If there’s one thing every SAHM needs to know, it’s how to be happy at home. This sounds like it would be easy but sometimes the isolation and repetition can create quite severe discontentment.
Leave the House Every Day
Leaving the house is my favorite way to reset the day. It is almost as if a change of environment completely resets the nervous system, allowing both me and my daughter to get a fresh start. This does not have to be a whole event. Leaving the house can mean going on a walk around the neighborhood, a simple drive for coffee, some time at the park. Keep it simple!
You can certainly plan big adventurous days like the zoo or aquarium but if you’re struggling with the monotony of staying home then keeping the expectations small make it more attainable.
Clock In and Clock Out
Treating house maintenance like a corporate job is so effective for me. I have a list for “opening shift” and “closing shift” duties and I “clock in” every morning until opening shift is done. After they are done, I can resume normal life: arts, crafts, playing, reading, all the fun things!
Nap Time is YOUR Time
I used to use nap time to catch up on chores before I had my opening shift and closing shift set-up really integrated and I felt so so so burnt out. I constantly felt like I was doing something and never had a chance to just sit down. Switching to taking and time for myself helped my quality of life tremendously. Now, I take that time to read, sew, bake, watch an episode of a show, or take a nap myself.
Find a Community
Community is so important when most of your time is spent with a little person that can’t carry a conversation. We are created to be social beings. Nurturing that is so important! You can find a community at church, library meetups, work out groups for moms, take a class for literally anything (there are so many classes that cater toward moms!) Personally, I go to SLAM and it has enriched my life greatly.
Take Care of Your Health
This can look different for different people. Eat food that makes you feel good. Do what it takes to have enough energy to enjoy your life and your child. Get enough sleep. Brush your teeth.
Know Your Purpose
Take pride in raising your child. What you are doing is meaningful and necessary for the wellbeing of future generations. Know that! I talk more about mindset in motherhood in this post.
If you are here because you googled how to be happy as a SAHM, please try these tips and let me know how it goes for you. Things change so quickly with children, keep hope that they will be on the greener side soon.
