Want some tips to make mom life easier? In this post, I’ll share 3 things I cut out to minimize work and maximize free time.
In certain seasons of life, there are some things you just need to let go of to make life easier. Sometimes, it’s worth giving up some of those “extra details” that you would normally see as a necessity, but aren’t really.
At these times, something’s gotta give in order to get the rest and downtime you need. Say it with me: “Let it go!”
Maybe you just had a baby, are moving, or are going through a health difficulty. All of these are perfect reasons to relax the reigns and just focus on what’s important.
Personally, I’ve experienced all three of these stressful things at one time. Our family moved the month before my second baby was born, then again when he was three months old. And throughout that time, I was also feeling unwell and fatigued.
That was when I realized, thanks to my mom’s wisdom, I needed to let go of some things that weren’t necessities.
During this time, I found ways to cut corners where chores were concerned (read 13 Brilliant Housekeeping Hacks to Spend Less Time on Chores). Here are some other things I “let go” of in order to regain some peace.
1. Baths every night
When my first baby was born, we had a special nighttime routine that we did every single night. I bathed Gabriel, gave him an almond oil massage, put on PJs, and sang him to sleep.
Needless to say, I couldn’t keep that routine up with my second baby!
Nowadays, I tend to bathe my boys 2-3 times per week, unless there’s a day when they are exceptionally dirty 🙂 Here’s the soap I use for my boys – hair and body.
Did you know that too many baths can actually be detrimental to our skin? Check out this video by Mama Natural for more info!
At first, I felt a little guilty not giving my second as much attention as my first during bath time. But then I realized there were other things he experienced that my first did not.
For example, I was able to nurse my second son after having problems nursing with my first baby and giving it up. Also, James has a big brother to love on him, an advantage Gabriel did not have.
As my mama says, “every stage is good.” So true!
2. Matching socks
For some of you “type A” personalities, this may be a bit of a stretch. But I was amazed at the time I spent trying to match my socks in the laundry basket! I would just leave the clean “lonely” socks at the bottom of the laundry basket, and pretty soon I had a sea of them.
That’s when I realized – what is the “sole” purpose of socks? (Sorry, that was for my husband, the pun king). 🙂
They were invented to keep feet dry, warm, and clean. As long as our feet were those three things, it was good enough for me! Totally not worth spending precious minutes hunting with the notion that “someone might see me wearing two different socks.” Who cares?
Now, if I need to buy new socks, I try to get a big pack of the same color like these – less to match and sort!
Update: I am now at a point in my life where we are wearing matching socks again, at least on Sundays. I feel like I have arrived.
3. Extravagant meals
Cooking is such a fun pastime for me. I love making delicious dinners like Cheesy Garlicky Spaghetti and Meatballs or Perfect Baked Hot Wings (as long as I don’t have to clean it up).
But when stressful times come, you realize that if your family’s bellies have food in them, that’s an accomplishment.
My wise mother gave me the idea of keeping canned fruits and vegetables on hand for those extra tough days. I used to pride myself on only serving fresh or frozen produce, but it does take extra time! Then I noticed, when things got crazy, I started serving less produce due to
time restraints. It’s better to serve it out of a can than none at all!
One thing I love doing when life is crazy is to buy a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store with bagged salad. I’m also a huge fan of natural Annie’s Mac & Cheese for those busy days. Find it here.
Over time, I figured out some really great tips to spend less time in the kitchen while still eating healthy. Check out my post 10 Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks for a Healthier Lifestyle.
I also remember her saying one time, “If you just need to plop a PB & J on a plate, THAT’S OKAY.” The family menu may not be as exciting, but you will eat. Try to brainstorm where you are spending the most time in the kitchen, and see if you can create a shortcut. You can read more ideas in this post.
I hope this post helped give you some tips to make life easier when you’re stressed.
These things seem small, but they really add up! What are your tips to make life easier during stressful times? I’d love to hear!
With Joy,
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