Before I had kids, I had no idea they were kind of stressful. Some days are smooth. But then, oh no:
- Another snow day, sick day, or summer day shift
- A kid who was fine 5 seconds ago, but is now losing it because their shirt feels like a bee is attacking them
- Everyone starts talking to you at once, and you’re so overstimulated, you’ve forgotten your own name
The list could go on. So, when I hear about the stress financial traders and sports pros face, all I can think is….ok, but have you tried being a mother?
The pressure to “get it right” is real. This is big. It’s important. We’re talking about raising the next generation of leaders.
And “pivoting” is a mom’s middle name.
So, why do people not talk about the emotional strength needed to parent?
It’s about time we do. And today, I’m sharing the practices I’ve found I CAN’T skip if I want to stay happy in this mom + life + work + digital insanity world.
5 Practices You Seriously Shouldn’t Go Without
These aren’t the “go buy a candle” type of self-care things. This is the nitty gritty – you put your sanity at risk without them.
The Sacred Pause
In a world that shouts at us all day — quiet time isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
Just a few minutes of stillness helps you catch your breath, hear your own thoughts, and reconnect with your intuition. Think of it as the pause that helps you parent and live with more intention.
Quiet time can come in many different forms. Prayer, journaling, and meditation are just a few. Experiment with what works for you!
Move to Mend
Moving your body isn’t just about fitness — it’s about releasing the emotional clutter that builds up inside. Whether it’s a nature walk, a stretch, or a full-on dance session in your kitchen, movement shifts energy and helps reset your mind.
It’s often the quickest way to feel more grounded, more capable, and more “you” again.
The Good That Grounds You
Between the doom and gloom news and everyday parenting failures (like the lunchbox you forgot or the meltdown you didn’t see coming), it’s easy to zero in on what’s going wrong.
Writing what you’re grateful for gently shifts your lens. It reminds you of what’s working, what you love, and what’s already enough. It’s not toxic positivity — it’s anchoring yourself to reality, but the kind that builds you up.
The Circle of Sanity
Motherhood can be lonely — even in a house full of chaos. We weren’t meant to do this alone.
Real connection (with friends, neighbors, or that other mom at pickup who gets it) lightens the load. It reminds you you’re not the only one trying to keep it together. Laughter, honest conversation, even venting — it all refuels your soul.
Hands-Free, Heart-Full
The scroll is endless. But your energy isn’t.
When you set boundaries with your phone, you’re reclaiming the little moments that matter most — the soft bedtime story, the shared glance, the way the light hits your kid’s face when they’re talking about Minecraft.
Non-phone times allow you to be where your feet are — and that’s where peace lives.
What’s Next?
Of these practices, which do you find the most helpful in your daily life? Do you have another that’s not on the list? Share in the comments so we can all learn 🙂
