My Happy Mom Habits did not come overnight. A bit of honesty, I struggled for years.

Since I was little I have always wanted to be a mom. I watched my own mom make it look so easy. She was a stay at home mom and a working mom throughout my childhood. But no matter what she did she was always a happy mom.

When she passed away suddenly right after I had my first child, I was lost as a mom. Motherhood was not as easy as she made it look.

I was frustrated, lonely and exausted. I wanted to be a happy mom, after-all this is what I dreamt about for so long.

For my kids, I wanted to set a better example too! No one wanted to be around a mom that was screaming all day out frustration.

So today I wanted to share my 9 happy mom habits that have changed the mom game for me.

#1 Take Time For You

I know, I know!

How can you take time for you when there is so much to do?

It’s cliche but you need to to take a few moments for you during the day. Even if it is 10 minutes here and 5 minutes there.

Your entire day is devoted to your kids, spouse, job and your home. I get it. But how can you give if you have nothing left? You can’t.

Finding time for you can reset your mood.

Soak in a relaxing bath at the end of the day or take a few moments to write in a journal. Whatever it is make sure you are filling your needs also.

#2 Schedule Your Day

If you have ever had a day where you feel like you ran around all day but then got nothing done, you are not alone.

Time blocking or making a to do list each day can help ease the stress.

But, let’s keep it realistic or it defeats the purpose.

I have been so guilty of filling my to do list with tasks I wanted to do but the reality of it, there is not that many hours in a day to get it all done.

Each Sunday, I plan my entire week according to our family schedule. I list out what needs to get done on what day’s keeping in mind if it is possible to actually accomplish.

Time blocking was something that changed the game for me. I set a ton of timers throughout the day once that timer goes off I need to move on to the next task.

There is something about racing against the clock that helps me stay more focused and productive.

#3 Stop Comparing

The hardest ones of my happy mom habits was to change the way I saw myself.

Everyone is different in how they do things or who they are and moms are no different from this rule.

Stop comparing yourself to other moms. We all have our own style of parenting.

At the end of the day, it does not matter that your cupcakes do not look like the amazingly pretty propped Pinterest picture.

It does not matter that the mom you see at school drop off always looks flawless while you are still in your PJ’s, no makeup and messy bun.

You be the mom you are and your kids will love you more for it.

#4 Get Outside

Fresh air does wonders for everyone. Get out there and go for a walk, play catch with your kids.

Take the time to enjoy nature and be in the moment.

Regular exercise is proven to boost your mood, especially those who suffer from anxiety and depression.

Believe me the other things can wait!

#5 Create Routines

Personally I think this is so important for a family to run smoothly.

My kids know what to expect each morning before school, after school etc.

I’m sure you do the same thing every morning too. Wake up, brush your teeth, wash your face. Teaching your children routines will make for less hectic days.

I have created a morning routine and night routine just for myself. It’s clockwork now and I do not have to even think about what I am doing next.

Related: Check out my morning routine

Related: My nighttime routine

#6 Quality Family Time

Some happy mom habits are not always easy to see until you stake a step back and look.

Now a days I feel like families are so rushed. Between jobs, kids activities and every day things there seems to be very little wiggle room for family time.

And even when there is, is is quality?

Mine was not for a long time. I found our family going off in different directions all the time. No one was fully present, including me.

I missed the moments of quality time. You have 18 years with your kids at home and I do not want to miss out anymore.

So, I practiced what I preached and unplugged from technology.

We all sit together at dinner with no electronics at the table and talk almost every night. Usually, a couple of Saturday’s a month I will declare no electronics and we will do something as a family.

#7 Drink More Water

Water is something our bodies need. It’s good for digestion, your skin many other parts of your body but also your mood.

When your body is dehydrated some people complain of headaches, foggy brain and fatigue.

Trying to keep up as a mom no one wants that so drink up!

Now, if you are anything like me I hate drinking water. I’d rather be drinking coffee lol. Make it pretty. Add some lemon, lime and fruit your heart desires.

#8 Mom Friends

Moms tend to isolate themselves, especially when you are in the thick of the newborn stage. But, mom friends are important and needed.

We are a community of amazing people who understand what it is like. No judgement zone because we have all been there at one point or another.

Another mom will not care if your floors are sticky. Another mom will not judge the fact you just bribed your child for whatever reason.

Happy mom habits can be sometimes out of your comfort zone, but very worth it!

Find a mom friend that you can relate to. It makes this whole mom thing a lot easier some days.

#9 Slow Down

The pressure we face as moms is tough! So many of us stress about the best schools, perfect home and even that Pinterest dinner you want to make this week.

It is okay to cut back on activities for your children if you are running yourself ragged.

It is okay if your kids eat chicken nuggets for dinner.

Again, take the time to be in the moment and slow down.

Since applying these happy mom habits, I love motherhood more than I ever have.

My kids are happier as well.

I hope these help momma.