Ask ANY mom and I can guarantee you we all have something in common. Having children is the most rewarding thing in the world but it’s also the most exhausting, stressful and downright chaotic at times! Do you ever stop and ask yourself “Am I a good mom?”

Even the most patient moms I know go through difficult times. Any mom who has watched their baby dump an entire plate of food on the floor, or dealt with a toddler melting down because they can’t get their shirt off (why do toddlers need to change their clothes SIX times a day?!) knows that little things like this add up quick and are enough to make you feel like you’re going to lose it any minute. We all have days that we want to pour a strong drink before noon, don’t we? 

Yes, You are a Good Mom!

I’ve been there too many times to count in the almost 4 years I’ve been a mama. After talking to my tribe of moms I’ve learned that it’s not just me! (thank heavens!) It’s totally normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed and maybe even a little crazy 90% of the time. 

If you’re feeling burned out, here’s 7 tips that help me get through the days that seem like they’re never going to end before they’ve even begun.

1. Spend 5 minutes on YOU

5 minutes might not seem like a lot of time, but it’s enough to gather yourself and get back to being the best mom you can be. Maybe you need step outside to take a quick walk around the block. There are lots of things you can do with 5 minutes. You can paint your nails, do your hair, Maybe it’s simply going to the bathroom by yourself. Maybe it’s checking social media. Whatever it is, take those five minutes and make the most of them. 

2. Do Something You Enjoyed Doing Before Becoming a Mom

You weren’t always a mom. Before your little people came along, you were a real person, with things that you liked to do. Remember when you had all the time in the world? I’m sure none of us moms would go back to that time but think about what you love to do. Maybe it’s gardening, working out, knitting or even home decorating, whatever it is, make time to do it!

3. Laugh More, Stress Less

Loosen up! Being able to laugh can do a great deal for dealing with the chaos that is enough to drive you bonkers. It’s easy to fly off the handle at your children, but taking a deep breath and having the ability to laugh it off does a great deal for my sanity. My husband and I try to laugh even in the thick of parenting disasters and it quickly changes the tune of the situation.

4. Find Ways to Make Things Easier

Moms have so many jobs and wear many hats. Not only are you raising your children but you are most likely preparing meals, cleaning and taking care of other menial tasks. One of the most stressful hours of my day is when I am preparing dinner. Finding quick and easy meals to prepare along with having a weekly meal plan that you can stick to. When I physically write down what I am serving for dinner each week and making my grocery list off of that I am able to make one trip to the grocery store and avoid going out to eat on a whim because I don’t know what to have for dinner!

5. Wake Up Before your Kids

This is something I’ve been doing more since I started this blog, and it is great for not only my parenting but my general well being.  Generally, an hour is all you need to get your day started on the right foot with a little piece and quiet. I am able to enjoy my coffee, think about what my plans are for the day and actually get something accomplished before the girls wake up and my attention all goes to them. I spend my mornings checking my mail and working on my blog, but you could also work out, meditate, do housework, read a book or do a Bible study. 

6. Commiserate With Other Moms

They say it takes a village, and boy, are they right! I feel so much better when I am able to vent to one of my girlfriends about my frustrations and feelings. It is so much better than keeping those feelings inside. When you do this, you will also learn that many other moms are going through the exact same thing you are. We can all relate!

7. Remember That Tomorrow is a New Day

Most nights, I am so relieved when I lay my kiddos down to sleep at night! No matter what happened that day, how many meltdowns my toddler had or how many times my baby bit me while nursing, there is always tomorrow. Tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow will be better. 

This season of motherhood is so rewarding, yet so challenging at the same time. They say  “the days are long but the years are short.” and is that ever true. Keep your sanity and make the best of it by following these simple tips. After all, if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!