FINDING BALANCE: A GUIDE TO STRESS-FREE LIVING

Aug 15

Motherhood is a beautiful and rewarding journey, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming (insert both kids completely melting down in the middle of target). Balancing the needs of your child, household responsibilities and personal well-being can feel AND usually is an impossible task. Here are some practical tips and strategies to help you navigate the chaos of motherhood and create a more peaceful and balanced life.

1. PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE

Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. As a mom, it's easy to put everyone else's needs before your own, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and increased stress. Here are some simple ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine:

Schedule "Me Time": Dedicate at least 5-15 minutes each day to do something you enjoy, whether it's reading, taking a walk, practicing a hobby, or simply breathing!
Mindfulness and Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day practicing mindfulness or meditation to center yourself and reduce stress. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be helpful tools. I have found a few I love and will listen to them on repeat!
Physical Activity: Body movement releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress. Find an activity you love, whether it's yoga, dancing, or jogging. Personally, Ive been obsessed with pilates lately, so if anyone ever wants to go with me… I’M IN!

2. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Having a consistent routine can provide a sense of structure and predictability, which is especially important for both you and your children. A well-organized day can help you manage your time more effectively and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. But like, let’s be real. Every routine needs flexibility because we all know even with the best routines, mayhem happens and all of our perfectly planned tasks for the day go down the drain. I’m here to tell you, ITS OK! My biggest tips are down below. Starting and ending your day the same will provide tons of security and stress-relief for everyone in your fam.

Morning Rituals: Start your day with a calming routine that sets a positive tone. This could include stretching, enjoying a cup of tea, or writing in a gratitude journal.
Evening Wind-Down: Create a soothing bedtime routine to help you and your children transition to sleep more easily. This might include reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing deep breathing exercises.

3. DELEGATE AND SHARE RESPONSIBILITIES

You don't have to do everything on your own. Let me say that again, you don’t have to do EVERYTHING on your own. Asking for help and delegating tasks can lighten your load and provide opportunities for others to contribute. If you struggle asking for help, I’d ask “where does that come from” and “where do I need to heal so that I can accept help”. I am personally a recovering perfectionist and I have found SO much grace, beauty and freedom in letting go and asking for help. Sure, that means that sometimes I have to let people in and allow them to see the chaos of my motherhood. Sometimes that looks like inviting friends over to a messy house or showing up with stains on my clothes, or face stained children.

Partner and Family Involvement: Communicate with your partner and family about sharing household responsibilities. Assign specific tasks to each member to ensure everyone is contributing. The key is is communication and making it work for your family! Every household looks different.
Community Support: Reach out to FRIENDS, church groups, or a local mom's group for support. Consider setting up a babysitting co-op or carpooling arrangement to share the burden. (can you even imagine having your kids dropped to your doorstep every other day?!)
Professional Help: If possible, consider hiring help for tasks like cleaning, cooking, or childcare. Investing in assistance can free up time for you to focus on self-care and family. I know this isn’t feasible for everyone and I understand financial strain causes even more stress on households.

4. PRACTICE GRATITUDE AND POSITIVE THINKING

Focusing on the positives can help shift your mindset and reduce stress. Gratitude and positive thinking can improve your overall well-being and help you navigate the challenges of motherhood with a more optimistic outlook. This takes constant effort and the awareness to recognize when you’re thoughts are negative and grumpy… I love to use thought-stopping techniques because once I go down a negative rabbit hole, my entire being shifts and Im grumpy for the rest of the day. Shifting your thoughts is so freaking powerful for balancing your moods.

Gratitude Journal: Spend a few minutes each day writing down things you're grateful for. This simple practice can help you appreciate the small joys in life. Honestly, even gratitude statements such as “I’m grateful for the 59 times I clean up toys each day because it means my home is filled with curiosity, growth, and the joyful play of children living their best childhood.”
Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to reinforce a healthy mindset. Phrases like "I am capable and strong" or "I am doing my best" can boost your confidence and resilience.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your efforts can help build self-esteem and motivation. Truly just today I was so proud when my son stated “Mom, I am feeling a little funky today. I think I’m a little crabby”. EVERY. WIN. NEEDS. TO. BE. CELEBRATED!

5. SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS AND BOUNDARIES

It's important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Trying to achieve perfection can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment. This is the era of true authenticity and being real. Im not interested in fake perfection because no one is and it’s a really harmful to try and achieve.

Simplify Tasks: Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on completing one thing at a time rather than trying to multitask.
Say No: Learn to say no to commitments that don't align with your priorities or values. It's okay to decline invitations or requests if they add unnecessary stress to your life.
Boundaries: Establish boundaries to protect your time and energy. Communicate your needs to your friends, family and community.

6. CONNECT WITH OTHERS

Building and maintaining connections with others can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.

Mom Groups: Join local or online mom groups to share experiences, advice, and support. (hello momhood mentor. A core value in my mission).
Social Time: Make time for social interactions with friends and family. Even a short phone call or coffee date can boost your mood and provide a sense of connection.
Therapy and Counseling: If you're struggling with stress or mental health challenges, consider seeking support from a licensed therapist. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies.

Finding balance as a busy mom is an ongoing journey, but with intentionality and self-compassion, it is possible. By prioritizing self-care, establishing routines, delegating tasks, practicing gratitude, setting realistic expectations, and connecting with others, you can create a more stress-free and fulfilling life. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and take time for yourself—you deserve it. Embrace the chaos of motherhood with grace and find joy in the beautiful moments along the way.

lynsey Ward