5 Ways to a Happier You
FIT4MOM x Jessica Maurer
In today's fast-paced world, mothers' role is undeniably crucial yet often undervalued and overlooked. Societal expectations of women can be overwhelming. They are expected to excel in their careers, maintain a harmonious household, nurture their children's development, and often prioritize the needs of others above their own. This constant balancing act can lead to mothers neglecting their own happiness and well-being.
According to the Loneliness Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), mothers, especially those with young children, often experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. The demands of caregiving, coupled with societal expectations, can leave mothers feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. This loneliness can have detrimental effects on mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
Moreover, the lack of recognition and appreciation for the immense contributions of women further exacerbates this issue. Society often fails to acknowledge the tireless efforts, sacrifices, and unconditional love that mothers provide daily. Instead, mothers may feel undervalued, invisible, and underappreciated, leading to frustration, resentment, and burnout.
Contrastingly, the World Happiness Report emphasizes the importance of self-care and well-being in achieving happiness. Mothers who prioritize self-care activities such as therapy, exercise, socializing with friends, pursuing hobbies, and taking time for themselves are more likely to experience greater levels of happiness and life satisfaction. When mothers invest in their own happiness, they are better equipped to handle the challenges of motherhood and maintain healthier relationships with their families.
Mothers deserve recognition, support, and opportunities to prioritize their happiness and self-care. Mothers who are happy and fulfilled can better nurture and support their families, leading to stronger bonds, healthier relationships, and a brighter future.
But let’s face it: thinking happy thoughts now and again will not help women find happiness. Here are 5 ways every mother can take to generate more happiness in their life, powered by the World Happiness Report.
ASK FOR HELP
Seeking support is a courageous act that requires vulnerability and openness. It's about acknowledging that no one has all the answers and that we all occasionally need a helping hand. By sharing your experiences and challenges, you lighten your load and create opportunities for connection and solidarity with others.
Remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of courage and self-awareness. By embracing the power of connection and reaching out to others, you can cultivate a stronger support system and navigate the challenges of motherhood with greater resilience and confidence. You're not alone, and together, we can uplift and empower each other on this incredible journey of motherhood.
Asking for help looks different for everyone, so consider your options:
Partner or Spouse
Fellow moms
Family members
Therapist
Neighbors
Friends
Kid’s friend’s families
There is absolutely no shame in asking for professional help from therapists - especially if you think you may be suffering from a maternal mental health (MMH) condition
COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS
Reach out to fellow moms for support. Share experiences, joys, and challenges. Building a supportive network can be a game-changer in navigating the rollercoaster of motherhood.
Call your mom. Take a fitness class with your BFF. Visit with your neighbor. Make time every day to talk to another adult human—and try not to talk about Paw Patrol, Pokemon, or Minecraft. Conversations are wonderful ways to remember that you are a person, not just a mother. Socializing may seem daunting, especially if you are a stay-at-home mama, but you need it to refill your own well of happiness.
Not sure who to talk to right now? We have the village for you! We are a community of moms who support every age and stage of motherhood. From pregnancy through postpartum and beyond, our villages and fitness and wellness programs help make moms strong in body, mind, and spirit. Find your village here (PS - If there is not a FIT4MOM village in your area, let’s chat about starting one!)
SET STRONG BOUNDARIES
Learning to say no is not just about setting boundaries; it's about preserving one's mental and physical well-being. Women often take on multiple roles and responsibilities, which can lead to overwhelming feelings and potential burnout. Being realistic about what you can achieve within a given timeframe is crucial.
It's okay to prioritize tasks and decline additional commitments that could lead to stress and exhaustion. Don't hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family members, or friends. Sharing the workload reduces stress and allows you to focus on activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but strength and self-awareness. Prioritize self-care, set realistic expectations, and cultivate a supportive network to navigate the challenges of life with resilience and happiness.
START WITH 10 MINUTES
Yes, you are busy. Yesterday’s to-do list has bled into today’s, and you aren’t sure where dinner is coming from tonight. But we know you can find just 10 minutes to unplug and entirely focus on yourself, as long as you schedule it. Maybe this is 10 minutes before the kids wake up or after they all go to sleep, but you need to plan it every day. Now, what you do in those 10 minutes is up to you. Read a book, have a private dance party, walk, or enjoy a cup of coffee or wine. Whatever it is, make time to do it for yourself.
Want some ideas of what to do with this time? Check out our resource here.
MOVE YOUR BODY
No matter your stage of motherhood, fitting exercise into an already slammed day can be a challenge. We all know movement is crucial to our wellness and sanity, but how do we do that when we feel like we have no time?
Instead of thinking of movement as happening alone (without kids), requiring spandex, and occurring for an extended period, change how you think of exercise. Movement can happen at any time and in any clothing. It doesn’t have to last for long either. One minute of movement can provide a great mental break for your mind. Stop thinking about what you can’t do and focus on what you can do. In other words, how can you sneak any type of movement into your already jam-packed day?
Trust us, your body and mind will thank you for breaking up your tension and giving yourself an extra energy boost. And who doesn’t need the extra energy and patience to make it through dinner, bathtime, and bedtime routines?
We have so many fitness resources for you to check out, like exercising with a stroller, moving more with your kiddos, and boosting your mood.
BONUS: Discover a New Passion
After becoming a mom, it's common to feel a little lost. You may feel unsure about your purpose in life beyond motherhood because all of your time and energy is or has been focused on your little one(s). Take this short quiz to discover how your inner strengths shape your identity as a mother and how they can help you find your “why" in life.
When mothers prioritize their happiness, it has a ripple effect on their families. We know it's easy to feel guilty about taking time for yourself, but trust us, it's not selfish. Happy mothers are more emotionally available, patient, and resilient, positively impacting their children's well-being and development. Moreover, when mothers model self-care and prioritize their happiness, they teach their children valuable lessons about the importance of self-love and personal fulfillment.
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