5 Ways to Be Happier As A Stay-At-Home Mom!

In the hectic world we live in, more than ever, it seems like every family needs a dual income to survive, so to be able to leave one potential earner at home, while the other goes away to work can sometimes be quite a feat, but being able to stay home with your children is an incredible blessing. 

But. 

Let's be honest. 

While every Stay-At-Home Mom loves her children (I'm pretty sure), wants all good things for them, feels grateful for them, and enjoys time off from work, and, and, and... well, it can still be tough. Frustrating. Hard. And it can make you feel unappreciated, dumpy, and undervalued. While hard work in an office can result in promotions, raises, and other forms of appreciation, hard work as a SAHM, though it will result in great things, is not often seen or appreciated for years.

So...

While I definitely acknowledge the blessing of staying home with your children, here are a few tips to help you be happier as a SAHM:

1. Go outside every day. I'm sure you've had those days when you go to bed at night and realize that you never once turned the doorknob to go outside. Whatever your reason: whether it's a walk, to run to the post office, or to get an ice cream cone from McDonald's, just make sure that you see the daylight at least once a day. Take a deep breath of fresh air. The sunshine is good for you; it releases dopamine and eases stress. 
2. Get completely ready BEFORE your kids are up. Whatever stage of life your children are in, make sure that you are up, dressed, hair done, and make-up finished by the time they are up and running around. If you don't do it first thing in the morning, it will often get done haphazardly throughout the day, or else it will not get done at all. You will feel worlds different if you can face each day knowing you look your best.
3. Always pursue at LEAST one personal interest. I know you love your little ones, and most of your day revolves around them: changing diapers, giving baths, cleaning your home, making meals, and other incredibly repetitive tasks. However, in the midst of all of this, find one thing for YOU that YOU enjoy. This a NOT a free pass to neglect your children and focus selfishly on yourself; rather, it is a way to find joy and accomplishments outside of your children so that you can always feel that you, as an individual, have worth. Options? Gardening. Reading. Running. Gourmet cooking. Blogging. Photography. Swimming. Just pick something that you love and budget some time at least once a week for you to do something just for YOU. 
4. Get adequate rest. I say adequate because I know that you will not get all the sleep you want until your kids are out of the home (if then). You'll certainly be up late working on projects that can't be done with your children running around (and sometimes it's the only way you and hubby can get some time to yourselves) and then be up again in the morning before they get up. But, make sure to find some kind of balance. However you swing things, do not allow yourself to run off of too little sleep. If you do, you will lose your temper far too easily, which will cause you to say/do things with your children that you will regret. You are staying home with your children to give them the best upbringing they can get. Make sure it IS the best by giving yourself rest so that you will be your BEST self. 
5. Love your spouse/significant other. It is easy to become wrapped up in your children's wants and needs (extremely easy, since they want and need so much!). Do not, however, allow this to take away from your relationship with your significant other. If you do not show love and affection for this person who is such an integral and important part of your life, regardless of how perfect of a mother you are, you will not be truly happy ...and neither will he. So, whatever may work for you, make sure to show your love for your husband each and every day: bake him his favorite desert, kiss him before he goes to work, hug him when he gets home, text him how much you care during the day, and hold his hand in the car and while you watch TV together. Don't make it a chore; instead, try to think of and try new ways to express your adoration. It doesn't matter how you do it, just make sure he feels loved, appreciated, and taken care of as well!

Do you have any tips for what has helped you find the joy in the journey of being a SAHM? Please share, so we all can benefit!

Sometimes it's hard to feel productive when you make your own schedule and don't have the same structure of a regular 9-5 job, so here are 5 Ways to Be A More Productive Stay-At-Home Mom!

And, remember, it's tough! We're all always striving to be the best mom we can be, so here are some Tips on Being a Better Mama!