15 Habits of a Happy Mom that Will Change Your Life
As a mom, you get a lot of satisfaction from being a mother and having your children love you. But, often that is not enough to truly be happy.
Only 40% of mothers report being very happy.
There are a lot of demands on mothers, including carrying the maternal mental load for the entire family.
But, your happiness matters.
Often it’s about taking on a few habits that bring you more happiness. And even more often it will be about setting boundaries that create happiness for you.
In this article, I will cover the habits of a happy mom and will give you practical ways to increase your happiness.
I always say that if we take care of moms, we, in turn, care for the world. You matter.
15 Easy Habits of a Happy Mom
These are the habits of happy moms that help you reclaim your energy, passion, and joy in parenting.
1. Start the Day with a Morning Ritual
Happy moms thrive by having a morning ritual they love.
You can start your day off right by establishing a simple morning routine, that becomes the first thing you do each day.
Maybe you enjoy a cup of coffee in quiet time, or perhaps you prefer to do some light stretching. These small acts help you wake up peacefully and prepare you mentally and physically for the day ahead.
It’s a good idea to find something that fits naturally into your daily life without adding much pressure.
2. Practice Gratitude
One of the best habits of happy moms is to practice gratitude.
You might think keeping a gratitude journal sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference.
Every day, write down a few positive things that happened. This helps you focus on the good days and less on the bad day ones, that we’ll have as busy moms. But, putting the focus on the good in your life makes a huge difference in happiness.
Sharing these moments with your family members can uplift everyone’s spirits and help you all stay in a good mood.
3. Create a Self-Care Routine
Self-care is essential, especially for a busy mom. Happy moms make themselves a priority.
You don’t need much time to take care of yourself. You can read a book, spend some time in the garden, or start a new skill like crafting.
These activities are an easy way to reduce stress levels and improve your mental health.
Even with busy schedules, finding a few minutes for yourself can help you be your best self and a better mom.
4. Spend Time Alone
Spending time alone is key for any mom seeking happiness and balance in her busy life.
This habit, often overlooked, is vital for mental health and emotional well-being.
When you carve out moments for solitude, you allow yourself the space to breathe, reflect, and recharge away from the demands of parenting and household responsibilities.
For many moms, particularly those new to parenting or with young children, the idea of taking alone time might seem impossible.
However, it’s essential to recognize that taking this time is not a luxury but a necessity. It helps you maintain your identity beyond your roles within the family and prevents burnout.
You can start small by setting aside a few minutes each day for yourself. This could be early in the morning before the children wake up, during nap times, or even for a few minutes in the evening while someone else is in charge of the kids.
Ideally, though, you make alone time a priority and can do so by leaving the house to be on your own or having your partner spend time with the children elsewhere so you have the house for yourself.
Your alone time should not be for cleaning or cooking, but for doing leisurely nothingness that is all about you.
5. Stay Active
Happy moms make time for movement.
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining your physical health and mental health.
It doesn’t have to be time-consuming; a short walk with your kids or a dance party in your living room is a great way to stay active. Plus, it’s fun for the entire family and a good time to bond.
6. Set Boundaries
A foundational habit of happy moms is being able to set boundaries around your home life.
This means deciding when you are working and when you are available to your family members.
It also means setting limits on social media and other distractions.
Setting boundaries helps you enjoy more quality time with your family members, focus on the present moment, and keep daily habits that lead to a balanced life.
By incorporating these habits into your routine, you’ll notice you become a very happy mom, managing to care for your family while also taking time for yourself.
7. Connect with Other Moms
Connecting with other moms can be one of the best things you do for your happiness.
Building a support network with other parents provides you not just with necessary social interaction, but also a chance to share experiences and receive advice that can make your daily parenting journey easier.
It’s easy to feel isolated as a stay-at-home mom, especially during sleepless nights or long days.
Reaching out to close friends or making new friends who understand what you’re going through can be a huge help.
You can organize playdates, join local mom groups, or participate in online forums. This connection is a good way to maintain your identity outside of just being a mom and remember that you are not alone in your challenges and triumphs.
