Being a mum is like running a marathon with pit stops for tantrums, snack demands, and never-ending laundry. Rewarding? Absolutely. Exhausting? You betcha. Somewhere between finding that missing sock and explaining for the tenth time why crayons don’t belong in noses, it’s easy to forget that mums need TLC too. So, grab a cuppa, sit back (hopefully without anyone climbing on you), and let me share my go-to strategies for staying sane in the chaos.
Table of Contents
1. Start Your Day With Quiet Time (Or as Quiet as It Gets)
Picture this: the house is silent, the coffee is hot, and for a few precious minutes, no one is asking you where their other shoe is. Sounds dreamy, right? I’ve learned that waking up 10 minutes earlier than the family gives me time to just be. Some mornings, I sip my coffee like it’s liquid gold; other days, I stare blankly at the wall and call it meditation.
And if you’re not a morning person? That’s fine too. Maybe it’s about sneaking a moment of calm during nap time or hiding in the bathroom with chocolate. Whatever works—no judgment here.
2. Deep Breathing: A Mum’s Secret Weapon
When my toddler is reenacting a tornado and the dog has decided that today is the day to eat socks, I pause, close my eyes, and breathe. The 4-7-8 method has saved me from many a meltdown (mine, not the toddler’s). Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8.
It’s like a reset button for your brain. Plus, you get bonus points for looking zen, even if you’re surrounded by chaos. It’s as close as we mums get to a spa day sometimes.
3. Slip Into Comfy Clothes (Nightgowns for the Win)
Is there a better feeling than peeling off stiff jeans at the end of the day and slipping into something soft and flowy? I think not. Nightgowns are my ultimate go-to—they’re like wearing a hug, but with way more style.
I’ve elevated my comfy game with what I call my “mum uniform”: a dreamy menopause nightgown that feels like being wrapped in a cloud, paired with fuzzy socks and a cozy robe. It’s the kind of outfit that says, “I’m ready to relax, but I can still sprint if someone decides to colour on the walls.”
Comfort and practicality, all in one.
4. Declutter… Or at Least Pretend To
Here’s a fun game: set a timer for 10 minutes and declutter one small area. Drawer full of old receipts? Gone. That counter that’s become a dumping ground for life? Cleared.
Even if the rest of the house looks like a hurricane passed through, having one tiny oasis of order feels oddly satisfying. Plus, it gives you a great excuse to avoid tackling the rest of the house. “Sorry, I already decluttered today!”
5. Walk It Out (Or Chase a Toddler in the Park)
Sometimes, you just need to get out of the house before it swallows you whole. A walk is my go-to escape plan. Whether it’s a solo stroll with my favourite playlist or a family outing disguised as a scavenger hunt, fresh air works wonders.
And hey, if you’re chasing your kid around the park instead of strolling serenely? That counts as cardio. Bonus!
6. Laughter: The Cheapest Therapy
The last time I laughed until I cried was when my son tried to put a diaper on the cat. I live for those moments. Whether it’s induldging a comedy, scrolling memes, or chatting with my friend who can make anything funny, laughter is my stress antidote.
Let’s be honest: when life hands you chaos, sometimes the only thing to do is laugh until your sides hurt. It’s cheaper than therapy and twice as fun.
7. Practice Gratitude (Even When the Coffee’s Cold)
At the end of the day, I like to think of three things I’m grateful for. They don’t have to be monumental. Sometimes, it’s as simple as, “I didn’t burn dinner,” or “The baby slept for 20 whole minutes.”
It’s amazing how this little habit shifts your mindset. Suddenly, the spilled juice and crayon-covered walls don’t seem so bad. (Okay, they’re still bad, but at least you’re focusing on the positives too.)
8. Me Time: It’s Not Selfish, It’s Survival
I’ll say it louder for the mums in the back: “Self-care is not selfish!” Whether it’s a long bath, 20 minutes with a good book, or a guilt-free Netflix , carving out time for yourself is non-negotiable.
For me, it’s those rare moments when I can sit down with a glass of wine and pretend the laundry doesn’t exist. Bliss.
9. Stretch It Out (No, You Don’t Need to Be a Yogi)
My yoga routine is less “Downward Dog” and more “Help, my back hurts from carrying a toddler.” A few simple stretches can work wonders, though. Child’s Pose and Cat-Cow are my favourites. They’re easy, quick, and make me feel like I’ve accomplished something—even if it’s just not groaning every time I bend down.
10. Turn Off the Noise (Literally)
You know that constant ping of notifications? It’s the soundtrack to modern mum life, and it’s exhausting. I’ve started silencing my phone for chunks of the day, and guess what? The world didn’t end.
When you’re not glued to your phone, you have more time for the stuff that actually matters—like building block towers or just sitting in blessed silence.
11. Schedule Downtime (Yes, Schedule It)
If I don’t put “me time” on the calendar, it doesn’t happen. So now, I treat it like any other appointment. Need a 15-minute break to drink coffee while it’s hot? Block it off. Want to catch up on that book everyone’s talking about? Schedule it in.
Trust me, future-you will thank you.
12. Celebrate the Little Wins (Because You Deserve It)
Parenting is a never-ending to-do list, so celebrate every little victory. Got the kids to school on time? You’re a rockstar. Managed to eat a meal while it was still warm? Someone call the Guinness World Records.
These small wins remind us that we’re doing okay, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.
Mums, let’s face it: you’re superheroes. But even superheroes need a breather. These tips aren’t about being perfect—they’re about finding little moments of joy in the madness. Now, go pour yourself a coffee (or wine), put your feet up, and give yourself some much-deserved credit. You’ve earned it.
