There’s no doubt being a mom is a great honour and privilege. Knowing that God chose me to raise my kids blows my mind. With that said, the vast responsibilities that come with motherhood can sometimes be overwhelming.

Not only do you have to manage your own life, but there are suddenly little people that are fully dependent on you. It’s essential to find ways to maintain your sanity amid all the craziness. Here are 4 rituals that help me keep my sanity.

Deep Breathing

Yesterday Asante had one of her meltdowns. She had the flu, so I decided to keep her at home for the day, and she seemed happy with that. But later on, madam discovered that she would also be missing ballet, and that’s when the drama started. She was insisting on attending ballet, and I wouldn’t let her because I felt that she needed to rest. I think she cried for a solid 15 minutes until she fell asleep in my arms.

I did my best to remain calm and continuously reassured her that her feelings were valid during her meltdown.  At the same time, my levels of frustration were elevating, and I could feel that if I didn’t contain that frustration I would eventually snap. So I started practicing my deep breathing exercises amid all the crying. Nothing complex, I breathe in and hold for 4 seconds and breath out and hold for 4 seconds. I repeat  that at least four times. The breathing calm me down and it gives me time to think before I react. When our kids are struggling to manage their feelings, we must demonstrate the right behaviour by managing our emotions in those tense situations.

My eldest complains more often than he should, and I know that’s one of my triggers. Sometimes when he starts complaining, I’ll start my deep breathing before I respond. Guys, it works!

This may not necessarily be a daily ritual, but it’s a skill I’ve learnt to help me keep my sanity.

Time out

I’m a stay at home mom, so I’m with the kids most of the time. We do everything together, which is a blessing. But sometimes I need to be alone. Guys, even a solo trip to the grocery store brings me joy.

On Sundays, my husband usually makes the grocery store trips, and he takes my youngest with him. I cannot tell you how much joy that brings me. It’s those little moments that make all the difference.

Evening Routine

An evening routine is essential for moms because it helps to improve your sleep, prepare for the following day and hopefully get time for mommy self-care.

I always try to make sure that we have an early dinner so that the kids can get to bed early. The earlier they go to bed, the better. That means I get to spend more quality time with hubby, or I get to do some of the things that love. Such as reading or planning for the following day.

Morning Routine

Your morning routine sets the tone for the rest of your day. The morning signifies a fresh start, a brand new day. It’s important for me to start my day with confidence, peace, and a positive attitude.

I wake up 4:30 am every morning, which means I get to spend an entire 1,5 hours alone before the rest of the fam wakes up. I use that time to meditate, pray, write and exercise. So by the time the day starts, I already have a great sense of acomplishment.

Your daily rituals might be similar to mine or may be entirely different. The point is we all need to have rituals. Things that help us maintain our sanity! What daily rituals do you practice? Let me know in the comments below.

Love B

CREDIT

Photography by Elsie B Photography