I never thought I would write a blog post on being an accomplished mom. First, I don’t think being 100% accomplished is a realistic goal. The thought that inspired me to write this post, however, was that everyone’s definition of accomplishment is different.
More than a routine, we will focus on a checklist. Have you ever found yourself going to sleep in a ‘hurry’? You had a super busy day with the kids and as soon as they go to sleep, you knockout. It’s happened multiple times to me.
Doing that doesn’t make me feel productive, pretty, or like a good mother. For that reason, I have decided we should discuss this topic.
The term ‘self-care’ is probably not new to you. One way you can take care of yourself is by doing something every day that makes you feel accomplished.
How can you feel accomplished when all you have been doing is cooking, cleaning, playing, and yelling? It is no secret that staying at home with kids is mentally and physically draining. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of good moments in the day, but at the end of the day, we tend to focus on the negative.
I will list a few of your most recent accomplishments in case you can’t think of any.
- First of all, you have survived another day
- Your child thanked you for something at least once today (even if you did something nice for them and they didn’t notice, that will be a memory they will carry in their subconscious in the years to come)
- You were able to kiss your child good-night
It sounds simple, but life’s greatest treasures are found in the simple things. I encourage you to begin looking for blessings in everything (flowers that you can see and smell, your body that is not aching, your healthy kids, etc.).
The checklist I have provided will help you find new ways of feeling accomplished. Notice: these things may sound super simple and possibly like common sense, but I’m sure more that one person can relate to this.
After your kids fall asleep…
Check for left over foods that need to be put away
During this time, you can also take advantage and do a quick tidy up in the kitchen
Quick walk-around to tidy up (whatever you can (a toy, some paper towel your kid left by the couch… things of that sort))
This is not meant to be stressful. Remember, you are trying to unwind and get ready for bed.
Freshen up
Reminder: This is for your night-time routine, not your morning routine. So if you can shower again at night, go for it. If you don’t have the time or energy to shower, use these or these. There is no shame in doing so!
Brush your teeth
Is it important to brush your teeth at night? YES! Read this article outlining the reasons why. This is the toothbrush that I use (this is not an ad, just what I have been using for the past year or so). You can get a subscription and you get new brush heads every 3 months. Cheap and efficient!
Wash your face
“Throughout the day the skin on your face is continually covered with bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and old (dead) skin cells.” Skin Cleansing 101. It is important to wash your face every night!
Repeat your favorite affirmation phrase while looking in the mirror
Do affirmation phrases really work? I like to believe they do. Remember how towards the beginning of this post I told you that we tend to focus on the negatives? Well, affirmation phrases help us balance those thoughts out. Sure you lost your temper today, but repeat to yourself “I am the exact mother my children need to blossom, so I do not need to compare myself to other mothers.” Of course, this is just one example.
Use your favorite body mist
After coming home from the hospital, I didn’t use any perfume or scents. I wanted to be as natural as possible for my newborns. After they were about 6 months, I began using body mists after showering, and that gave me a boost of self esteem. Take some time and find a smell that you like and spray it like you mean it!
Put on comfy clothes
You may feel tired, but now that you are all freshened up, put on a comfy nightshirt, pj’s, or whatever you consider comfy.
Go to your bed and take 3-5 minutes to just breathe and wind down
Winding down is a must if you want to feel a sense of accomplishment. Here is when everything you just did will come and set in your mind. Absorb those positive thoughts. Smile (even if it’s just for you).
Lastly: Write down your day’s accomplishments as well as any to-do’s for tomorrow (optional, but a great habit to adopt!)
Read my post on the 7 habits productive moms have
Sometimes we need to stop and reflect on what we need to do different to feel accomplished. You will be amazed at how accomplished you truly are once you learn that the definition of accomplishment for everyone is different. So, relax and know that you are doing the best you can!
Thanks for reading.
What is your night checklist/routine? Leave it in the comments! I’d love to hear and learn from you.
Sincerely,
