Sometimes, a little goes a long way to bring peace into a usual hectic day. My little corner of the world is go, go, go–as I am sure yours is, too. On the days that seem a little more chaotic than normal, I try to implement a few of strategies into my day so I am able to ensure a little bit of relief.
This isn’t rocket science by any means, just some tools to help calm the rough waters of motherhood and bring a little peace to your day.
- Light a candle (or diffuse some essential oils). My favorite smells are the fall and Christmas candles. They are so homey and comforting. There is something about these scents that help calm my mind and help me center on things that I love about this time of year. This also helps when my kitchen is a disaster and I need to smell something other than my dirty dishes.
- Play music. Our kitchen isn’t just for eating, it’s where my three-year-old loves to dance and spin. It’s also where my 11-month-old son sits and claps and laughs. Music has the ability to lift any mood and bring peace and happiness to your soul.
- Work out. Go for a walk. Hit the gym. Pop in a workout DVD. Do something to get those endorphins flowing and instantly give your overall mood a boost.
- De-clutter a small space. I am not talking about making your house white-glove clean, but cleaning and de-cluttering a small space you can retreat to. For me, it is my kitchen. When my kitchen is in order, I feel more at ease. While my two little tornadoes fly through my house, I like to have this small space I can sit in for a few quick minutes throughout the day.
- Enjoy good coffee (or tea, or…). I love coffee–GOOD coffee–and I love to enjoy a cup (or two) each day, especially when it is nap time for my babies.
- Turn off your phone. I feel the LESS time I am on Facebook and Instagram, the more rejuvenated I feel. Be present. Laugh with your kids. Engage in their activities completely. These are the moments that matter the most.
- Utilize nap time/quiet time. Take my advice on #5 and find a book to read, work on a hobby you never have time to do, or catch up on some sleep. It is so hard to get moments to just ourselves each day, so I have found that nap time/quiet time is my chance!
When you are in the trenches of motherhood, peace seems like a fleeting dream. However, it is possible to achieve in small steps and small increments. When we take care of ourselves first, we can then pour ourselves into the children we have been entrusted with.
How do you like to create peace in your home? What are some small steps you take each day to bring a teeny bit of calmness into an otherwise hectic schedule?