As individuals, we all seek happiness and fulfillment in our roles, especially when it comes to motherhood.
Many women navigate the journey of motherhood with grace, despite the challenges and sleepless nights.
These women often exude a certain level of contentment and joy that leaves many of us wondering – what’s their secret?
Well, according to psychology, this happiness often stems from certain simple habits that these mothers have adopted.
These habits aren’t anything grandiose or unattainable.
Rather they are small, daily choices that make a significant difference in the long run.
In this article, we’ll delve into these habits, shedding light on how they contribute to a fulfilling and happier journey through motherhood.
1) They practice self-care
Self-care is often a term thrown around, but its importance cannot be stressed enough, especially when it comes to motherhood.
Truly happy mothers understand that to take care of others, they need to first take care of themselves.
This doesn’t mean they are selfish or neglectful.
Quite the contrary, in fact.
These mothers make sure to carve out time for themselves amidst the chaos of caring for their children.
This could be as simple as a morning yoga routine, a hot cup of coffee in silence, or an evening walk.
It’s not about grand gestures, but small pockets of peace and rejuvenation.
They understand that these moments of self-care are not only beneficial for their own well-being but also set a positive example for their children.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
By taking care of themselves, these mothers ensure they have the energy and positivity to take care of their children.
2) They stay connected
In the hustle and bustle of motherhood, it’s easy to lose touch with the outside world.
But women who are truly happy in their role as mothers understand the importance of maintaining connections beyond their immediate family.
Whether it’s catching up with friends over coffee, participating in a local book club, or even staying connected through social media, these mothers ensure they are part of a broader community.
These connections serve as a vital support system and provide an outlet for sharing experiences, venting frustrations, and celebrating milestones.
They offer a sense of belonging and understanding that can often be missing in the isolating journey of motherhood.
Moreover, these external connections can contribute to a sense of identity beyond being a mother, promoting a healthier and more balanced self-image.
Happy mothers understand that while motherhood is a significant part of their life, it doesn’t define them entirely.
They are more than just mothers – they are individuals with their own interests, passions, and relationships.
3) They embrace imperfection
In a world where social media often presents an idealized version of motherhood, it’s easy to fall into the trap of striving for perfection.
But women who are truly happy in their role as mothers understand and accept the reality of imperfection.
Rather than stressing over creating the perfect birthday cake or maintaining a spotless home, these mothers focus on what truly matters – the love and time they share with their children.
They understand that it’s okay if their children occasionally eat pizza for dinner or if their laundry piles up sometimes.
They recognize that it’s alright to make mistakes, and that these mistakes can serve as valuable learning opportunities.
By embracing imperfection, these mothers free themselves from the unnecessary stress and pressure of perfectionism.
Instead, they channel their energy into creating a nurturing, loving, and joy-filled environment for their children – one where mistakes are not just tolerated but welcomed as part of the learning process.
4) They allow themselves to feel
Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it’s not always sunshine and rainbows.
There are days filled with laughter and joy, and there are also days filled with tears and frustration. But here’s the catch:
Happy mothers don’t shy away from these emotions – they allow themselves to feel.
They understand that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, tired, or even a bit lost at times. They don’t see these feelings as signs of failure, but rather as an integral part of the motherhood experience.
These mothers don’t suppress their emotions or put on a brave face for the sake of appearances.
Instead, they acknowledge their feelings and allow themselves the space to process them.
By allowing themselves to feel, these mothers create an environment where emotions are openly discussed and validated.
This not only helps them deal with their own feelings more effectively but also teaches their children a valuable lesson about emotional honesty and resilience.
5) They practice patience
Patience is often tested during the journey of motherhood, with its countless demands and constant unpredictability.
Yet, women who are truly happy in their role as mothers embrace patience as a fundamental virtue.
They understand that children are learning and growing, and this process is not always smooth or fast.
There will be tantrums, mistakes, and a lot of ‘why’ questions. Instead of responding with frustration, these mothers choose patience.
They give their children the time to explore, make mistakes and learn at their own pace.
They listen empathetically to their endless stories and questions, providing thoughtful responses even when they’ve had a long, tiring day.
This patience is also extended to themselves.
They understand that they too are learning and growing in their role as a mother. They give themselves grace when they don’t have all the answers or when things don’t go as planned.
By practicing patience, these mothers create a calm and loving environment that fosters growth, understanding, and mutual respect.
6) They find joy in the little things
Motherhood is often made up of small, seemingly mundane moments.
Yet, women who are truly happy in their role as mothers have mastered the art of finding joy in these little things.
Whether it’s the sound of their child’s laughter, the sight of them peacefully sleeping, or the feeling of their tiny hand wrapped around their finger – these mothers cherish these moments.
They celebrate the small victories, like successfully negotiating with a toddler or getting their child to eat vegetables.
They take delight in their child’s innocent wonder and curiosity about the world around them.
These mothers understand that while the big milestones are important, it’s often the little moments that make up the essence of motherhood.
By finding joy in these moments, they create a reservoir of happiness that sustains them through the challenges and trials of motherhood.
7) They keep their sense of humor
Let’s face it, motherhood can get pretty messy and chaotic.
But women who are truly happy in their role as mothers know the importance of keeping their sense of humor intact.
From diaper disasters to public tantrums, these mothers have seen it all. Instead of letting these situations stress them out, they choose to laugh it off.
They understand that these moments, while challenging, also make for great stories in the future.
They use humor as a way to lighten the mood and keep things in perspective. They know that sometimes, all you can do is laugh at the absurdity of a situation.
By maintaining their sense of humor, these mothers not only relieve their own stress but also cultivate a joyful and fun-loving environment for their children.
After all, laughter really is the best medicine!
8) They set boundaries
Motherhood often requires putting others’ needs before your own.
However, women who are truly happy in their role as mothers understand the importance of setting boundaries.
They recognize they can’t pour from an empty cup and take steps to protect their own physical and emotional well-being.
They don’t allow guilt or societal expectations to push them into an endless cycle of self-sacrifice.
These mothers are not afraid to say ‘no’ when they need to.
They take time for self-care, delegate tasks when possible, and don’t let others infringe on their personal time or space.
By setting boundaries, these mothers maintain a healthy balance between meeting their children’s needs and their own.
This not only benefits their personal well-being but also models a valuable lesson about self-respect and self-care for their children.
9) They love unconditionally
Amid all the habits and practices, the most significant one that women who are truly happy in their role as mothers embody is unconditional love.
They understand that motherhood is not about being perfect, having all the answers, or never making mistakes.
It’s about loving your child wholeheartedly and unconditionally, through the highs and lows, the laughter and tears.
These mothers provide a safe and nurturing environment where their children feel loved, valued, and accepted for who they are.
They ensure their children know that this love is constant and unwavering, irrespective of their actions or achievements.
Unconditional love is the cornerstone of a happy and fulfilling motherhood journey.
It’s what makes all the challenges worthwhile and creates an unbreakable bond between mother and child. At the end of the day, it’s not about what you do but how much love you pour into what you do that counts.
In reflection
Embracing these habits isn’t about achieving perfection in motherhood. Instead, it’s about nurturing a sense of happiness, fulfillment, and balance within yourself as a mother.
Remember, it’s okay to have bad days and not all habits will come naturally or easily.
The journey towards happiness in motherhood is not a sprint, but a marathon. It’s about progress, not perfection.
Ultimately, the aim of adopting these habits is to enhance your overall experience of motherhood.
To relish the beautiful moments, to learn from the challenging ones, and to embrace the journey with all its twists and turns.