8. Dedicate Time for Play
Dedicating time for play is so important as a mom, not only for your children’s development but also for building a strong bond between you and your kids.
Play isn’t just for kids; it’s a great way for moms to reduce stress, feel more joyful, and connect with their young ones on a deeper level.
Whether it’s building a fort in the living room, having a dance party, or playing hide and seek, these activities are simple habits that create joy and closeness.
It’s also an easy task that doesn’t require a lot of time but makes a huge difference in your relationship with your children and helps keep everyone in a good mood.
9. Eat Well
Eating well is a key element of staying healthy and happy. A balanced diet impacts both your physical health and mental health.
As a mom, you have a huge role in setting the eating habits of your entire family, so it’s important to focus on healthy foods.
You can involve your children in meal prep, which is a great way to teach them about nutrition and help them develop a passion for healthy living.
Planning meals together, shopping for fresh ingredients, and cooking healthy dishes are activities that provide easy access to spending quality one-on-one time while also taking care of your family’s health.
This simple routine doesn’t just help everyone eat better; it turns mealtime into an engaging, educational, and bonding experience.
10. Limit Technology Use
To be a happier mom, it’s important to limit technology use in your home. Setting boundaries around screen time is vital for both adults and children.
Too much screen time can detract from family interactions and reduce the quality of time you spend together.
A simple way to manage this is by designating specific times of the day as technology-free.
This could mean no phones or tablets during meals, or turning off TVs and other devices an hour before bedtime.
By reducing the time spent on social media and other digital distractions, you can focus more on being in the present moment with your family members, which leads to a richer, more connected home life.
Encouraging activities like reading, playing games, or going for a walk outside can be a healthy habit that replaces screen time and benefits everyone’s happiness.
11. Do a Hobby
Finding and pursuing a hobby that isn’t related to parenting can significantly enhance your happiness.
Hobbies offer an easy way to reclaim some personal time and can be a refreshing break from your daily routine.
Whether it’s painting, gardening, writing, or playing an instrument, hobbies provide a creative outlet that can help lower your stress levels and boost your happiness.
Engaging in a hobby is not just a good thing for moms; it’s a great way to model healthy coping mechanisms for your children.
When they see you dedicating time to something you are passionate about, they learn the importance of developing their interests. This is an important part of maintaining a balanced life, making you a better mom and a more fulfilled person.
12. Seek Out Natural Solutions
In your journey toward becoming a very happy mom, seeking out natural solutions like aromatherapy and other natural remedies can make a huge difference in creating a soothing home environment.
Essential oils, for instance, can be used to enhance the mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Lavender can be calming during bedtime routines, while peppermint can help invigorate the mornings.
These simple habits of using natural solutions not only improve the atmosphere of your home but also introduce your children to the benefits of a more natural lifestyle.
This can lead to a healthy habit of preferring natural solutions over synthetic ones, benefiting both physical health and happiness in the long run.
13. Embrace Imperfections
One of the best ways to maintain your sanity and happiness as a mom is to embrace imperfections.
Accepting that life with children is inherently filled with small things that can go awry is essential.
There will be messes, noise, and unpredictable days. However, learning to accept these imperfections can reduce your stress levels and lead to a more relaxed household.
This doesn’t mean lowering your standards, but rather understanding that small changes in your expectations can lead to a much more peaceful life.
Remember, you don’t need to be a perfect mom; being a good enough mom who loves her children is what truly matters.
Embracing the chaos at times allows you to enjoy the beauty of family time without the constant pressure to control every aspect of daily life.
14. Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals is the best way to manage your responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. It’s especially important for new moms who might be adjusting to the demands of parenting.
Start by making a to-do list each morning or even the night before.
Prioritize the most important things—those that must get done that day—and permit yourself to move less urgent tasks to another day. This is a healthy habit that helps you manage your daily basis tasks without setting unrealistic expectations for yourself.
Remember, parenting is hard work, and the first step to being a vibrant mom is acknowledging that you can’t do everything at once.
