5 Quick Ways For Moms To Rest

Becoming a mama is hands down the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s rewarding and fulfilling but as most moms can agree, it’s hard at times to simply physically and mentally rest. As a stay at home mom, I feel like most days my mind is moving 100 miles per hour and I’m barely able to think clearly. There’s a negative stigma attached to rest in today’s world. We’re expected to “grind non-stop” or “sleep when we’re dead”. But even God took time to rest after He created the world, and He’s GOD. I’ve struggled with this concept of wanting to do it all for a while until I decided to adopt these quick ways for me to find rest as a mom.

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Unplug

I love social media. It shrinks the world just enough for me to enjoy and appreciate other cultures and experiences. But sometimes getting a glimpse into another world can be draining. Sometimes we can spend so much time in other people’s world that we neglect our own, leaving us feeling unfulfilled. Unplugging from social media (and the internet in general) is one of the easiest quick ways for me to rest. There are multiple times during the week I place my phone in a totally different room so I’m not tempted to turn to it. Instead of filling dead time with social media, I’m able to spend time valuing my own life and pouring into myself.

Sit Still and Breathe

Sitting still seems impossible to do, especially if you’re in the middle of talking a toddler through a tantrum, answering a phone call, and cooking dinner. But I promise you it’s not. We always have a choice. I promise you the world won’t stop spinning if you make the choice to take 1 simple minute to yourself. Cut on a minute timer, hide in a bathroom or closet and just breathe. When I was first given this advice, I thought the person giving it was crazy, until I tried it for myself. Giving yourself a split minute to breathe, recoup, and assess will put you in a better headspace to deal with life’s dealings. Never feel guilty for taking care of yourself.

Ask For Help and Support

My number one weakness is that at times, I try to carry the weight of the world on my own. It’s not until I’m drowning that I ask someone to help. Becoming a mama has really taught me how to use my village and not feel guilty for asking for help. I’m so thankful for our village because there’s no way I’d be able to do life without them. There’s no shame in asking for help on days you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. My sister even reminded me recently, that help can be extended in many ways. It can be asking someone to babysit or asking for prayer. If you’ve been keeping up with my blogs lately you’re probably tired of me saying this, but we’re not meant to do life alone.

Strip the Mom Guilt

There’s no perfect way to be a mother. We often look at the way the world perceives moms to be and place added pressure on ourselves. The only way to be a good mom is your way. As my own mama always says “there’s more than one way to skin a cat”. So if you need to occasionally cut on cartoons first thing in the morning so you can get your bearings, that’s ok. If you need to feed your kid chick-fil-a for dinner so you can hustle through more work, that’s ok too! Like I said earlier, never feel guilty for taking care of yourself. It doesn’t make you any less of a mama because your day wasn’t perfect. Strip the mom-guilt and be a mama the best way YOU know-how.

Rest in Him

I couldn’t write this list without this tidbit because I’ve found that true rest can only come from God. In a heartbeat, I will cut on worship music and begin praying with Raelynn in my arms or at my feet. She can be mid-tantrum but if I feel my heart getting too heavy, I’ll turn my heart to Him. I cry out my frustrations and ask Him for the peace and wisdom to handle situations I simply don’t have the mental capacity to handle. He hears every cry and frustration. He gives direction and/or makes a way through every situation. He’s never failed me and He won’t fail you.

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Remember, God wants us to rest. I challenge you next time you’re feeling burdened or weary and in need of rest to not only adopt these quick tips but to also read Luke 10:38-42. Then stop and ask yourself, are you being like Martha or Mary?

XO

Michelle