is an excellent way for a happy mom to find playfulness in parenting. It encourages her children to embrace the outdoors and maintain consistent schedules.
Stop the Comparison Game
Successful moms understand that comparing themselves to others only adds unnecessary stress about details. They set digital boundaries to avoid the comparison game and stress less about the small stuff.
Stress Less about Details
To maintain a positive attitude, a wise mom learns to stress less about the details of daily life. She shares affection with her partner and cuddles one-on-one with her children to create a loving and nurturing environment.
Start Your Day Early
Beginning the day early is an efficient way for a happy mom to mind her time usage and manage her daily activities effectively. It allows for more time to reconnect with nature and celebrate life’s blessings.
Set Digital Boundaries
Establishing digital boundaries is crucial for a healthy family dynamic. It allows a mom to share affection with her partner and make time for her children without distractions.
Celebrate Life’s Blessings
A happy mom makes it a point to celebrate life’s blessings regularly, reinforcing a positive and grateful family atmosphere.
Treasure Precious Memories
Treasuring precious memories is an important habit for a successful mom. She prioritizes personal health to ensure she’s present for creating and cherishing these moments.
Get Adequate Rest
Adequate rest is essential for a mom’s well-being. It allows her to recharge and maintain a balanced perspective in her daily life, helping her avoid unnecessary comparisons.
Prioritize Personal Health
Prioritizing personal health is an easy way for a loving mom to keep perspective and maintain her inner values. It also ensures she has the energy for intimate partner bonding and outdoor adventures.
Hold Inner Values Dear
Holding inner values dear is a core principle for successful moms. It guides their decisions and allows them to embrace outdoor adventures that align with their family’s beliefs.
Keep Perspective
Keeping perspective is a valuable habit for a happy mom. It allows her to hold inner values dear, communicate openly, and avoid the pitfalls of unnecessary comparisons, ultimately leading to a content and fulfilling family life.
Set Realistic Expectations
A successful mom knows the importance of setting realistic expectations for herself and her family. It’s a key to effective time management and streamlining her schedule while maintaining a healthy focus on health and well-being.
Revel in Slow Motherhood
Slow motherhood is a beautiful concept that allows a happy mom to savor each moment with her children, focus on health and well-being, and count her daily blessings.
Release the Need for Perfection
Releasing the need for perfection is a liberating mindset shift for a parent. It acknowledges that nobody is perfect, including parents, and that embracing imperfections can lead to a more relaxed and loving family environment. It’s about understanding that mistakes happen, and what truly matters is the love and care shared within the family.
Consistent Parenting Approach
Consistency in parenting is an essential foundation for a harmonious family life. It involves establishing clear expectations, boundaries, and consequences for children, which provides them with stability and a sense of security. A consistent parenting approach ensures that both parents are on the same page and helps children develop a better understanding of the rules and values within their family. It fosters a supportive and nurturing environment where children can thrive and grow with a sense of guidance and structure.
She Laughs
A joyful parent is one who often laughs and finds humor in the ups and downs of parenting. Laughter not only relieves stress but also creates a positive and light-hearted atmosphere at home. It’s a reminder that even amidst challenges, there can be moments of happiness and shared laughter that strengthen family bonds.
Embraces Hobbies
A parent who embraces hobbies understands the importance of self-care and personal fulfillment. Having hobbies provides an outlet for relaxation and creativity, which can be rejuvenating in the midst of parenting responsibilities. It allows parents to recharge and maintain a balanced life, setting an example of pursuing one’s passions for their children to follow.
why It’s important To Be A Happy Mom
It’s important to be a happy mom for several compelling reasons. Being a happy mother sets a positive example for your children and creates a harmonious family atmosphere, contributing to their emotional well-being. Here’s why it’s crucial to prioritize your happiness as a mom:
- Role Model for Children: Happy mothers serve as role models for their kids, demonstrating the importance of maintaining good habits, self-care, and a positive outlook on life. Children learn valuable life lessons by observing their mother’s happiness.
- Enhances Daily Life: Happiness is not a distant goal but a state of mind that can be cultivated on a regular basis. Incorporating healthy habits and joy into your daily routine can significantly improve your overall well-being.
- Fosters Stronger Relationships: Being a happy mom allows you to maintain better relationships with your family members. When you’re content and joyful, it’s easier to create good times and positive experiences for your whole family.
- Balancing Act: Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, the responsibilities can be overwhelming. Being a happy person and taking time for self-care helps you juggle different things on your to-do list with greater ease.
- Quality Sleep: Prioritizing your happiness includes getting as much sleep as possible and ensuring good sleep quality. Well-rested mothers are better equipped to handle daily challenges and be the best mom they can be.
- Reduced Stress: A happy mom is less likely to succumb to the pressures of motherhood, which can be intense at times. Managing stress effectively ensures that you can navigate through the different demands without feeling overwhelmed.
- Positive Impact on Children: According to experts like Meg Meeker, author of “Strong Mothers, Strong Sons” and “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters,” a mother’s emotional well-being significantly influences her children’s development. A happy mom can provide a more nurturing and supportive environment for her kids.
- Effective Parenting: When you’re content and fulfilled, you become a more effective and patient parent. This is particularly important when dealing with nap time, discipline, and teaching your children their first words.
- Maintaining a Clean Home: A happy mom can manage her daily tasks more efficiently, which includes keeping a clean home. This contributes to a comfortable and organized living space for the whole family.
- Seeking Help When Needed: Recognizing when you need help and having a support system in place are essential for maintaining your happiness as a mom. It’s okay to ask for assistance when necessary, as it makes the parenting journey easier.
