When you’re in the trenches of motherhood, it can seem laughable to “find time” for yourself or focus on anything that doesn’t involve your kids. Trust me, I get it. I had three babies in four years, and my youngest is only 18 months right now. Add in a husband who is constantly gone with the military, and I am right there with you in those trenches.
So I won’t sit here and tell you to find an hour a day to sit in silence or tell you that you need a spa day. Because while I’ll never say no to a good spa day, that’s just not happening at this phase in my life.
But I have found that I can be a much better mom when I take some time for mindfulness each day, so today, I’m sharing a few tips on that with you.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judgment. When practiced regularly, mindfulness can help to reduce stress and improve work-life balance for moms.
And I’ll add before we jump in, if you’re a mom AND an entrepreneur, mindfulness is even more important because you really do need to take some time between being in “mom mode” and in “work mode” to nurture yourself as well!
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As a mom entrepreneur, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the tasks and projects on your plate. But no matter how busy you get, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Developing a mindfulness practice is a great way to do that.
Mindfulness for moms means taking time to be present at the moment and to focus on your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. This can help you stay grounded, focused, and productive.
Now when I say mindfulness, I’m not necessarily talking about anything “woo.” You can incorporate this into your daily prayer practice if you already have one or create a separate mindfulness routine. It doesn’t have to be a faith-related activity, but I just want to point out that it can be, too if that’s your thing!
Alright, on with the list…
Mindfulness For Moms: Five Simple Strategies
1. Make it a priority
I know that right now, mindfulness might not be on your top five, or even top ten, list of things to do today. But let’s change that. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Some mindful mom ideas include taking breaks throughout your day to practice simple meditations, engaging in activities that make you feel joy, prioritizing physical activity, and simply enjoying a few moments of peace and quiet.
Taking time for yourself is key to staying mindful and successful as a mom entrepreneur. It’s a way to reset your mind, and it can be especially helpful to do when you’re switching from one task to another.
2. Make time for mindful activities
As a mom entrepreneur, you are pulled in many different directions, and it can be hard to find time for yourself. That’s why it’s so important to make time for mindful activities. This will help you get in the right mindset to run your business and raise your family.
Make it a priority to take a few moments each day to focus on your breath and reconnect with yourself. This can be anything from exercise, prayer, or meditation to writing in a journal or simply sitting in silence. If you're having trouble finding time, you'll need to make time.
Find something that works for you and make it a regular practice. Mindfulness for moms is about taking the time to slow down and check in with yourself. You don’t need hours, you can fit it in even if you only have 5 minutes.
I like to make my morning coffee and then turn on a relaxing scene with music on YouTube. Then, I take a few moments for mindfulness while my kids play around me. Is it silent? Absolutely not. But I do my best to focus on my thoughts and ignore the chaos. I also make sure everyone has everything they need before I sit down; otherwise, I’d surely be interrupted by requests for milk!
3. Practice gratitude
Being mindful of your thoughts and emotions can seem like a challenge when there is chaos all around you and a to-do list that’s nine miles long. Taking the time to practice gratitude can be an incredibly powerful mindfulness tool that doesn’t have to take much extra time.
By focusing on the things you’re grateful for, such as your family, your health, or your business, you can boost your happiness and your energy. Taking the time to appreciate all your blessings can also help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and keep you motivated to continue striving for success.
Make sure to take a few moments each day to practice gratitude and reap the rewards it brings! Oh, and don’t forget to write it down in a gratitude journal or something similar so you can look back on it.
4. Give yourself grace
One of the most important aspects of self-care is cultivating self-compassion, aka the ability to give yourself grace. As moms and entrepreneurs, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do it all (ask me how I know…).
Self-compassion is about taking a step back and treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you extend to others. Practicing self-compassion allows us to recognize our flaws and failures while also reminding us of our strengths, successes, and potential.
For moms, mindfulness is all about making space to listen to yourself and your needs and then taking action to meet those needs. It will also help you reset so that you can be energized and find fresh motivation for your business instead of burning yourself out. If no one has told you this lately, you’re an amazing mom, and you’re doing a great job!
5. Make self-care a priority
As we all know, it can be easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind—which is why making self-care a priority is essential for your well-being. By taking the time to focus on yourself and your own needs, you can ensure that you are able to show up as your best self for your family and business. You’re also setting a good example for your kids because you want them to grow up knowing the importance of self-care too!
Mindfulness is a great way to incorporate self-care into your life. Taking the time to pause and reflect on your day and how you’re feeling can help you to clear your mind and open up space for self-compassion, creativity, and relaxation.
If you’re looking for more practical ways, you can incorporate self-care into your busy life as a mom entrepreneur, make sure to check out this interview I did with Aline Lyra (coming soon! You can find Aline on Instagram @aline.rising).
Mindfulness is an essential tool for mom entrepreneurs.
Mindfulness is an essential tool for mom entrepreneurs because it helps you stay focused, resilient, and more productive. Mindfulness helps to reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to stay in the present moment and make decisions from a place of clarity instead of anxiety.
By taking the time to be mindful, you can stay grounded, make better decisions, and create a life that is both successful and meaningful.
After all, the reason most of us choose the entrepreneurial path is to spend more time with our families. What good is that if we’re stressed out, overwhelmed, and burnt out all the time? None.
So I challenge you to choose just one of these mindfulness ideas to try today. Don’t put it off or plan to find time later; choose a moment or two today and make it happen! Then come back here and let me know how it went. I’m rooting for you, mama!
