Cultivating Calm and Presence for Mums on Mother's Day and Beyond
Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love, joy, and fulfillment, but it can also be demanding, overwhelming, and stressful. In the juggle of our daily responsibilities, it's crucial for mums to prioritise their own well-being and cultivate a sense of calm and presence in their lives. As Mother's Day approaches, let's explore some strategies that can help mums navigate the ups and downs of motherhood with grace and tranquility, not just on Mother's Day but every day.
Striving for calm through motherhood
Being a mum is the best thing that has happened to me and something that I will forever treasure. The special moments, the bonding and love you have for your child is something really unique. As you start of your journey on motherhood or if you are just in the middle of it, the road can be bumpy at times and filled with doubts and worries. Remember this is normal and you are not alone in the craziness of everyday demands. It’s easy to get caught up in the routines, driving to activities, school drop offs and being the forever taxi to various friends. When it gets hectic you might forget to look after yourself and your needs, but it’s important so you have energy to continue and feel happy, so you don’t collapse of exhaustion at the end of the day.
So, what can you do to regain that calm presence in your life to juggle it all and still feel zen?
Here are some tips on what you can to do look after your wellbeing.
Embrace Self-Care:
Self-care is not selfish; it's a necessary component of maintaining balance and mental well-being. You should carve out time for yourself each day, even if it's just a few minutes of quiet meditation, a soothing bath, or a walk in nature. Book it into your calendar and ensure you don’t skip it. Taking care of yourself provides you with important me time to re-energise but also allow you to better care for your family.
Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment without judgment. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routines will bring focus onto your breath, tuning in to your senses, and paying attention to the present moment. This can help you reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and find moments of peace amidst the chaos.
Set Boundaries:
As mums, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to do it all and please everyone. However, setting boundaries is essential for preserving mental and emotional energy. Learn to say no to commitments that don't align with your priorities and delegate tasks when possible. It's okay to prioritise your own needs and well-being and you don’t have to feel bad for doing it.
Practice Gratitude:
Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting perspective and cultivating positivity. Make gratitude a daily practice by keeping a gratitude journal, expressing thanks to loved ones, or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on the blessings in your life. Focusing on what you are grateful for can help cultivate a sense of contentment and perspective, even during challenging times.
Create a daily routine
Establishing a consistent daily routine can help create a sense of structure and predictability in your life, reducing feelings of being overwhelmed. Allocate specific times for tasks such as meal preparation, work, family time, and self-care.
Your support network
No mum should have to navigate the journey of motherhood alone. Reach out for support when you need it, whether it's from friends, family members, or a professional therapist. As a mum myself and with a husband with chronic illness life can be tough and knowing that you have a supportive network around you is so important. I don’t know how I would have made it without my amazing friends. They have been the rock and stability when life has thrown some very challenging events and I’ve so grateful. As many people we want to make it on our own and try to keep it together and the same goes for me. I have realised it’s not a failure and there are a lot of very kind and helpful souls that want to support you when life is tough. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There is no shame in seeking support when facing the challenges of motherhood or any other struggles you might be dealing with. Finding a community where you can share your thoughts with like-minded people might also help. Together we are stronger and it’s easier to navigate the demands and issues we are faced with when you can share it with other people. You might be going through the same challenges and can help each other. Knowing you are not alone can be a big support.
Embrace imperfection
Let go of the idea of being a perfect mum and embrace imperfection. Accept that there will be good days and bad days, and that it's okay to make mistakes. We don’t’ have to be supermums, and expect everything to be fine, because sometimes it’s not and it’s ok. You aren’t a bad mum because you make a mistake or don’t do everything to a certain standard. Often, we are hard on ourselves and have unrealistic expectations that can’t be met. We only get disappointed and frustrated if we don’t reach our goal. Instead, be kind to yourself and give yourself grace as you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood.
Motherhood is a journey filled with both joy and challenges, but by prioritising self-care, practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, cultivating gratitude, and seeking support, mums can cultivate a sense of calm and presence in their lives. This Mother's Day, and every day beyond, let's celebrate and support you and all other mums on their journey to prioritise their well-being and thrive in the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