Being a happy mom is like having your best friend by your side throughout the journey of motherhood. It’s about understanding that you don’t have to be the perfect mom; rather, it’s about prioritizing your own well-being and finding moments of joy in your daily life.
While it may seem like you don’t have a lot of time for self-care, remember that happiness is not a one-time achievement but a continuous effort. Developing good habits over the long term can transform you into a better mom and ultimately lead to a much happier life.
Even amidst the challenges of raising older kids, finding time for yourself on a daily basis is essential. It may not always be an easy task, but there are great tools and resources available to help you manage your time more effectively and with less pressure.
So, don’t wait for that elusive “perfect mom” status. Instead, embrace the habits that bring happiness into your life on a daily basis, and you’ll discover that being a happy mom is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family.
The Takeaway
Being a mom is a roller coaster of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. But amidst the long days and tough times, finding joy and fulfillment is possible. By incorporating these ten habits into your life, you can not only be a good friend and parent to your children but also find happiness and satisfaction for yourself. Dr. Meg Meeker‘s insights, combined with real-world experiences, offer a guide to navigating motherhood with grace and laughter.
Remember, the important thing isn’t to be perfect but to be present, to show up every day with love, patience, and a bit of humor. Here’s to happy kids and even happier moms!
For more tips and stories on motherhood, keep following this blog. And, if you’re looking for practical advice and inspirational stories, consider checking out Dr. Meg Meeker‘s work. It’s a resource I’ve found invaluable in my journey as a mom. Let’s continue to support each other, because together, we can face anything—even a child’s first soccer game or navigating adolescence with a smile.
References
- Exercise as Stress Relief for Mothers: Currie (2004) in Leisure Studies found that participating in a 12-week exercise class program significantly reduced perceived stress levels among mothers. They reported enhanced well-being, due to having personal time, a break from their busy schedules, and improvements in physical appearance. However, the study also noted some negative aspects, including body self-surveillance and societal pressures on women’s physical appearance Currie, 2004.
- Psychological Well-being During and After Pregnancy: Bassi et al. (2017) in the Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology explored the impact of childbirth on women’s perinatal depression and psychological well-being. The study found that perinatal psychological well-being is crucial, with different implications for first-time and experienced mothers Bassi et al., 2017.
- Physical Activity for Mothers’ Self-Care: Lloyd, O’Brien, and Riot (2016) in Leisure Sciences discussed how mothers with young children use physical activity as a space for self-care. They highlighted how mothers resist societal norms and use exercise to practice self-care and improve their well-being Lloyd, O’Brien, & Riot, 2016.
- Emotional Support and Maternal Well-being: Gunderson and Barrett (2017) in the Journal of Family Issues examined the association between intensive mothering and maternal psychological well-being. The study found that while providing high levels of emotional support can lead to more depressive symptoms and worse mental health, higher investments in mothering can lead to better mental health Gunderson & Barrett, 2017.
- Health Effects of Caring for an Elderly Parent on Adult Child Caregivers: Coe and Van Houtven (2009) in Health economics explored the physical and mental health effects of caregiving on adult child caregivers. The study found that continuous caregiving can increase depressive symptoms and decrease self-rated health, especially for married women Coe & Van Houtven, 2009.
- Stress and Rewards in Women’s Multiple Roles: Stephens, Franks, and Townsend (1994) in Psychology and aging researched stress and rewards in women occupying the roles of caregiver, mother, and wife. They found that role rewards contribute to well-being, and an accumulation of role stress is linked to poorer well-being, highlighting the importance of balancing multiple roles Stephens, Franks, & Townsend, 1994.
These are such great reminders on ways to be a happier mom. Moms put such pressure on themselves that we can forget to enjoy the small moments. Self-care and removing the idea of perfection are so important. Thank you for the gentle reminders!
Thank you for sharing these tips on how to become a happier mom. I can relate to this. I often worry about whether everything is good enough. I worry about feeding too much frozen food, whether she gets too much screen time or that she’ll remember that I get really impatient and frustrated at times. I do the best I can, but I try to remember to fill our days with good moments. The times that we play outside together, enjoy snuggle time before bed or doing arts and crafts together. Thank you for this important reminder. I’m sorry for the loss of your mom.
I am starting to be a fan. You made me finish the whole post without even blinking as it was so heartwarming. I agree with everything you mentioned. I let go of perfection since I became a mom to my first born. It was sure difficult, but it was worth it and still is. My kids’ health and happiness always come first in this household even when the clean clothes are begging to be folded! Lol! Thank you for this post and I am so sorry you loss your mom at a very early age, Elizabeth. I can only imagine…
I was thinking about my own mom the other day and realized that when i think back to my own childhood, she definitely wasn’t perfect. but she was a phenomenal mom. It wasn’t because she fit into some sort of ideal, it was because she loved us deeply and we knew it. That’s my new flood line, and I think it’ll make me a happier mom.
So sorry to hear about your mom. You’re right, I don’t really remember all of the things of my home when I was a child but I do remember the moments I shared with my family. That’s what matters the most. I may not be the perfect mom but I can work towards be an awesome one that’s present.
I love all the points you described but the most important for me is not to compare with other parents. This is an ABSOLUTE NO NO!
Everybody comes from a different background and everybody is in different circumstances. By comparing yourself with others is never going to benefit you. Just do your best and leave the rest. There will be days when you will be rocking motherhood and then there will be days when you will suck at it. But that’s how parenthood is!
This is amazing and so helpful. You laid it out so nicely… Some things I really needed to hear tol
Stop Comparing Yourself To Other Parents. This! Pressure can lead us to oversee a moment as we’re more conscious of how others will see us. We need to be present rather than presentable in Social Media. These are all awesome tips, truly helpful post. Cheers to Motherhood 🙂