Motherhood is a masterclass in contrast. You feel ecstatic and exhausted, aware and bamboozled, overwhelmed and underwhelmed—all at the same time.
But having these contrasts doesn’t cut moms slack from laundry, dishwashing, running errands, cooking, diaper changing, toilet scrubbing — aka the unglamorous everyday tasks.
Deep breathing is a science-backed mindfulness practice. It will draw your attention to the present moment and enable you to complete the chore with awareness.
It’s always great to pencil in an activity that cranks up your cheer-o-meter. So whether you enjoy reading a book or going out for a jog, set aside some time for yourself.
The beauty of everyday tasks is that you do them on autopilot. So you can mix them with more uplifting activities like listening to a podcast while doing laundry.
If doing a chore feels like a big deal, don’t try to do everything at once. Break the tasks down into smaller chunks, take a break, and then resume them.
When life gets in the way, and you feel overwhelmed with all the things you have to do, consider reaching out to other moms who are experiencing the same struggles as you are.
Treat yourself to whatever brings you joy after dealing with a dreaded task. A little reward puts a positive spin on an unpleasant task, warming you toward it!