I know what it’s like to struggle to be productive, motivated and continually stressed as a Mum, which is exactly why I want to share my favourite habits that have made a WORLD of difference for me!
Becoming a Mum was the biggest adjustment of my life. I don’t think anything else will top it. It’s so easy to forget about ourselves and just put all of our love and focus into our new baby but we often forget that we need to take care of ourselves before we take care of our babies.
In Ezra’s first year of life, I forgot myself. I forgot how to be productive and stay on top of things. I forgot how to live as just a human being. All I focused on was being a Mum, which is super common. But if we don’t realise we’re living like this, we start to suffer. Whether that’s with PND, productivity or simply within ourselves.
I’m not a perfect Mum, I still have tough days and Ezra still tests boundaries and pushes buttons, but I’ve found that having certain habits helps me to be the best Mum I can be and thought I’d share them with you!
♡ Get up earlier
This may sound like a bore, but when Ezra was born, I really let myself go and I don’t just mean in the “looks” department. What I mean is that I stopped caring for myself. All of those little things that made me happy and filled my cup right up, I stopped doing.
I just didn’t have the time.
Long story short, I burnt out. Big time. I was so unhappy, I struggled with becoming a Mum and it was just so damn hard. Until I started my hour of power.
My son is a terrible sleeper but he wakes up around 6.30-7am each morning so I started to get up at 5.30am. It was a hard adjustment at first but it is definitely worth it.
In this hour, I journal, meditate, stretch and get ready for the day. It’s my peaceful “me time”.
♡ Have a morning routine
Yes, I am talking about morning routines again – I’m not even sorry!
Having a solid morning routine will help your body get into the groove of productivity, all while still being half-asleep! Check out my e-book on morning routines here.
♡ Declutter your home
This one is super simple. If you have less stuff, there is less to clean and less for your children to mess up or break.
I started with my bathroom cupboard and then tackled my kitchen cupboards. After that, I was on a roll and found it easy to go through each room and donate, sell or throw away the things I didn’t need or want any more.
♡ Let the kids help
I always told myself I would be a patient Mum. I would let my kids take their time walking, putting on their own shoes and cleaning up after themselves.
That was until I fell into the trap of rushing my son.
Which then resulted in frustration, feeling annoyed and rushed all of the time and I definitely didn’t want to feel like that anymore! So, I started to let Ezra do things for himself, it does mean that I need to allow a lot of extra time each day but he is always so proud of himself for walking up and down our stairs or cleaning up his own spills.
He also now helps me to clean up, of course, he isn’t very good at it or he just pretends to clean, but he loves to help vacuum, clean the shower screen and take his dishes to the sink. And guess what? It saves me from doing it all!
♡ Have a to-do list
Yes, I’m also talking about to-do lists again.
Have a to-do list for every single day. But also don't feel bad if you don't get it done!
♡ Put your phone down
I am GUILTY of having my damn phone in my hand too often. I have definitely improved but I am still working on spending my time with Ezra rather than endless scrolling.
Have you ever sat back with a glass of water or a cup of coffee and just watched your kids play? I really suggest you do. Every single day.
Watching Ezra feed his stuffed animals, bounce a balloon on his head and stack his magnetic tiles are some of the most beautiful memories I’ve been able to witness and it is all because I put my phone down and was present with him.
♡ Get out of the house
I think all Mums have fallen into the habit of staying at home, I admit I definitely have (and sometimes still do!). Getting outside in the fresh air and warm sun will do wonders for your day.
I try and go for a walk each day I’m home and I have lots of local parks, so if Ezra is still awake by the time, we reach them then he can have a play too! He loves the walks as much as I do.
♡ Have a hobby
Yes, you’re a Mum but you don’t end there. What else do you do? What do you enjoy?
Find something you really love doing and start doing it. Just for yourself.
It doesn’t have to earn you money, in fact, it may cost you money. Just find something that fills your heart with warmth and start committing to doing it at least once a fortnight.
♡ Date nights
Before your little one came along, you and your partner would have spent so much time as just the two of you. Remember to keep up with the date nights, they’re important for your relationship, you and also your partner.
Your love and relationship don’t need to be put on pause because you’ve created a little version of you both.
Becoming a Mum will be an adjustment for every new Mum, but it doesn't have to be a struggle! Remember that you matter too.
With love
Shorina xo
Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach
Hi, I'm Shorina and I'm an Australian Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach. I'm here to support you to redefine your relationship to self and life! I incorporate a mind, body and soul wellness approach to my work with a focus on healing and mindfulness ♡