KateBeing a Stay At Home Mom (or Dad) can be so amazing. Unfortunately, it also can come with a bunch of emotional challenges for the parent. Check out these awesome Tips for Beating the Stay At Home Mom Blues.
Tips for Beating the Stay At Home Mom Blues
Staying At Home is Not Always Sunshine and Rainbows
One thing I’ve learned from over 5 years of staying home (5 years already?! How did that happen?!) is that almost all Stay At Home Parents experience the same challenges as far as loneliness, boredom, sadness, and even feeling unfulfilled.
I am amazed at the number of women who have told me “Staying home is a lot harder than I thought” or “I don’t want to be away from my kids…but I really miss working too” or how about “I miss talking to other grown ups and having adult conversations.” They almost don’t even want to admit they have these thoughts!
So if you have been feeling this way, you are not alone! There is no shame in wanting to have conversations with someone who knows more than 3 words or in not being fulfilled by your ability to scrub a toilet and manage your screaming toddler at the same time. It’s ok to feel sad sometimes. It’s ok to need more!
While I can’t help with the conversation part (although I kind of can! Follow me on any of my social media and I’d love to chat with you!), these tips can help relieve the blues and give you projects and activities to look forward to. You will be a better parent for taking the time to do something for YOU!
Manage those Blues
Get Creative
You don’t have to be an “artist” to reap emotional benefits from being creative.
Studies show that creative arts (like sketching, painting, crafting, writing) can alleviate symptoms of depression by improving mood and reducing anxiety or stress. Art therapy is frequently used in clinical settings to help patients manage their emotions and express themselves.
A creative outlet gives us Stay At Home Parents the mental recess we need to be able to handle crying babies, temper tantrums, and the endless laundry that awaits us.
Maybe you used to draw before having kids. Who cares if you are out of practice. I bet you’ll find you still love it just as much. How about scrap-booking pictures of those adorable kids you love? Maybe your Grandma taught you to crochet when you were a child. I recently learned how to crochet (even though I thought I’d hate it) and it is unbelievably soothing…almost like meditating. Your mind focuses in on your project and the stresses just melt away. Amazing what $2.50 worth of yarn can do.
There are ton of creative hobbies you can try. If you decide one isn’t for you, that’s ok! Keep trying new things until you find something you like.
Tackle a DIY Project
You might have guessed I’d go here since the website is “I dream of DIY”. I’ve had my own share of emotional challenges while staying at home and one thing that really alleviates those negative feelings is DIY.
When you stay home, you are in your home….a lot. Like more than you ever thought possible. So why not take on a project to make your space more homey, more comfortable, or more beautiful?
Maybe you want to start making some cleaning products for your home? This post has a bunch of simple money saving ideas to try. Windows leaking cold air? Learn how to easily seal them up and proceed to patting yourself on the back for improving the energy efficiency of your home. What about giving an old nightstand a makeover or maybe you hate the color of your brick fireplace like I did? Have a painting party during nap time. With just a little paint, I had a project that kept me busy, I made our space more beautiful for the whole family, and I have pride in how great it looks.
DIY is a great way to learn a useful skill, take control of your home, and make your family’s place of refuge even better.
Get Out Of The House
Seriously, girl. Get out of that house. I know that packing up a million things for your baby feels like it’s not worth it. I know that becoming a hermit sounds appealing because you haven’t washed your hair in 3 days. I understand. But it is totally worth it!
Walk around the neighborhood with the stroller. Have a picnic in the front yard. Run to Target (you know you want to). Plan an outing to the park with the kiddos. Just get outside. Get some fresh air. Get some new scenery. It will do you a world of wonders.
Get Moving
Have you ever noticed how kids’ behavior and attitudes are greatly improved after playing outside? Their growing bodies needed to play and have fun and burn off energy. After exercise, they can focus more, control their emotions a bit easier, and remember how to interact nicely with the family.
We need “recess” breaks like that too!
Exercise has been shown to boost moods, improve sleep, and increase brain function. Check out local gyms and exercise classes if you’d like to meet new friends. Go on walks with the kiddos. Or hit up YouTube for a ton of free exercise videos ranging from yoga to pilates to cardio.
Meet up with a friend
The conundrum of being lonely when you are never alone (not even for a bathroom break) is real. It’s also harder to keep up with friendships after having kids. We all struggle with it but it’s important to keep those relationships strong!
Invite someone out to lunch or coffee. Make it a point to reach out to old and new friends alike. You’ll feel much better after having real grown up conversation.
Take time for you Every Day
It’s hard to find time for yourself with days full of crying, diaper changes, endless questions, chores, story time, snuggles, kisses, and sweet kiddo laughter. Just when you think you’ve got the daily schedule down and you can start painting your ugly dining room (that’s on my to do list!), someone stops napping and chaos reigns.
Enforce “Quiet Time” every day, even when your little one stops napping so you can have a little quiet time, too. Knowing you have a set time during the day to veg out, scroll Facebook, read, or ok sure…fold that mountain of laundry, will help you avoid mommy burn out.
Staying at home can be awesome but try some of these ideas if you are feeling lonely or unfulfilled or bored. Taking time for you will make you a better parent and the time with your children will be even more enjoyable.
What are some ways you take care of yourself to avoid SAHM burnout?