Motherhood can cause the ultimate highs and the greatest lows in a woman’s life. It’s a 24/7 job that pays in loud temper tantrums and baby food-stained kisses. Many women have tried to perfect the role but no one really can—you only get better with it through time.

With all your responsibilities, you may have unconsciously lessened moments for yourself through the months and years, and made your family the center of your world. This may seem ideal, but losing yourself in your role is a mistake that you pay with your happiness. When you lose happiness in taking care of others, you become miserable, and when you become miserable, you sacrifice the happiness of your family.

Jada Pinkett-Smith once said, "You always have to remember to take care of YOU, first and foremost. Because when you stop taking care of yourself, you get out of balance, and you forget how to take care of others.”

Take a break and take time to focus on your personal joy. After all, it is when your well is full that you can give most of yourself to your loved ones.

Pause.
Every morning when you wake up, give yourself a few minutes to meditate. Energize yourself through positive thoughts of a great day ahead.

Eat.
Proper meals were probably the first thing to go when you became a mom. The trouble with skipping breakfast, lunch, or dinner is that you have less energy to work with, and it makes you grouchy and inefficient. As much as you can, eat properly and at the right times. This will keep you body and your mood up.



Say “yes”.
There may be a lot of things that you turn down because you feel that you don’t have time for them or you don’t deserve them. Try saying “yes” to one good adventure every day. You will find that the more you have time to rediscover yourself through new experiences, the more energy you have to be a great mother.

Ask for help.
As a mother, you probably try to do every thing on your own, because you feel that you’re the only who can truly understand what your children need. But remember that not everything should rest on your shoulders. Your partner is a great source of support, and your parents and siblings can also help out when there’s too much on your plate. Asking for help does not make you an irresponsible mom, so don’t be afraid to do so.

Find quiet spaces.
Ask someone to look after you children and withdraw for a little while. Whether it’s at a nearby park on in your bathroom, find quiet spaces where you can spend time to recover from all your responsibilities. Doing so can help you re-energize and refocus.


Stop judging yourself.
In the end, you are your worst enemy. Stop thinking that you are not enough, because you are always more than enough. You’re doing great, and allowing time for yourself is not a bad thing. Remember that your own happiness is both your right and your responsibility. When you radiate positivity, your family will, too.

PHOTO: Pixabay, GIFS: Giphy