How to Stay Sane as a Stay at Home Mom
Do you sometimes feel you’re losing
Feeling unproductive and overwhelmed with Mom Life and staying at home?
How do you organize your tasks and routines? How do you keep up with kids?
Well..as you know, it’s MomStar of the month again!
This time, we’ll tackle the story of Kristen, a mom who is here to share some tips on how to stay sane as a Blogger and a Stay at Home Mom of 2 boys.
What is MomStar of the Month all about?
Any Mom is a star in her own ways and with these stories, we share the journey of moms who aim to inspire others and transform lives with a purpose.
We highlight different women in our society, with their spirit to motivate others. A unique opportunity for all of us to hear and understand how these Moms learned how to flourish and balance their lives in today’s overwhelming world.
1. Tell us about yourself. (Kids/Family, Profession, Background, etc).
Well, I’m a wife of almost 10 years. I have two boys that are 4 and 6, and I recently turned 40 which kinda shook my world up a little.
I
I thought for sure I was going to work my way up the ladder for some big corporation. But after working in corporate for a while, I decided that wasn’t really for me.
I have a background in Counseling so I decided to start a life coaching business before my oldest son was born.
I thought it was something I could do at home while being with my kids. I did that for a few years and then my second son was born.
So I decided that I wanted to focus solely on the kids because I knew I would never get those young years (before they started school) back.
I feel fortunate that we can make it work as a family on one income and I can stay home with the kids.
Oh, and I’m a book addict, I read about one book a week. I listen to way too many podcasts. My crafty outlet is cross-stitching. And I basically watch Bravo TV exclusively.
RELATED: 10 SIDE-HUSTLE IDEAS FOR SINGLE MOMS
2. Can you tell us how you started your blog and what inspired you to do one?
I have been dreaming about a blog for around two years. I started feeling the pull to be creative again, and the desire to work hard to make something out of nothing.
What truly inspired me was when I was scrolling Pinterest and read about how much money mom blogs were making. That’s what got me doing more research and then dreaming about my own blog.
But as much as I love money, I LOVE sharing what is working for my family.
I believe in routines and I’m always looking for productivity hacks and stuff like that. I was cleaning the house one day when the idea to blog about routines for moms and families hit me!
I literally stopped what I was doing and started brainstorming names for the blog.
However, I sat on the idea for probably close to a year, and then in March of this year, I took the plunge and made This Routine Life a reality.
I launched it the end of June, and I have been having so much fun with it! It’s nice to have something of my own again to work on.
RELATED: 7 WAYS TO IGNITE POSITIVITY WHEN FEELING LOST
3. Please tell us an inspiring or interesting story about being a Mom. How do you keep yourself productive throughout the day?
Honestly, being productive is one thing I struggle with all the time which is why I’m so interested in productivity!
There are days when I feel super fruitful, and then days when the kids are up in the middle of the night; then I’m exhausted and I can hardly get anything done.
But, I do have to say that I feel so strongly motivated about my blog. I try to wake up around 4:30 am most mornings so I can get some writing done in peace and quiet. I used to wake up super early and get some reading done, or a workout in before the kids woke up.
I think that time by myself not only allows me to be productive, but it helps set a really calm and peaceful tone for the day.
RELATED: 10 TIPS ON FINDING TIME TO EXERCISE AS A BUSY MOM
4. What is ONE thing that you feel you’re good at when it comes to organizing chaos and balancing routines?
Figuring out what needs to get done, then making lists. When I am overwhelmed, I write out lists. I now have checklists for my kids to use that help them move through their morning routine.
When I have my notes set out in front of me, I feel so much more focused and can then get to work!
RELATED: HOW TO STAY ORGANIZED WHEN YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED
5. Any tips that you’d like to share with other moms who struggle in staying sane as a Mom?
It’s so important to find something for you and incorporate it into your daily routine, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
As a mom, it’s so easy to be all about the kids, but that can make you feel resentful and like you lost a little bit of yourself.
