Do you sometimes struggle to stay motivated to get things done at home as you care for your family.
I constantly think about my children and the ongoing to-do list I have running in my head.
Is my two-year-old playing nicely? How many toys is he pulling out for us to pick up before bedtime?
What about dinner tonight? Am I going to open another box of mac and cheese or make the effort to put something a little more substantial together? What about next week’s meals? I need to have a grocery list put together by tomorrow so there’s no stress when it’s time to shop.
The house is in absolute disarray. Every room needs to be straightened up and topped off with some fresh vacuum marks to make it look like I actually did something. The yogurt remnants from Huck’s meal yesterday has hardened to the table only a knife could remove. And I swear there’s a dirty diaper hiding somewhere in the back of the house because the stench is awful.
I don’t think I ever realized, before becoming a mom, how unfinished I would feel at the end of each and every day. Will there ever be a day or a time again where I’ll have something to show for all the work that I’ve put into keeping a home and raising my children? Will I ever find regular time to rest and regain momentum to get up every day and be the best wife and mom for my family?
I’m tired of being tired all the time.
I’m tired of all the unfinished tasks and projects staring straight at me in the face.
Proverbs 31:27 says, “She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
I want to be her. The one who doesn’t feel like she has to have it all together, but intentionally concerns herself with the needs of her family. When there’s a need, she is not waiting for instruction. She knows the details of her family’s affairs and gets to work. But how does she stay motivated and energized to complete the tasks at hand?
Here are 5 Ways to Stay Motivated at Home as a Mother
- Wake Up Before the Children
When I wake up with the little ones in the morning, I already feel behind in my day. My son is already hungry for breakfast. I haven’t had a chance to freshen up. and my kitchen is a mess from the night before.
Whether it’s 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or a whole hour…make some time to get yourself ready for the day. Sitting quietly to read or making a plan for your day can make a HUGE difference.
Waking up before your kids can be difficult if your young children are waking up too early for your liking, ready to conquer the day. In this case, I would suggest having a small activity ready for them so you can continue preparing for the tasks ahead.
Here’s a super helpful post I found with ideas on how to create a morning basket for your kids!
If you need help waking up while it’s still dark, consider this VeriLux HappyLight! This daily dose of sunlight can help you feel more awake while improving your mood, your sleep, and giving you a boost of energy!
If you’re a stay at home mom, you probably find it difficult to have time to yourself. Carving out some time first thing and conquering a few tasks around the house can keep you motivated to faithfully stick to what needs to be done.
- Create a Realistic To-Do List
This can be difficult when there are mounds of dirty clothes to wash/fold, floors that haven’t been swept in a couple of weeks, and a table piling up with the day’s activities.
While writing out your to-do list for the day, remember to be realistic with your expectations. You may have so much to do, you don’t know where to begin. I like to make a list of tasks based off the amount of time it takes beginning with the smaller ones first. I can start to complete the chores that take the LEAST amount of time and mark them off one by one. The more you check off those items on the list, the more motivation that is built to mark off the rest!
Don’t be disappointed if your kids are keeping you from reaching those small goals. Include them!
*Tip
One way I’m able to unload the dishwasher in the morning is to do so while my son eats his breakfast. I know I couldn’t do it with him standing beside me trying his best to grab at the knives, so I save that for when he’s well occupied.
I also save the quiet tasks for when my son is napping; like folding clothes.
- Set a Timer
This technique can be extremely helpful when you need to get things done around the house. Having a plan set in place is crucial to make this work for you.
Simply set a timer for 15 minutes and knock out some of those items on your list that take the most amount of time. You’ll be amazing at how quickly the time goes!
After the 15 minutes is up, take a 5 minute break. A break can look like checking your social media notifications, relaxing with a glass of water, taking a short walk outside, coloring with your child, etc.
After your break is up, start the timer again for another 15 minutes and get those chores done; lead by another 5 minutes of break time.
I like to do this for about 4 rounds, and then I’m finished
- Rest Well During the Day
I promise, this is not impossible!
In those moments when your home is quiet. Or when your kids are occupied with an activity or are sound asleep for their nap. Consider having a small basket of “you time” essentials. This will help you regain some energy for the rest of your day.
For me, my “me time” basket includes the following:
Either scheduling out specific time for an extended break, or taking advantage of those 15 minute windows. Taking the opportunity to rest your body and take your mind off things is a great way to re-energize.
If you don’t take care of yourself today, then you won’t be able to take care of your family tomorrow.
Finding it difficult to get any time to yourself during the day? Talk to your spouse, your mom, your friend, or your mother-in-law about this. You will be shocked at how willing those closest to you are to help. Word for word, tell them what you need.
You will feel ready to get back to responsibilities once you get some rest!
- Create an Intentional Nighttime Routine
After your children have gone to bed and you finally get some time to wind down, consider creating a regular routine that will help you to feel relaxed at the end of the day, and prepared to conquer the next.
Depending on the day ahead, setting out clothes for you and your children can eliminate any time or stress when it comes to making those decisions the next morning.
I have written a Nighttime Routine for Busy Moms. You’ll find some helpful tips on preparing for each day the night before.
*Tip
I highly recommend writing out your schedule for the following day with goals in mind. Do you know what your family will be eating for each meal? Write it down. Is there a park you’d like to visit with your kids before lunchtime? Set a time for which you’d like to leave the house.
Whether you enjoy watching a movie or scrolling through your phone before falling asleep, consider turning off your screens at night. I promise you’ll feel well rested in the morning after a good night’s rest! So totally unplug in the evenings! Once your realize the effects of this change, you will be motivated to keep up this new routine!
I hope this list has been helpful for you. And I hope that you’ve been able to take at least 1 new idea for more motivation.
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to stay motivated, here’s a blog I found that gives you a checklist to stay balanced in life!
I’d like to hear your thoughts on what has been helpful for you to stay motivated! So leave a comment below.
