Are you struggling to find balance as a homemaker? If so, you’re not alone! I love home making, but it took me some time to find a rhythm that really worked for me. I’d like to share some tips that helped me find physical, spiritual, and emotional balance in my life:
1. Start With Prayer — Always start your day with prayer! I try to get up 1 hour before everyone else to pray and enjoy some quiet time. There is a grace that we receive from prayer that simply can not be replaced by anything else. Of course, your prayer life will look different depending on what season you’re in. My prayer life looks a lot different now that my youngest is 3 compared to when she was a baby! Find something that works for you.
2. Get Dressed — Getting dressed for the day is vital for your self esteem and productivity. I notice on the days that I get dressed and put on a little makeup, I just feel more productive. Dress as if you are going somewhere, even if you don’t leave the house all day. (Again, remember what season you’re in. If you have a newborn, don’t feel as if you have to get dressed everyday.) You’ll feel so much better!
3. Plan Your Day — You don’t need to have a schedule that is set in stone, but it does help to have an idea of what you need to get done during your day. I try to jot down my to-do list in the morning. I know what time I clean, pick up the kids, and go grocery shopping, and it’s such a stress reliever. I highly encourage you to plan your day, even if it’s as simple as jotting down your errands.
4. Know Yourself — It’s important to schedule your day based around your temperament and preferences. For example, are you a morning person or a night owl? I’m a morning person, so I get the bulk of my batch cooking and cleaning done in the morning when I am most productive. Your schedule should work for you, not against you.
5. Clean Everyday — Setting aside time to clean every day has brought a lot of peace to our home. I highly recommend not only cleaning daily but also figuring out exactly how long you will need to reach your goals. Before I knew how long it actually took me to clean my home, I felt like I was always cleaning but somehow never had a clean house. It was incredibly frustrating!
I decided to time myself one day, and I found that I need 1.5 hours in the morning to tackle the basics: dishes, floors, vacuuming, etc. After my kids come home from school, I need about 1 hour to do the kind of cleaning that involves organizing, helping the kids with their rooms, etc. It also helps to find ways to make cleaning more enjoyable — put on some music or light a candle!
6. Have a Positive Attitude — Being a stay at home mom can sometimes feel like a never ending cycle. There is so much to be done, and we do the same things every single day. It seems like the laundry and dishes will never end! During the times you feel overwhelmed or burnt out, it’s important to have a grateful heart.
This mindset shift could be as simple as saying “I get to” instead of “I have to.” For example, “I get to be at home every day with my babies. I get to make my family meals.” There are also small things you can do to spice up your day! Try going to a thrift store and buying something small that will spark joy in your day, such as a new candle. Think always of your blessings, and know that the blessings will always outweigh the mundane.
7. Be Healthy — Last, it’s so important to take care of yourself. If I can’t be productive, things can get chaotic very quickly. It’s vital that I have the energy to clean the house and pick up the kids from school, which is why I prioritize making healthy meals. I make a lot of veggies for myself and my kids. I know it’s not always easy to cook healthy food or work out when you have a family to care for, but in the long run it will keep your energy up. Try making some small changes and see how you feel!
If you found any of these tips useful or have any of your own you’d like to share, leave a comment below!
2 Responses
Thank you for sharing Heather. I’m an older mom who’s children are grown and I now have grandchildren. But even at my age I’ve found your posts (covering many categories) to be extremely helpful for me. And I must say, I’ve grown as a catholic thanks to your blog and this website.
God’s peace to you and your family,
Sue
Hello Heather! Can you send me a link to the metal bento lunch boxes you show in your last video? Thank you! Lori