I had someone write me and ask how I always looked so ‘put together’ with being a new mom. This was such an amazing compliment to me, since I really feel like a scatter brained zombie 90% of the time, being pulled in a million and one directions with not enough hours in a day! My daughter just turned 1 this past week, so I guess I’ve had a year of practice to fine tune my daily routine, which isn’t much, but it’s definitely gotten a lot easier the older she gets. I do very much appreciate that comment & I wanted to share a few things that seem to help me a lot when life gets crazy….
1. ROUTINE. First and foremost, I am the most motivated and “put together” when I get into a routine and stick with it. This includes setting myself goals for the week, like promising myself to meal plan once a week, getting laundry done on Saturday morning, planning to go to the gym every other day, whatever it is I need to get done each week – planning & sticking to it! I have a great routine in the morning, that I follow, (for the most part). Obviously sometimes I may veer off path depending on that particular day, but I feel like when all goes well and everything gets done it sets me up for a much better, less stressful day.
2. STAY ORGANIZED. I’ve shared with you all my slight case of OCD, so this one comes fairly natural to me. I try to stay pretty prepared for everything. Get as much ‘ready’ ahead of time as possible. For instance, I mentioned planning a laundry day – I usually pick Saturday or Sunday, but if you get motivated in the middle of the week to take on a few loads, then more power to ya! I like the weekend because then everything is already done and I can lay out everyone’s clothes for the week, (great time saver on weekday mornings). I read this quiz about practicing to be a parent that I completely understand now. My favorite line, “If you want to understand what it’s like to get a toddler dressed, buy an octopus and a string bag. Attempt to put the octopus in the bag and tie it without any arms hanging out – time limit: 5 minutes.” CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. Daily.
3. MEAL PLAN. Whenever you can, plan out your meals – breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners for the week. If possible, do it before grocery shopping to eliminate those mid-week lunch hour grocery trips and to cut down on buying stuff you may not really need. I especially do this for Rylee’s meals, because she will eat whatever we eat, but we don’t always eat on her schedule. So I have to be prepared to make her something small, (easy mac, fruits, or veggies), before we eat to hold her over so she doesn’t turn into the green monster of hunger.
4. GET ENOUGH SLEEP. I used to be able to stay up all hours of the night, then get up on time, hit the shower, and make it to work in no time at all. I’m not sure if it’s just age getting the best of me, or if my body just won’t function without the adequate sleep, BUT I now go to bed early so that I have time to wake up, shower, & get partially ready before my daughter wakes up and I start the process of getting her ready. Coffee helps, but I don’t like to depend on that to give me the energy (& happiness) I need in the morning to get out the door with a smile. Most mornings this is not the case, because even with all the extra things I get done prior to waking up, I’m still NOT a morning person. So, that being said, the smile usually comes sometime after my 15 minute drive to Rylee’s daycare when I see her clapping along to the music in the car, or when we spot that beautiful sunrise on the way out of town.
5. TIME OUT. Last, but not least. Take time out of EACH and every day for yourself. For me, this one is really a challenge. It may be that extra 5 minutes in the shower, or the morning gym session. Actually, this blog has helped me to achieve that small piece of time where it’s just for me. To regroup, get my thoughts out, and hopefully provide some interesting posts for my readers. It is so important to get some time to yourself, without interruptions, to focus on nothing of importance, just a small break in your day to help recharge your energy. Maybe a small group? Or even just 10 minutes to read in your bible, or a book of your choice. Whatever it is, enjoy it! Days can be hectic with family life, work, and everything life brings. Take care of yourselves!
Thanks for reading!
Jess
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