Being a busy mom can be hectic and stressful. There are always so many things that require our time, care, and management. Many busy moms say that they are tired and burned out. It is for this reason that I have written some New Year’s resolutions that every busy mom should have.
Sleep More
By making a resolution to sleep more, you are setting yourself up to be more productive during the day. You also are setting yourself up to be at a healthier weight and emotionally more stable. Make sure to give yourself the 8 hours that you need each 24 hours to rest your body and mind. The world will wait for you as you recharge.
Set Your Own Path
Stop thinking what other people think and stop following people down paths that you don’t want to go. Be your own leader. Don’t waste time worrying about how your life compares to others. The mom next door may look like she has it all together. A new degree, children at the best schools, but you have no idea what she sacrificed to have what she has. Make your own, unique life for you and your family.
Exercise
Make time to exercise every day. You will feel so much better and have more energy. You may even avoid that seasonal flu that everyone seems to get. Make the time for yourself and your body every day. You deserve it and your family will thank you for it.
Do What You Enjoy
Have you stopped reading or crocheting? Maybe you like to target shoot but just haven’t been giving yourself the time to do what you love. Or maybe that horse you’ve been feeding and cleaning up after every day hasn’t been ridden in a long time. Make the resolution to put those things that you enjoy back in your schedule.
Resolve To Say No More Often
It’s ok to say no sometimes. Stop taking on responsibilities that make you cut out more essential activities. This year I said no to taking care of everyone’s pets over the holidays. I have a full schedule already, and last year I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off in blizzards from house to house feeding cats, horses, cattle, chickens, etc.
One house that I thought was just for a few days ended up being twice a day for three weeks while they took a very extended Christmas getaway vacation. This year, I said no.
At first, it was hard to say no. I wasn’t even sure how to say it. I rehearsed it in my head how I’d say no. Then I said no. Again and again. The more I said no, the more I felt like a big load was lifted off of me. It felt good to know I could say no.
Log Off More Often
Unless social media is a real up-lifter for you, try to log off a bit more. It’s ok to miss saying happy birthday to every single Facebook friend. Do you really need to know what someone had for dinner last night? Try logging off more and pick up that book you’ve been wanting to read or take a mid-day nap while listening to your favorite music.
Lower Your Cleaning Standards
Put down the vacuum and the dust rag a little more often. My sister had a saying hung on her wall when her kids were little. It was a poem written by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton. The last lines gave such wise advice that I’ll never forget. It said,
“Oh, cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow, but children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow. So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep. I’m rocking my baby. Babies don’t keep.”
Does it really matter if there is some dust on the cabinets or if the dishes air dry instead of getting towel dried every night? In the long run, I say it does not matter. Give yourself a break from the constant cleaning routine.
Let Go of Perfection
Do your kids need to all have their hair done perfectly and clothes matching before they go out to the store? Maybe yes or maybe no depending on who is reading this. But, we can never be perfect. Try to let it go a little and go with the flow a little more. Chances are no one will notice anyways and life will just continue on. Don’t put too many demands on yourself to be perfect.
Final Thoughts
In summary, give yourself a break and walk to the beat of your own drum. Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks. Lighten your load by saying no to new tasks and yes to activities that you enjoy. Make your family come first, and not outside demands. Let go of the idea of being perfect and embrace who God made you to be. Be unique. Be an inspiration to others by being your beautiful self. I hope that 2018 is your best year yet!
