I am sure you have heard about mindfulness by now. If not, you can learn all about it here. As a busy mom, you may be too overwhelmed to cultivate it. In fact, it can feel stressful to even try to do anything new. Lucky for you, it is easier than you think.
Mindfulness in a Nutshell
Mindfulness is being fully present in the moment, experiencing what is around you. This means shifting your attention from thoughts of the past or worries about the future to the here and now. Once you start this, you will notice life feels a bit different. You may notice you feel more in control of your actions, less reactive. That will motivate you to continue. Like any habit, it takes practice. The end result is that you will more fully experience whatever you are doing.
Reduce Mom Guilt
Many moms feels like they are never doing enough. However, if you stop and really think about your day, you probably are doing so much for everyone. Not being present in your life makes you miss judge all that you are giving. Furthermore, mindfulness will make the time you spend directly with your kids feel more enriched.
Easy Ways Moms Can Stay More Present
Below are some simple ways to incorporate mindfulness. When engaging in these activities, remember to focus your mind on them and pay attention. Naturally, your mind will drift off. Non-judgmentally, pull it back to the experience. Don’t worry, it will get easier the more you do it.
- Shower: While showering, observe the sound and feel of the water and the smell of your soap. Even a 3-minute shower can be a powerful mindfulness activity.
- Car seat: After you buckle your little ones into their car seats, walk around the back of your car. Lean against it. Notice how it feels, take a deep breath in and exhale to the count of 10. Do not get into the car until you have reached 10 even if you have fully exhaled.
- Mommy Time out: if you are getting overwhelmed, it is ok to plop your child in front of the electric babysitter and go to another room and do 4-4-8 breathing. You inhale for 4, hold it for 4, and exhale for 8. Do 3 rounds.
- Holding: Literally hold your child for a minute. Smell their hair, feel the weight of their body on yours, notice the softness of their skin.
- Bed: When you get into bed (or before you get out), place a hand on your abdomen and notice the rise and fall of it as you breath. Do this for 1-5 minutes.
Being a mom is hard. That is an understatement. it is common to be overrun by your thoughts. Often, this makes navigating the difficult moments even harder. Mindfulness is a way of being in the present. It does not mean we bury our feelings, just that we are not consumed by them. This gives space to enjoy our lives. Like anything, mindfulness takes practice but it’s so worth it!
What is your experience with mindfulness? Comment below.
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