The Art of Balancing in Motherhood & Self-Care Tips

Keep you happy and the rest will follow.

I have been reflecting on balancing my life and prioritizing what is most important to me. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how much balance and priorities can change with each chapter in life. Currently, my life revolves around my partner and kids, so my needs are often put on the back burner.

If mom isn't happy, the family isn't happy. Managing a household is challenging. Motherhood is hard. You can't truly grasp how hectic life can become until you're in the midst of it. We're just beginning, and I can only imagine the whirlwind when sports and activities start as the kids grow older.

I finally found time for a massage. Two years back, I aimed to enjoy spa treatments every quarter, whether it was a massage, a facial, or both. After having Olivia, I stopped prioritizing myself. Following a stressful January and February, I was finally able to schedule an 80-minute massage with hot stones to address my severe knots. Afterward, I noticed how significantly my mood improved by taking some time for myself and relaxing.

At times, it's essential to create a "mommy moment." For me, this usually happens in the morning, but recently, I haven't been able to make it happen. Ideally, my morning would include coffee, catching up on emails, and watching my favorite shows. In the future, I'd like to incorporate a workout, followed by Bible study with coffee, and then some personal catch-up time. When I take a moment to set my priorities for the day, I can concentrate better and give my full attention to my kids. This benefits all of us, leading to a wonderful day.

The best thing to do is establish a goal wake-up time and resist the urge to hit the snooze button. This is a bad habit I am working to overcome, although occasionally a mom needs an extra 10 minutes of rest. Once we move and settle into our new home I'll be motivated to get my life in order. In the meantime, we'll strive to wake up and enjoy some personal time, even if it's just for 30 minutes.

It's essential to allocate dedicated time for each child... Bradley attends preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays, giving Olivia mommy's undivided attention. Since Bradley doesn't have this anymore, he sometimes gets a "Bradley Day." One of the most challenging aspects of being a mom is balancing your attention among the kids. Bradley went from having all my attention to having to share it. Olivia always has to share me. I feel like the time with her has passed much more quickly, and I'm not able to cherish it as much.That's why I make an effort to truly savor the slow moments. The cuddles from Bradley and Olivia seem even more precious. This time is irreplaceable, and I, too, need a reminder of that.

Your undivided attention is the most valuable gift you can offer your children. Engaging them in shared activities is beneficial for both you and them. Whether it's playing with toys, doing chores as a team, or simply enjoying each other's company while watching a movie, spending time together tends to bring joy to everyone involved. Even on a busy day filled with house chores, Bradley enjoys assisting me with laundry and putting away dishes.

It has taken me ages to write this because my kids keep distracting me. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and want to put them down for a nap to get things done, but then I regret it later. I'm trying to be more mindful about this when it happens so that I can focus on what's really important—my kids.

To sum it up, your kids are important, but so are you. Taking care of yourself will also help your kids and your marriage. Be mindful of what you need to help you be a successful momma. You'll always feel like you haven't spent enough time with your children, but your concern about it shows you're a wonderful mom. Even if tasks take more time, try involving your kids—they love feeling included.

Expecting & Empowered suggested these self-care tips:

1. Prioritize Quality Sleep

2. Nourish Your Body

3. Incorporate Exercise into Your Routine

4. Seek Support & Delegate

5. Practice Mindfulness & Self-Care

6. Connect with Moms

7. Embrace Imperfection & Practice Self-Compassion