What about decluttering our minds?
We talk a lot about decluttering our wardrobes over here at Raise Me Wild — but what about decluttering our minds???? Would you say your stress level has increased since becoming a mom?
If so, you aren’t alone. Keep reading!
It feels like something that comes in the job description, right? What’s that saying about how having a child feels like your heart is walking around outside your body? Combine that with lack of sleep, tantrums, constant messes, mom guilt, and so much more...
As the mamas of young kiddos, we have our work cut out for us!
I spent some time talking with a friend recently who works as a child and parent psychologist. I asked her advice on how to combat stress in an unavoidably stressful time of our lives. She responded in just one word...
Mindfulness
It’s quite a buzzword lately...but you might wonder, what exactly does it mean? Mindfulness is about bringing our attention to the present, without worrying about the future or the past.
“The intentional use of attention.” (Leah Weiss)
Why is that important? The further we look into the future, the more we have on our minds, and the more we tend to be anxious and overwhelmed. Similarly, when we look into the past, the more we feel down and filled with regret.
When we live RIGHT NOW, we simplify our thoughts, get rid of the clutter, and focus on what’s right in front of us.
This mindset shift has been life changing for me. Since that moment talking with my friend, I continually make a conscious decision to be mindful. Some days I do better than others, as I work towards making this process second nature.
How do we practice mindfulness? Try this:
- Recognize many of your thoughts as speculation and not fact
- Have patience and let things unfold in their own time
- Practice compassion, grace and forgive quickly — others and yourself
- Enjoy life’s simple pleasures
- Embrace vulnerability and be yourself
- Be open to new possibilities, trust your instinct
- Let it be. Accept what you cannot change
Health and happiness start in the mind. So, right now, in this moment...breath in, hold, then breath out. Close your eyes. Focus only on what you need to right now.
You've got this, mama!
