Motherhood changes your life in just about every conceivable way. It can be tremendously challenging to adjust to all the changes, even though the rewards are obviously worth it. You would think that happiness is a given for moms, because everyone always makes it sound like its own reward, but happiness is not guaranteed. Moms, you need to prioritize your happiness because no one else will do it for you, and ain't no one happy if mama ain't happy, OK?
More from MamásLatinas: Tips for raising happy children
So how do you go about being a happy mom? Not to worry, we've got some tips for you. They are all simple but not always easy to do when you are in the trenches of motherhood. Why? Because as moms we become so focused on taking care of our kids and family that we often forget to take care of ourselves.
But you know how when you are on a flight and the flight attendant goes through all the safety info and tells you that in case of an emergency you should put on your oxygen mask first before helping others? Well, that's kind of what you need to do as a mother to ensure your happiness and the happiness of your family.
¡Now let's check out the kinds of things that happy moms do to stay happy!
Check in with yourself regularly.
Are you hungry? Are you tired? Do you need a break? Sometimes we're so dang busy we forget to check in with ourselves to see what we need. The laundry can wait while you check in and tend to your needs.
Sleep whenever you can.
So what if it's the middle of the day and you could be doing other things? If you aren't getting enough sleep at night, then you need to sleep whenever you can. Sleep deprivation can lead to accidents and health problems and make you miserable.
Eat well instead of eating as an afterthought.
No, you don't have to eat salads and be uber-healthy all the time, but you do need to eat to fuel your body. Too often moms don't eat balanced meals and instead subsist off their children's leftovers. You need energy; give your body food that gives you that energy.
Find ways to make your life easier.
You don't have to be a martyr. We live in a time when technology can make our lives easier. You can use it to get diapers, groceries, and even housecleaning delivered to your doorstep.
Ask for help and accept it.
Happy moms realize it takes a village to raise a child, so they ask for help from their village. Other people want to shower your kids with love, too. Let them.
Pick your battles wisely.
Some things you just have to let go of for the sake of your sanity. Stick to your guns on what really matters, but if your kid wants to wear mismatched calcetines, let them! Who care what anyone else thinks? They're just socks, and it's exhausting to care about everything.
Don't compare yourself to other moms.
We think Theodore Roosevelt was right when he said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Stop comparing yourself to other moms. This is not a competition. There is more than one way to be a good mother, AND different children need different things.
Accept that you will make mistakes, because you will.
Last time anyone checked, we ALL make mistakes. Acknowledge yours, apologize even, learn from them, and move on. No one gets through parenthood without making mistakes; that's why therapists exist.
Let your house stay messy sometimes.
Sure, you want your house to be clean and tidy, but kids like to mess things up. Let it be. You’ll get to the messes when you get to them. If the kids are old enough, let them clean up their own messes, even if they don't do it perfectly.
Treat yo' self on the daily!
Do something nice for yourself every single day. It doesn’t have to be big. Have a square of decadent chocolate that you let melt in your mouth, take a bath, watch some trash TV—just do something that makes you feel good every day, because you deserve it.
Get out of the house.
There is something to be said for the regenerative properties of fresh air and the vitamin D you get from the sun’s rays. Don’t stay cooped up indoors all day long. A short walk is something you can do even when you have a baby because you can use a stroller or a baby carrier, so no excuses for never leaving the house!
Get your exercise.
It’s good for your body, it’s good for your mental health, and it sets a good example for your kids. You can exercise at home, join a class, or get together with other moms to go on stroller walks.
Spend time alone.
When you have kids, even a solo trip to the grocery store can feel like a vacation. Have someone else watch the kids while you do errands, or better yet, go get yourself a pedicure.
Laugh loud and laugh often.
Laugh often, even if it makes you pee in your pants a little. Laughter sets off a chain of positive physical reactions. Can you believe it even strengthens your immune system? Plus, it’s fun.
Smile and say no.
"No" is one of the most underrated words. It's a powerful word that you should get comfortable using—like when someone asks you, "Can you host Thanksgiving even though you just had a baby?" All you have to do is answer, "No." No and period. No explanation needed.
Stop multitasking all the time.
We get it: Sometimes the only way to get things done when you're a mom is to multitask. But all that multitasking takes a toll on your brain and soul. How about at least once a day, you stop multitasking? Like maybe you decide to play with your baby and focus on just that for five minutes without trying to pay bills at the same time. Both you and baby will get so much more out of that time together.
Remember who you are and what you like.
Before you were a mom, what did you like to do? How did you like to dress? How can you keep celebrating the wonderfulness that is you?
Find other moms who get what you are going through.
Motherhood, especially when you have an infant, can be incredibly isolating. Combat that isolation by befriending other moms. Join a moms group, go to activities where other moms will be at, hit up moms at the park—they'll be happy to befriend you, too.
There's no shame in taking a time-out.
Time-outs aren't just for kids. Sometimes mom needs a time out, too, so that she won't explode. If you find yourself on the brink of losing it, take five minutes to yourself and breathe. Just focus on your breath for five minutes, and then go back to your mom duties refreshed.
Take time to be grateful every single day.
Practice gratitude daily. In the chaos that is motherhood, it's easy to just go, go, go without stopping to be grateful for all the small moments of beauty that you experience. Keep a journal where you record things that you are grateful for, like your baby's slobbery kisses, the neighbor who smiled at you, or the friend who came over and brought you food.
