3 routines you need as a mom
I fully believe routines help us build systems for our lives which leads to building strong habits.
There are 3 routines I have found as mom are essential for not only me but our family.
Meal/Menu Routine – I had a pretty solid meal prep/menu planning routine before I had my daughter but it became even more essential once she arrived. The dreaded “I don’t know what do you want conversation” is one that makes my eyeball twitch. If I don’t have a clear plan I will default to what is easy & not healthy. Each Sunday, I plan our menu for the week including my lunches. I also prep all of my daughter’s lunches for the week. This can be tricky because I have a picky eater but it makes mornings SO much easier to just pull her bento box out and go. I keep a binder of family favorite recipes, plan for leftovers twice a week, my husband is in charge once a week generally & we eat out once a week. This means I have to plan for 3 dinners. What your needs are may be different from mine but creating a full menu each week including breakfast(I typically fast until 12p-1p), lunch & dinners can eliminate decision making throughout the week & keep you on track for your health goals.
Cleaning Routine – Kids have so much stuff! Why didn’t anyone tell me my house would look like a bomb went off regularly?! I will admit I am not the best at keeping my space neat but I have also learned physical clutter leads to mental clutter for me & my spouse. Things need to have a place. Every night before bed I take 10ish minutes to just do a general pick up sweep. This helps me feel like I am closing the day without leaving more work for my future self. Future me wants less work. As far as cleaning-cleaning, we outsource some but also have to maintain and do some ourselves. We have daily must do chores we divide and everything else is sort of a do as we go. For example, I wipe down the bathroom sink & counters after I use it, same with the kitchen, we vacuum every day or every other. Those things are just part of our natural rhythms of our home now. You don’t need to spend a full Saturday cleaning. Do it as you go and it is manageable.
Self Care Routine – Remember what actually caring for yourself is like?! There are seasons where this is easier and where it is harder. Self care is not your basic hygiene either. Self care is true rest, taking time for a hobby or something you love, caring for your body & health. Self care is about caring for your mind, body & spirit in my opinion. Each week I look at 4 self-care categories: relationships, health, spiritual, and home. I try to do something each week in each category but always with the goal of at least 1-2 making it on my schedule. This is easier in different seasons & at different times. You cannot pour from an empty cup. I encourage you today to choose something this week to care for yourself & no one else.
I hope that encourages you to create or update your own routines!