5 Things I do as a Mom to Enjoy my Day
I love being a mom! I think it is literally the best title and job I have ever been given. And one in which the pros insurmountably out way the cons.
There are so many amazing opportunities and graces that you have bestowed on you when you get the privilege of caring for another person. However, I would be lying if I said it didn’t come with hardship and sacrifice. There are definitely days where you’d rather just hide under the covers.
But don’t let those hard days get you down. In fact, it’s on the hard days that we need to cling to our gifts that we have as mothers more than anything. I am always reminded of Romans 5:3-5
“3More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.”
It’s like about how when coal is under immense pressure for a long time, it becomes a diamond. If we teach ourselves to remain constant in God, even through the pressure, he will use our suffering to instill in us endurance, character, and ultimately hope. If hope is like a diamond then the pressure is worth it!
Leaning into the suffering is great, but I also want to share some practical things that I do on a daily basis that just help to fill my cup during the day and help to keep me happier. We all love a little pampering and we can bestow that on ourselves every day. We don’t have to wait for a whole day to go to the spa for a little luxury. So here are 5 things that I do usually on a daily basis that bring me joy and fill my cup.
1) Morning Quiet Time. It’s my daily HAVE TO. Even if I do not do anything else on this list, I will always wake up early to get my morning quiet time. I can not function well if I have to be “Mom” first thing in the morning. I wake up at least an hour before my kids and I make a hot beverage do my morning prayers, gratitude journaling, Bible reading, devotional, or mediation. Sometimes I switch between Bible reading and devotionals depending on what I am working through but I have found that giving God my “first fruits” of the day really help to set my mindset on the right track.
2) Vitamins/ Supplements. This is another must. I have found that nourishing my body the right way for what I currently need will set me up to function at my best!
3) Sunshine… or at least fresh air. Getting outside helps to regulate your circadian rhythm which signals your body to produce more serotonin during the day as well as melatonin in the evenings. Serotonin is your happy hormone and melatonin helps to calm you. So you are creating a rhythm to help your body increase natural motivation, positivity, and energy during the day and then calming your system to better sleep at night. Reading into the circadian rhythm is fascinating and I highly encourage everyone to learn more about how God created us and nature to support each other.
4) Afternoon drink and read. This can be dependent on schedules but I have found this to be a great way to get some down time in the afternoon even when we don’t have a “quiet time” in our home. I make a delicious drink, sometimes coffee, tea, or a health drink, and we sit down and read together. I use this time to do a read aloud or the kids can just bring me books they want me to read to them. It is such a great way to wind down a little bit and relax together before the hustle and bustle of dinner time and evening.
5) Nightly skin care. Okay this is one I am still working on as I am not great at taking the time to do it. Having a nightly skin care routine is just a little piece of spa day at home… I’m guessing anyway, because I have never actually been to a spa before, but I digress. If you are able, get yourself some quality clean skin care products and use them before bed. There is just something about going to bed with a clean face that feels amazing that just helps you wind down a little better for sleep.
These are my top 5 tasks that just help to fill my cup each day. However, I will also add that getting dressed and “ready” each morning is a HUGE mindset boost! Even if you are a stay at home mom, your life is worth getting ready for! Get dressed, put some make up on, add some earrings, and brush your hair! You’ll feel 1000% better about tackling your day!
Stay encouraged,
Alycia