How I Keep Sane Being a SAHM

Being a stay at home mom can be lonely. I am sure we have all read blogs that started with that line! But it is 100% true! Unless you have a good group of friends and family near by at any time of the day, being the only adult can take its toll on you.

Never fear though, there are so many great resources online that can help you balance being an actual adult while bringing out that inner child in you! Here is just an example of what my day looks like to keep me a sane stay at home.

First thing is first - I ALWAYS wake up before the kids! This is easy for me as my husband's alarm clock goes off at 6:00 AM. I get out of bed, take our pup out and make myself my special start the day drink (see below for recipe)! Then I pack my hubby's lunch and send him out the door, with some morning kisses of course :)

Next, and this is VERY important in my schedule, I workout. My workouts are simple: 50 squats, 50 tricep dips, 50 calf raises, and 50 pushups, followed by a 60 second wall sit and 60 second plank. In all, this workout usually takes me 5 minutes (max.) but it is effective to wake me up and get me ready to take on the day! After working out, I sit down with my drink and read some of my bible. This is my personal time. I do not look at my phone until after I take at least 10-15 minutes to myself to reflect and pray for the day that lies ahead.

By this time it is close to 7:30, I usually take a quick shower and try to get breakfast ready before the children wake up and the chaos begins. Oh, and pour my cup of iced coffee (my second energy boost drink)!

From 8:00 AM to about 1:30 PM it is all about the kids. We eat breakfast, have a lesson, go on an outing, eat lunch, and then it is the time every mom looks forward to: NAP!! Now, most bloggers will tell you to use nap time to clean the house and get adult things done. I say NO WAY! Nap time is your time - you do with it what you please!

For me, it usually consists of tidying up the kitchen and whatever toys may be out in the living room (we have a small house so our living room and playroom are shared). After tidying up, I find myself doing another workout routine. Sometimes it is the same as the morning, and sometimes it is a yoga video I find on YouTube. Either way, I take nap time as a time for me to recharge! Thankfully I have really good nappers, so I am also able to check my emails and pay any bills we may have. Sometimes I prepare dinner, but the hubby usually comes home at the end of nap time, so we are able to double team the boys from then on!

This routine works great for me, perhaps it will for you as well! However, I must tell you, it did take me a few trials of other routines before I found one that kept me energized and going all day. For me, the key to being a happy stay at home parent is to make time for yourself. My mornings and the kids' nap times are that time! Working out is my way of feeling good and releasing the toxins from my body, but again, everyone is different.

I hope you found this as a guideline to help form a routine of your own so you continue to love being a stay at home and not get burned out!

MAMA'S SPECIAL WAKE-ME-UP DRINK:

2 cups water

1 bag of Green Tea

1/2 Lemon, squeezed

*I drink this every morning over ice (you can also drink it hot - good for if you feel under the weather)*