COMMIT TO HEALTHY LIVING. Women who make time to the researchers reported. Try writing down three things
care for their bodies, enjoy a stronger self-image and you are thankful for each day––small moments
feel more self-confident and energetic. Exercise, try count too.
to get adequate sleep, schedule regular massages and
make healthy food choices to feel your best. “I know
that when I am reasonably well-rested and happy, I am
absolutely more patient, energetic and empathetic to
everyone in my household,” says Erica Wilson, a mom
of one.
TAKE TIME FOR PERSONAL PURSUITS. Whether you like
surfing Pinterest, training for a 5K or simply taking a
warm bubble bath, moments stolen throughout the
week contribute to our overall sense of well-being. “I try
to take at least a few minutes a day outside. I close my
eyes, take deep breaths, and listen to the sounds,” says
Melanie Werner, a mom of one.
NOURISH YOURSELF. During the rush of the week, most
of us throw meals together just to get our hungry crew
fed. If you enjoy cooking, find a day when you can
slow down and relish the preparation. The process of
chopping and measuring ingredients is meditative and
soothing. Create a feast to delight all of the senses by
serving your meal on a table laid out with your favorite
dishes and cheerful flowers.
LAUGH. Family life can be funny. Kids say hilarious things.
Pay attention and write those gems down. Next time you
need a lift, read them. Need more ideas? Look at funny
family videos or photos, hang out with lighthearted
friends, watch a silly movie or read a humorous book.
GET A GROOVE ON. Whether she participates in a Jazzercise
class or switches on upbeat dance tunes in her kitchen,
Jessie Mallicoat, a mom of three, says, “If I'm in a bad
mood, I put on some ‘dancy’ music and it usually helps.”
In fact, studies find that dancing boosts the body’s
feel-good endorphins. Dancing has even been found to
reverse depression and increase self-confidence.
Set boundaries. Moms who are happier make conscious
decisions on a daily basis about who and what is allowed
into their lives. Switching to this way of thinking is
empowering. You don’t have to be harsh or hurtful to
accomplish this goal. Politely decline invitations that
don’t fit with your priorities and limit interactions with
negative individuals.
ACCESS GOOD CHILDCARE. Seek reliable childcare in order
to feel secure pursuing personal interests, maintaining
routine health check-ups and enjoying date nights with
your partner. A positive marriage contributes to the
overall emotional health and happiness of your family.
Having trouble finding a sitter? Check out SitterCity.com,
Care.com or ask other parents for references.
AVOID COMPARISON. Parenting philosophies that work well
in one family may not work well in another. Thanks to
the influx of information at our fingertips, parents have
no shortage of advice. Decide which strategies make
sense for your family. And beware of spending too much
FOLLOW A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE. Studies find that people time on social media if you’re starting to feel like you
who lean on an inner belief system are happier. You don’t measure up. “Being happy with yourself and how
don’t have to be religious to be spiritual. You can feel a you parent is key to accepting other moms and how
connection to spirituality through helping others, nature, they parent, which creates a more supportive parenting
yoga, music, art, personal meditation or journaling. community all around,” says Mandy Yokim, mom of two.
Michelle Hovick, a mom of one, says the “Elevation”
church app is one of her favorite spiritual gateways to a
mood shift.
Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines and
her husband are the parents of two boys. She finds
happiness in historical romance novels, sunny days
PRACTICE GRATITUDE. In a gratitude study at Eastern and chocolate chip cookies. Christa is the author of
Washington University, researchers found a positive Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying
correlation between gratitude and happiness. “We Social Life.
have found that grateful individuals tend to be happy
individuals and that grateful thinking improves mood,”
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