I don’t know about you, but I can tell you that there have been times in my life since becoming a mother that I wished I were happier? I used to look at happy moms and wonder what their secret is to living such a contented life. Happiness is something many of us strive for as adults whether we are moms or not.
I think that for a majority of us moms, we begin motherhood utterly happy. A new baby is something to be ecstatic over. Somewhere in the midst of motherhood, though, that happiness sometimes fades. Motherhood is weird and it’s messy. It’s full of tears and lonely at times. And for some of us that suffer(ed) from postpartum depression, being a mom is not just hard, it’s ridiculously hard.
I’ve been there.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you can be happy again, mama. Want to know how to be a happy mom? Here are 8 ways to a more joyful you.
one | speak and think positively
Try not to constantly focus on and complain about your worries, struggles, or problems. This will only prolong your circumstances. Move your focus towards the more positive aspects of your life. It is absolutely possible that you will immediately start to experience more goodness and positivity in your life.
two | laugh
Laughter has significant benefits to your health and well-being. Studies have shown that laughter can help reduce stress, bring considerable happiness, relieve pain, and boost immunity. Don’t take yourself so seriously and laugh a lot. My kids make me laugh…a lot. Of course, they make me cry too, but that’s another story.
three | see the light in others
People (i.e. other moms) may do things which frustrate you, hurt you or anger you. I urge you to see beyond these factors and focus on the commonalities you share. You are both humans and mothers who are working hard to survive the same world the best way you know how. Try your hardest accept and forgive others whenever you can.
four | forgive yourself
Sometimes it is crucial to remind yourself that you have done your best even if things haven’t worked out they way you had imagined. There are no mistakes. There are only opportunities to learn and become a better version of yourself. Love yourself on the good days, mama and love yourself on those bad days too.
five | open up to others
Being authentic, for me, equals vulnerability. This is something many of us mamas are scared of. We are scared of being seen for who we really are – just a mom trying to survive until bedtime. It’s okay to be seen without your cloak. By opening up and being your real self you unconsciously give other moms approval to do the same.
six | spend time with the people you love
Loved ones do not just include family and friends. Peers and mentors can be loved ones as well. Surround yourself with people who love you and who inspire you to be your best self. Let’s face it, life is too short to spend time with people who drain the life out of you. When you absolve yourself from negative Nancy’s, you are free to be you and in turn, you are just happier.
seven | give
When you give without conditions or expectations you begin to feel someone else’s happiness as your own. Make it a point to give more without seeking anything in return and notice how quickly the positive feelings you experience from seeing someone else’s joy make your heart swell.
eight | have an open mind
In a single day, heck, in a single hour, so much can happen when you have children. They could wake up sick, they could color all over your dining room table, they could fight all day long and ruin your plans for the day. While it’s great that you are making plans, keep a little room in your heart and mind for the unexpected. This, of course, was easier said than done for a, I make lists of lists to make, OCD-ish type person like me. But, I have slowly learned that things don’t always go as planned when children are involved.
What are some ways that you work to be a happy mom? Let me know in the comments.