How to Be a Happier Person
I’m going insane with the never-ending work it is to be a stay at home mother. Are you? The more you do the more you have left. The constant picking up of toys, food off the floor/walls, a pile of laundry to do, meals to prepare, errands to run, bills to pay, and whatever else we do at home.
Running a home really is hard work. I read a short blog post the other day (read here) and it really spoke to me. It really isn’t about the things we are doing but it is the giving of ourselves till we can’t give any more but we pick ourselves up and do more.
I love taking care of my son, it is a privilege to be able to be here for him. To be able to care for my home and family the way I see fit. But I have been thinking lots about how I can make it less taxing on myself so I’m able to happily take care of my duties.
Sometimes all the time I find myself getting aggravated with things that shouldn’t be bothering me to the extent it does. And I think, there has to be a better, healthier, and more rewarding way.
So here are my tips on How to Be a Happier Person and how I’m following this through for everyone’s benefit and sake.
1: ME TIME AND SELF CARE
Moms, we need to take care of ourselves. I know this one is a tough one to get a hold on. Accept or ask for help from others. Go get your nails done, your hair, go see a movie ALONE, sit with a good book, pray, go for a walk/exercise or simply just stop what you’re doing and take a breath. It will all still be there later, so relax and take care of yourself.
2: DECLUTTER
Easier said than done. We all have papers we put aside that we hope to get to sooner or later. I know I’m guilty of this one and it just keeps piling on and laughing in my face every time I pass by the stack of unopened mail, magazines, and coupons I won’t get a chance to use because they are sitting underneath all the crap anyways.
My son takes everything out of place, even the furniture. It really is frustrating to always have to put the same knickknacks back. So I’m getting rid of/putting away a lot of things.
3: MAKE LISTS AND SCHEDULE TIMES
I used to be the queen of list-making. And I felt so accomplished too after crossing off important items on it.
It really is a great self-esteem booster. Knowing what needs to be done in the morning, afternoon, and night will help you greatly with your happiness levels.
You won’t be dilly-dallying around, oh I’ll do that later, let me just watch this tv show first (guilty). Stop wasting your time. Get things done so you can enjoy yourself. Which leads me to my last tip.
4: MINIMIZE SCREEN TIME
This is a real tough one for me. I write a blog so I can’t escape it too much but I can certainly minimize the scrolling for no reason or checking notifications.
I love watching movies, I “DVR” a billion shows and movies. Social media is a joy thief. You know those days when you’ve just had enough and you happen to scroll through your feed and see everyone just having a grand old time.
I’m guilty of social media envy. But we all have good and bad moments and we usually don’t advertise the negative. So skip the mindless scroll through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or whatever other social media account floats your boat. Go out and make memories.
Don’t worry about photos or who’s doing what better than you know who. Not to sound too cliché but life IS short and you only get one. Don’t spend it looking at a screen.
Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, unfollow folks you don’t really know, and enjoy some face time, the real kind.
These are my happiness tips, you may already be doing them or something different.
So what are you doing to maximize your happiness?
Let me know in the comments below. Would love to hear from you.
Thanks for stopping in!
I am with you that being a SAHM is more than a full time job! My hubby is great at helping to declutter, especially if it is his stuff. Usually, if he isn't home and I don't know where he wants his things to go, I put them on his side of the bed. Therefore, he has to do SOMETHING with it before he goes to sleep. 🙂
These are great! I write about the same things from a Driven (WAHM) perspective. It's hard for moms to realize they ARE more than just a child entertainer and cleaner upper and to create time and things for themselves to do and enjoy.
This is a GREAT post. I needed to read this – thanks! I am working on minimizing screen time but find it hard, since I work online. I like all your reasons to minimize it, though.
Great tips!! Decluttering is my biggest joy inducer 😉 I know it drives my hubby and kids a little batty at times, but it totally saves my sanity
This is an excellent list. The exact things I must do to regain composure and control. Today, we're focusing on declutter. I've put on the Meghan Trainor playlist and we're getting to work.
You are so right! I've been really working. On minimizing my screen time! Not easy as a blogger-lol! We just recently moved and we got rid of a TON of stuff. Decluttering can be addicting though, I just want to keep getting rid of more stuff so we have absolutely no clutter anywhere!!
Being a SAHM is one the hardest jobs in the world. Your tips are really helpful. Thanks for sharing!
LOVE these ideas! Basic but so important. I am huge about keeping the clutter down.
These are all great ideas, I really need to be a happier me, it's a work in process.
Great tips! I'm trying to do a lot of these things.
I completely agree with you! These are all so important, and it's amazing how easily we can lose track of that every now and then. Great reminder for anyone who needs to get back on a happier track.
Great tips!! I think that is why I stay up too late at night since it is my only chance to get 'me' time.
Declutter.. How badly we need to do that here! But ever so hard with two young kids who suddenly love their clutter, look at you with puppy dog eyes to pleeeeeease keep that ridiculous toy they got from a kinder egg and play with for the next 3 hours..
Lovely post! I think Me time is important at any stage! I'm a huge fan of lists too, especially since my memory keeps getting worse and worse!
Oh I agree with all of these ideas. I definitely feel happier when my house is clean and decluttered. I also feel happy when I get some "me" time.
I need to work on limiting my screen time!!! Great suggestions!
Great Advice!
That's so smart. I need to start doing that with my hubby.
RIGHT! I'm always on the move and it's nice to take some time off from time to time.
Decluttering does it for me too. It's so nice to walk into a clean home!
I have a hard time with screen time especially as a blogger and I feel I'm always looking at my phone. I wonder what my 1 year old must think?
That's the spirit. Do it with JOY!
I feel you Tarynn. As much as I try, as a blogger we can't just do that.