The Ultimate Guide On How to Be a Happy Mom

Are you the caretaker of a tiny human looking for the secret on how to be a happy mom? Well, mama, look no further! No Guilt Mom has got your guide!

In this ultimate guide to being a happy mom, we reveal the realistic and relatable steps to becoming the happiest and most fulfilled mom you can be.

Whether you’re a new mom or have been on this journey for a while, we’ve packed this guide with expert advice and practical tips to help you navigate those never-ending joys and challenges of motherhood.

(Spoiler alert: we’re recommending way more than bubble baths. We’re going DEEP.)

Before you read on, make sure you download our Stop Doing Checklist which will give you 7 doable tasks that by refusing to do, you’re actually giving your kids needed life skills!

Got the checklist? Good! On we go!

From finding balance in your daily routine to nurturing your own passions and dreams, we will explore various aspects of being a mom and share strategies to enhance your happiness and fulfillment.

Because we get that every mom and every mom’s journey is unique, we’ve curated a wide range of insights that are tailored to suit different lifestyles and personalities.

Get ready to unlock the secrets to finding joy in the chaos, cultivating meaningful relationships, and prioritizing your own self-care.

Join us on this journey to become the best version of yourself, for both you and your family. It’s time to embrace every facet of motherhood and live a guilt-free life filled with happiness and fulfillment. Let’s get started!

The Importance of Being a Happy Mom

Motherhood is a beautiful and rewarding journey, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges.

It’s not selfish to prioritize your own happiness; in fact, it’s essential.

Here’s the low down:

• Your well-being directly impacts the happiness and overall atmosphere of your family.
• When you’re happy and fulfilled, you’re better equipped to handle the inevitable ups and downs of motherhood with grace and positivity.
• You’re a role model for your children when they see you taking care of yourself.

Common Challenges Faced by Moms

Motherhood is a long and bumpy road. It’s important to acknowledge and address the common challenges that moms face to truly find happiness and fulfillment.

Challenge #1: Trying To Do It All

One of the most common challenges is the overwhelming feeling of trying to do it all. As a mom, you may feel pulled in multiple directions, trying to balance your responsibilities at home, work, and in your personal life. This constant juggling act can leave you feeling exhausted and burnt out.

I get it. We have all these images of the best moms being superwomen, but it’s just not true.

The best mom is a happy mom. You have permission to say NO and set your own priorities, so that you get rest time and don’t have to do it all.

Lately, a phrase I’ve adopted when my kids ask why when I say no to a request is, “Because I don’t want to.”

You’re setting a clear, positive example when you confidently state your wants and needs for what will make you happy.

Challenge #2: Feeling Guilty For Taking Time For Yourself

Another challenge moms often face is feeling guilty for taking time for themselves.

It’s easy to put everyone else’s needs before your own, but neglecting self-care can lead to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction.

Brianna Wiest, in her book The Mountain Is You, suggests that the emotion of resentment occurs when we expect other people’s behavior to change in regards to us.

Right now, you may be thinking that you give your husband time to relax and regroup, but he never offers to take the kids out of the house so that you can have that needed down time too.

You’re expecting his behavior to change and therefore feel resentful. This is where guilt is holding you back.

You don’t have power over anyone else’s behavior but your own.

Challenge #3: The Pressure To Be A Perfect Mom

Additionally, the pressure to be the perfect mom can be overwhelming. Society often portrays motherhood as a flawless and effortless role, but the reality is that it’s messy and imperfect.

Soooo messy and imperfect.

Take this reel that I posted on Instagram:

Comparing yourself to unrealistic standards can rob you of the joy and fulfillment that motherhood has to offer.

Self-Care for Moms: How To Be A Happy Mom By Prioritizing Your Well-Being

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially for moms. Prioritizing your well-being is essential for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

It’s not selfish to carve out time for yourself; it’s an investment in your overall happiness and fulfillment – and it trickles down to those around you.

Self-care looks different for everyone, so it’s important to find activities that bring you joy and recharge your batteries.

#1 Start By Identifying What Makes You Feel Good and Energized.

It could be reading a book, going for a walk, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in solitude.

You’re taking this time FOR your kids, you’re doing nothing wrong.

#2 Consider Seeking Support From Your Partner, Family or Friends.

Communicate your needs and ask for help when necessary. Building a strong support system is crucial to ensuring that you have the time and space to take care of yourself.

