Being a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) on maternity leave is not an easy job- you need to juggle many responsibilities, get dinner ready on the table and be on call almost 24 hours a day. Today we will study some ways to enjoy being a stay at home mom.
1. Do not lose your identity
A SAHM often faces isolation. She starts losing herself and her identity. It is important to introspect and see your relationship with yourself. How you view yourself and your current job is an important part of ‘SAHMing’. Say it loud and proud- I am a SAHM! Do not be afraid to tell people that you are a STAY At HOME MOM. Stop being hard on yourself or your kids. Feeling ashamed of your job as a SAHM can affect your relationship with everyone. So make sure you accept the situation and also become proud of it.
2. Be faithful….to yourself
A successful stay at home mom still loves herself-she will never cheat on her me time, her workout and/or her diet. She will not binge eat or second guess herself. Nor will she judge herself. She will be honest, first and foremost to herself, and take a look at her relationship with herself instead of picking apart those around her.
3. Do not isolate yourself
Many moms who gain weight after pregnancy or quit their jobs to become bored stay at home wife tend to isolate themselves. It is very important to build relationships with family, friends and neighbors. Sometimes, you may be a natural introvert. But if that is not the case, and you find you are isolating yourself, it may be a good idea to talk to someone. Isolation can stop you from being a happy stay at home mom as it makes you self centered and depressed.
4. Do not neglect yourself
Dressing like a slob just because you are a busy mom and have nowhere to go is not the way to be a successful SAHM. Dress well, take efforts to look good. Put on some makeup. These things are important to avoid being a stay at home mom in unhappy marriage.
5. Follow a schedule
A successful stay at home mother will be the manager of the house. She will know how to set a routine for herself as well as her family members. It is important to start the day right- with some exercise and meditation. Even if you are a busy mom, make sure you devote some time for these activities. Only if you are healthy and happy, will you be in a position to make others happier. So follow a routine. Make sure everyone has the tools to follow their routine as well.
6. Find things to do
Yes, the kids are your universe but you can devote some time for yourself. Find things to do-take up a hobby. Meditate. Take care of the house and garden. Cook healthy dishes. Knit. Paint. Help kids with their homework. When you are busy, you will feel good about yourself and you will not have the time to get bored. Help coordinate with the finances- pay bills on time, plan a party or arrange to do some charity for those less fortunate than you. Arrange a weekly date with your husband. This is important to keep the marriage alive.
7. Take care of your mind and spirit
Sharpen your mind by playing Sudoku or word games. There are many apps that can help you avoid boredom and also keep your mind sharp. Nourish your spirit by reading good books, watching inspirational films, talking to people who you love and who uplift you and meditating. These things can keep stay at home mom depression and anxiety at bay.
8. Understand that nobody is setting standards for you
You set your own standards. Your husband does not expect you to be the perfect wife-nor do your children want you to be the perfect mother. Chances are-you are already perfect in their eyes. A happy mother who does not constantly try to prove herself can raise better kids than the tired mother who keeps a spotless home. So cut yourself some slack-make mistakes too!
9. Keep a journal
This is one of the best ‘bored stay at home mom ideas’. Write a journal of your thoughts. You can write down anything you like- this is one place you won’t be judged. After pouring out all your thoughts and emotions, you might actually get the solution to your problems. You can even start a blog.
10. Have faith
Lean on God-He created your family and you. He loves you and will guide you. If you find yourself depressed, anxious or lonely, pray. Prayers work in several ways-they calm your mind and spirit and give you hope. Keep faith that every difficult situation will pass. Soon you will find comfort and happiness in your situation and even be grateful for the luxury of staying at home.
Thanks to advances in technology and the Internet, there are many things to do when you are a stay at home mom. Network with people and soon you will find many ‘bored’ stay at home mom ideas to make yourself productive and happy.