RELATED: 8 BEST INDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS WITHOUT USING TECHNOLOGY
When my kids were super young, I just tried to read (for myself) for 20 minutes a day. I would do this while they were napping, or sometimes while they were playing.
Even now, if I don’t have that time during the day to do my thing, I feel like I was robbed of something.
So give a little amount of time for yourself by doing something that brings you joy; it will help you feel energized to move forward for the rest of the day.
Want to connect with Kristen and find out more of her productivity hacks? Follow her on:
Get to know the other MomStars of the Month by checking out here for more inspiration:
BlackBelter and Cheerleader turned founder of a Mom Community
A Mom of 5 shares the importance of Faith and Self-Love
Keeping Strong with Single Motherhood and Chasing Dreams
Empowering Women to Live a Life of Purpose
A Mom of 2 expands Montessori Learning at Home to the Community
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MamaBuzz
Mitchelle is a first-time mom and the buzzy Mama of a sweet little man. She's here to connect with other moms, parents or soon to be parents by buzzing positively with Mom & Baby Activities filled with Self-Care Ideas, Family Fun, and Inspiration to help you balance Mom Life and Wellness. Welcome to the Hive-where Mom Life keeps buzzing!
23 Comments
lifewithlisa9
Parenting is the hardest yet most rewarding gift. As an empty nester now, it is very important to take time for yourself. Sounds like your doing great. Excellent post 💕
MamaBuzz
Thank you for your input. Yes motherhood is a life changing role and I never thought I would love it despite the hardships and challenges that come along the way.
Lindsey | GreenMamaLife
So helpful to read how other moms conquer the chaos! I don’t know if I can wake up at 4 but would love to start walking up before my little!
MamaBuzz
That’s what I was thinking! Getting up early in the morning is so hard and definitely something that I need to practice moving forward:)
STEPHANIE EDDY
I completely agree with getting time for yourself – it helps with my state of mind so much! I became a stay at home mom almost 2 years ago after my second child was born after over 15 years in the corporate world. A few months ago I started getting up earlier than my kids (most days!) and that time to myself has been life changing!
MamaBuzz
That’s awesome! I love that. I struggle with getting up early in the morning but definitely something that I should start doing:)
MaKenna | MamaKenna
I’ve been trying to work on getting up earlier in the mornings. I’m hoping it’ll not only help me to get more work done but also help keep me in check for the rest of the day.
MamaBuzz
Me too..This is something I’m working on and hope I can maintain it
MamaBuzz
That’s amazing! Glad it’s working out. Starting to set this on my list:)
MamaBuzz
That’s amazing! I just came back from Maternity Leave and still on adjustment phase:)
irishtwins16
I agree that you must make time for yourself even 20mins a day. It is so important.
MamaBuzz
Yes it’s important to set time for ourselves and be able to function effectively and be productive
MamaBuzz
Yes..absolutely!
MamaBuzz
Yes it it!:)
Lisa
I wish I were better at setting aside some time for myself. I’d like to have more than nap time to myself, time where I’m not working on cleaning.
MamaBuzz
Yes me too! Something that we all need to work on..
MamaBuzz
Right? Sometimes we forget about these things and what’s in our mind are all about our To Do Lists
Trish
Being a stay at home mom is definitely the hardest thing I’ve had to do. I’m just terrible at taking time for myself
MamaBuzz
Same here but hoping to improve in this aspect:)
MamaBuzz
Me too. I’m working on it. 🙂
Lorena | www.lorenaylennox.com
This is awesome. Being a blogger and a SAHM is extremely difficult. Thanks for sharing your story. It feels good that I am not alone!
Dawn
I completely agree with how you do it! I would go absolutely insane if I didn’t have a few minutes to myself during the day. My toddler is pretty good about playing on his own (though he won’t sit and watch TV), so I usually put the baby in a play place or bouncer and get some time to myself!! I’m hoping it’ll get even easier as they get older!
MamaBuzz
Yes, I learned that when I was on Maternity Leave and when I went back to work. If I don’t set aside atleast 30 minutes, I become so exhausted.