My Nonnegotiables for a Happy Momma

Some days, motherhood feels like a beautiful journey… and other days it feels like pure survival mode. Over the years, I’ve learned that the difference often comes down to the little things, the habits that refill my cup, calm my mind, and help me show up as the mom I want to be. These are my nonnegotiables. They’re simple, but they make all the difference.

1. Iced Coffee Mornings

There is something almost sacred about that first sip of iced coffee. It’s the quiet moment before the day begins, when the house is still, the kids are waking up, and I get to just be for a second. And yes… water is my other nonnegotiable. I keep it close all day because a hydrated mama is a happier mama.

2. Moving My Body at Least 3 Times a Week

Not for the “bounce back” culture or for anyone else, but because I truly feel better afterward. A strong, energized mama shows up differently. Whether it’s a quick workout, a stroller walk, or squeezing in a YouTube video while the kids play, it’s my way of reminding myself: You matter too.

3. Dedicated Play Time With the Kids

I try to give each child at least 20 minutes of focused, intentional play every day. No phone. No multitasking.Just me and them. Twenty minutes doesn’t sound like much, but the way their little faces light up? Worth everything. It fills their emotional cup, and honestly, it fills mine too.

4. Letting My Creative Side Out

Content creation might look like “work,” but for me it’s also my creative outlet. Planning reels, taking photos, and writing captions get my brain moving in a different, fun way. It’s a reminder that I’m more than just my daily tasks… I’m a woman with ideas and passions.

5. Getting Outside Every Day

Whether it’s gardening, checking on the chicks, chasing the kids, or doing some yard work, I crave that little bit of sunshine. Something about the fresh breeze instantly boosts my mood and helps me reset.

6. Taking a Break Without Guilt

Some days, the dishes sit. Sometimes the laundry waits. And that is okay. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. I’ve learned to honor the moments when my body or mind says, “pause.” Because a burnt-out mama can’t pour into anyone.

These Nonnegotiables Don’t Make Me Perfect. They Make Me Present.

These habits don’t guarantee a flawless day, but they help me stay grounded, patient, and joyful, even on the hard ones. Every mama deserves her own little list of things that help her feel like herself.

Whether you’re a mom, a student, working full-time, or just navigating life in your own season, you can make your own list of nonnegotiables too. These aren’t just “mom things,” they’re human things. Little habits that support your joy, your energy, and your peace. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and create patterns that genuinely work for you. You deserve a life that feels good from the inside out. What would be on yours? 💛