6 Tips To Putting Joy Back Into Motherhood

6 Tips To Putting Joy Back Into Motherhood

Somehow in the midst of mothering our children we lose our purpose and our sense of self. We spend all of our time caring and nurturing our babies that we forget why we even wanted to become parents in the first place.

Sometimes we feel so alone and lost that we struggle to find our way back to the joyful part of life.

It is possible to find joy in motherhood again

Here’s how:

1. Watch your children sleep

Take some time and watch your kids sleep. How peaceful they look and how innocent they are (perhaps how quiet they are). This will help you put your life into perspective. 

You created these beautiful humans, be proud of that!

1. Put your phone away

Unplug from the world just for a little bit each day, maybe during the morning or in the evening as your unwinding the kids before bedtime. 

Allow yourself to be present in their lives by giving them 100 % of your attention for a certain amount of time each day (you choose how much time works for your family). Watch how their behavior changes, kids crave your attention and approval. 

Play a game with them, watch their favorite movie, get outside for a walk or a game of tag to burn some energy. Just spend quality time with them. 

You have pretty amazing little humans.

1. It’s okay to cry

Do you ever just feel like crawling in a corner and breaking down? Your kids running around the house causing destruction, fighting at every turn, or maybe your out in public and one or two of your kiddos has a giant meltdown.

Cry, it’s ok! 

In fact, it can be very therapeutic for you!

1. Laugh

Laugh at the smallest of things. Laughing releases endorphins which helps reduce stress. 

Laugh at;

1. Your partner 
2. Your kids being goofy
3. Watch a funny video on your phone
4. Watch a comedy

Whatever makes you laugh, do it and do it often. Trust me, it will help change your mind frame and reteach you to love your life again.  

1. Do something you love

Is there a hobby you love doing? Maybe you have been wanting to take a painting class or getting a massage or even a nice long walk in a park. 

Do something you love and do it often. Ignore the responsibilities that come along with motherhood for just a little bit or let someone else help you so you can have some time for yourself. 

This is so important, mama!

It’s so easy to get lost in motherhood and time for yourself is the most important for keeping you sane and helping motherhood be a more enjoyable experience.

1. Let go of high expectations

As mothers we often think we can do it all, gracefully. Probably because TV portrays motherhood in an old fashioned aspect. 

Yes, mamas would stay home with their kids in the good ole days and yes they did all the “womanly” duties in the household. 

But, that was in a time when things were simpler. Moms didn’t work, they weren’t hogged down by their cellphones, checking social media, emails and sending text messages every 6 minutes to their friends and family.

Times were simpler and it was a more manageable concept. Nowadays women play all the roles and your expectations should be shifted just a tad bit. 

Lower your expectations, mama. The times have changed.

Conclusion

It’s ok to not have it together all the time. Actually it’s important not to. What would your kids think if mom was perfect all the time? That would be setting super high standards for them and making them feel like they always have to be perfect. 

No one wants to feel that way, right?

That’s too much pressure on your kids. Let that be your motivation to lower your expectations. 

Because only then can you start to put joy back into motherhood.

About Lindsey,

I am a mama of an adorable 2.5-year-old boy who has stolen my heart completely. I love random dance parties, nature and spending time with my family when I’m not building my business. I am the founder of Simplifyingmamahood.com where I help other mamas learn to simplify their often chaotic lives to learn to love their lives and start enjoying motherhood again.