Finding Balance: Managing Work and Family Life

Balancing work and family life is a common struggle for many moms. It’s important to establish boundaries and set realistic expectations for yourself.

Expectations are typically what make most moms ignore their own boundaries. And it’s not the expectations of other people, so much as the expectations that you put on yourself.

Prioritize your tasks and focus on what truly matters. A helpful exercise that our Balance VIP members do is a values sort – so they can get clear on what activities they truly love and can drop those activities that don’t align with their values.

Also, it helps to structure and pre-plan your week. We do this in Balance VIP through our weekly rainbow planning sessions. This helps create structure and ensures that you’re allocating time for all the important aspects of your life.

Remember, finding balance is an ongoing process, and it’s okay to make adjustments along the way.

Building a Support System: The Importance of Community

Motherhood can sometimes feel isolating, but you’re not alone.

Building a support system is crucial when you’re working on how to be a happy mom.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and joys of motherhood can provide a sense of belonging and support.

Some ways to find that support are:

• Reach out to other moms in your community through local parenting groups, online forums, or social media platforms.
• Attend playgroups, join parenting classes, or organize meetups with other moms.

Connecting with other moms allows you to share experiences, seek advice, and learn from one another. Having a support system in place not only provides emotional support but also opens up opportunities for shared activities and playdates for your children.

Embracing Imperfection: How To Be A Happy Mom By Letting Go Of Mom Guilt

Mom guilt is something that almost every mom experiences at some point.

The feeling of not doing enough or being good enough can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that no one is perfect, and motherhood is an ever-evolving journey.

Embrace imperfection and let go of unrealistic expectations. Easier said than done, right?

Instead of dwelling on what you perceive as shortcomings, focus on the things you’re doing well.

Celebrate small victories. Remember that your love and presence are what truly matter to your children. Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Surround yourself with positive affirmations and remind yourself that you are enough.

Nurturing Your Passions and Hobbies

Motherhood doesn’t mean giving up on your own dreams and passions. Nurturing your own interests and hobbies is essential for your personal growth and happiness.

Carve out time to pursue activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether it’s painting, gardening, writing, or playing a musical instrument.

We like to call these activities Unicorn Time, as noted in the books Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution When You Have Too Much To Do (and More Life to Live) and Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life In A Busy World – both authored by Eve Rodsky.

Your Unicorn Time is the activity that is:

• for your enjoyment alone – you’re not doing it because you feel you “should”
• makes you a more interesting person with an activity outside your family
• connects you to others in some way – like taking a class or sharing your writing

Incorporate your passions into your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Not only will this bring you happiness, but it also sets a wonderful example for your children. There’s a well-known quote from Carl Jung:

There is no greater burden on the child, than the unlived life of the parent.

From your example, they will learn the importance of pursuing their passions and never giving up on their dreams.

Cultivating a Positive Mindset: Gratitude and Mindfulness

Cultivating a positive mindset is key to finding happiness and fulfillment as a mom.

Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can shift your focus from the challenges to the wonderful things in your life.

Start each day by expressing gratitude for the little things. Write down three things that you count as wins at the end of every day.

This simple practice will train your brain to focus on the positives of each day, no matter how little they might be.

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine by simply noticing. Notice the smells in the air, your feet planted on the ground, and the taste of your coffee. Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and increase your overall sense of well-being.

Creating Meaningful Connections With Your Children

One of the greatest joys of motherhood is the unique bond you share with your children.

Building meaningful connections with your children requires intentional effort and quality time together. Make it a priority to engage in activities that foster connection and create lasting memories.

Find out what interests your children and participate in their hobbies and interests. But here’s an important tip:

If you find taking interest in a particular interest of your child’s feels like a chore – don’t do it! There are a million fun things to do. Find something that you find enjoyable as well.

Play together, read books, have meaningful conversations, and listen attentively to their thoughts and feelings. Create family traditions and rituals that strengthen your bond and make your children feel loved and valued – while not adding to your mental load.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Motherhood

Motherhood is a beautiful and transformative journey that brings immense joy and fulfillment.

By prioritizing your own happiness and well-being, finding balance, building a support system, embracing imperfection, nurturing your passions, cultivating a positive mindset, and creating meaningful connections with your children, you are mastering how to be a happy mom.

Everyone needs a little boost in this. If you are searching for a community and a straight-forward path to more happiness as a mom, we’d love to welcome you into our Balance VIP program that is curated just for you as a mom and a multifaceted individual.