Enough sleep and alone time are as crucial as any other task on your list.
15. Laugh Often
Never underestimate the power of laughter in creating a happy home.
Laughing often is one of the habits of happy mothers. It lightens the atmosphere and helps everyone in the family feel connected.
Make it a point to include fun activities that make you and your kids laugh, whether it’s watching a funny movie, telling jokes, or just being silly together. This not only ensures you’re spending time bonding with your family members, but it also helps to reduce stress and improve overall mood.
Laughter is a simple, yet powerful tool; it’s a good friend to mental health, helping to keep the environment at home light and joyful even on busy days or when things don’t go as planned.
Bonus Habit: Nightly Reflection
At the end of the day, take a moment for some nightly reflection.
This can be your quiet time to think about the day’s events, focusing on the positive things and what you’ve learned. It’s a chance to celebrate your successes and consider what could be improved tomorrow.
This habit helps reinforce the good news of the day, making it easier to recognize the little things that went well, instead of dwelling on any negatives.
If you share this time with your partner or a good friend, it can also strengthen your relationships by reflecting together.
This practice might seem like a small thing, but it can make a significant impact on your outlook and ensure you’re getting enough sleep with a peaceful mind.
Nightly reflection is a powerful tool for maintaining healthy habits and is crucial for long-term happiness and resilience.
What Makes a Happy Mother?
Understanding what makes a happy mother involves exploring the complex tapestry of psychological and emotional factors that contribute to a mother’s well-being.
At the core, happiness in motherhood is deeply personalized, often shaped by individual values, experiences, and circumstances.
For many, achieving happiness is about finding balance and fulfillment in the role, while nurturing their identity beyond just being a mom.
For a new mom, initial happiness might stem from bonding with the baby and successfully navigating the basics of childcare.
However, as children grow, the sources of a mother’s happiness evolve. It often includes managing to maintain healthy habits and integrating personal interests into her daily life.
The support of best friends and family, particularly the role of strong fathers, can significantly impact a mother’s happiness by providing emotional support and sharing parenting responsibilities.
Happiness can fluctuate based on how well a mother manages to align her reality with her expectations.
Letting go of unrealistic expectations and embracing imperfections can lead to a more joyful and less pressured parenting experience. It’s also about appreciating the little things, like the laughter of children, the fresh air during family walks, or the quiet moments of connection.
Another significant aspect is the concept of self-care, which should not be put on the back burner. This can include maintaining sleep schedules, ensuring she gets enough hours of sleep, and finding time for activities that rejuvenate her spirit, such as a date night or a solo outing.
Additionally, the most important meal of the day can serve as a moment of peace before the day begins, or a chance for a mother to nourish her body and set a positive tone for the day.
The presence of a supportive community, whether found in best friends, family, or support groups for mothers, plays a vital role.
These relationships provide a safe space to share experiences, challenges, and successes, which can be a significant source of happiness and reassurance.
How Can I Stay Happy as a Mother?
Staying happy as a mother requires a combination of practical strategies and a mindset geared towards resilience and flexibility.
The ability to adapt to the changing needs of children and the dynamic nature of family life is everything. A set schedule can help manage daily tasks without feeling overwhelmed, but it’s also important to remain flexible enough to handle unexpected events with grace.
Vibrant moms often find strength in their ability to laugh at the chaos, forgive themselves for their shortcomings, and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.
Building new habits, such as regular physical activity or creative pursuits, can provide a healthy outlet for stress and improve overall well-being.
Staying happy often means reaching out when you need help. You were never meant to do this alone.
Whether it’s from best friends, family, or professionals, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. This support network can offer practical help, like babysitting or meal preparation, as well as emotional support during tough times.
Strong daughters and sons come from mothers who model resilience, self-respect, and joy.
Showing your children that it is possible to pursue one’s passions, maintain personal relationships, and care for oneself sets a powerful example for them. It teaches them the importance of happiness and health, which are just as vital as any other life skills they learn from their parents.
Whether you have young kids or teens, your happiness matters. I invite you to make yourself a priority.
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