This post on How Not To Lose Yourself as a Stay-At-Home Mom was sponsored on behalf of prAna. All opinions stated are my own.
It can be really easy to lose yourself as a stay-at-home mom if you’re not careful. It can creep in really slowly and then all of a sudden, you look in the mirror and find that you hardly recognize yourself. You know how I know? Because it has happened to me. Staying in pajamas all day was a “thing” and I barely made it to the vanity to brush my hair in the mornings. By the end of the day, I just would feel terrible about myself because I was still in pajamas from the night before! It doesn’t have to happen to you though, and I’m going to share just a few tips on how NOT to lose yourself as a stay-at-home mom.
Set your schedule. One of the biggest things you can do for yourself is get a planner (I have this one) and get a schedule set up. For me, this is what keeps me sane. Don’t just shove that planner in a drawer, actually use it and refer to it daily. When you can set a schedule for yourself you’ll be able to make time for all the things you need to get done. I work from home (and am LOVING this book from Sarah Harnisch right now), so I plan time to do business when Addie naps or once Mathew is off work. We also schedule time for her different therapies, doctor appointments, and whatever else we need for the week.
Get Stephanie’s outfit:
Sweater / Bottoms / Necklace / FitBit
Take some time for fitness. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again- fitness is important. I made sure to schedule working out 3 times a week with Camp Gladiator, and sometimes I even have the time to go 4 times a week. Scheduling time to workout isn’t easy. You have to want to do it, and you have to force it into your schedule, especially if you’re busy. Many workout facilities have childcare options so you can bring the kids along, and 1 hour of your day is going to get you in the mood for focusing on your tasks for the day. Try finding a local workout program or gym near you, or even YouTube some fitness vloggers like Blogilates or Kayla Itsines.
I’m all about wearing workout clothes that can double as athleisure because I’m usually running errands after working out (groceries anyone?) I’m a huge fan of prAna because they’re comfortable for working out, their clothes are sustainable, and I can just throw the sweater on top of my workout tank and do what I need to do for the morning. Everything is made from organic cotton or hemp, so they are amazing for moisture wicking.
You guys know I’ve been on a journey the past 2 years in making our home greener, and I love that the clothes from prAna are mindfully made in order to support fair trade and sustainable practices. We are the gatekeepers to our homes, and we can make an impact on our world if we try. One way to do that is to make sure that the things you buy have a positive impact on our planet and will make a positive impact in your home.
prAna gave me a discount code just for YOU to use now through April 14, 2017. Just enter code “PMOMVMW” during checkout for 15% off your purchase. Enjoy!
Take a moment if you need. The struggle is real when it comes to being a stay-at-home mom. Between kids having their needs, your spouse having his needs, and you having your own needs- more often than not, everyone else’s needs usually get met before your own. It can be completely overwhelming to never get to leave your “job” at the end of the day. When I get overwhelmed, I love to get my Young Living essential oils out and do an “oil intervention” to just clear my head. Check out the video below to learn how to do it yourself!
I love oil interventions because it only takes 1-2 minutes to do, and I am back to being the level-headed person I need to be for my family, for my business, and just for my day in general!
Make time for friends. I don’t know about you, but one thing that always brings me back to my “old” self is hanging around with friends. It is so important to keep up with your friendships during this stage of life so you don’t lose yourself! I love grabbing coffee with friends, inviting them over for some monthly essential oil DIY projects (where we all bring snacks, we chat for hours, and we play hilarious games), or getting dinner! Friends are such a key part of life and really can keep you grounded when you’re not feeling yourself. When Addie was in the hospital for 10 months, I was the world’s worst friend. Of course, I had a good excuse, but now that she’s been home almost 2 years, I am redeeming myself by seeing my friends as much as I can!
I love that sweater! They have some really cute work-out clothes.. gonna have to order some!!
After I had my first working out was my saving grace. The time I took to work out while he played in the babysitting room was necessary and I was always a happier person. When I had my second it was difficult to make the time for various reasons and I felt miserable so I started my blog. Now that the kids are in school and we’re on a semi-schedule I need to get back into fitness!
Brooke Pakulski recently posted…Zoya Naturel3 Nail Polish Swatches + Review
Thank you for sharing this with us. It does speak to me personally because lately I have been loosing myself as a stay at home mom. I’ve been a stay at home mom for the past 10 yrs. And have battled with wanting to go back to work for the same amount of time. Reading, praying and declaring scripture over my life have kept me sane. I’m learning to use essential oils to help me deal with my emotions and I like the point you make about “oil intervention” which I’m looking forward to watch your video. I used to do Pilates and I miss it. I need to get back at it. I have a planner which I do not use on a regular basis and I know I should. I feel like I’m stuck and I need to get out of it asap!
Yes!! Keeping a good schedule/routine going so I don’t spiral into nothing makes a big difference! Also take those “me” moments and times as a mommy 🙂
I agree, cute workout clothes can get you very excited about going to the gym!
xx Kelly
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