Whether you are a first time mother or 5x mother, undoubtedly, motherhood can sometimes feel overwhelming. This goes without saying, but I adore being a stay-at-home mom of 4 little ones all 4 years old and younger. Yet, it’s definitely not like working a 9 to 5, it’s more like working a 24/7 job with no bathroom breaks to say the least. LOL And frankly, I found myself exhausted running to prayer. Throughout these years, I’ve implemented and developed a few habits that have become part of my daily routine. They have helped me become a more productive, diligent, present, and joyful mom. I’ve learned that complaining about being tired, not having time, doing it all, etc. did not help me feel better nor gave me a boost of energy. On the contrary, complaining made me feel worse. That does not mean you cannot openly express yourself – while it’s important to open up, it’s just as important not to dwell in those feelings of frustrations day after day, but instead seek to find refreshment as a busy mom by applying small changes that have a big return in the small and long run. Here are 7 attainable ways to find refreshment as a busy mom. 

1. Wake up Earlier before the Kiddo(s). Waking up 2-3 hours before the children is equivalent to hitting the jackpot! I am able to have alone time with God through my devotional and prayer among other things like have a bit of quality time with my husband, go for my morning run, drink my cup of coffee in peace, etc. Start off by setting your alarm 1 hour earlier, then after 2 weeks set it 1.5 hours earlier, then after 2 weeks set it to 2 hours, and so forth. Although I wake up before sunrise, it’s a habit that has made me feel more energized and efficient on my day to day. 
2. Write down 3 things you are grateful daily. Gratitude changes our attitude toward our day. Try using a gratitude journal or you can use the Notes section in your smartphone. But make it a habit of being grateful for the big and small things in your life. You’ll begin to notice that your attitude throughout the day will improve and you will find yourself feeling better as well. 
3. Choose wisely what you listen to! Believe it or not, what you listen to has an effect on your mood. While I’m doing daily chores like cooking, washing the dishes, vacuuming, cleaning, etc., I listen to worship music throughout the day and I tune into an edifying podcast (or sermon from the weekend). Constantly filling my mind with words or songs that comfort my soul and edify my mind refuel me hourly, as opposed to listening to talk radio, the news, or reality TV shows. 
4. Go for a daily walk/run. Vitamin D is essential & exercise is important to our health. This year, I started running every weekday morning and have since felt a change in my energy, body, and health. It has also motivated me to be more cognizant of my food intake and led me to make healthier choices in my food. Plus, walking/running is absolutely free, no need to pay a gym membership and it also saves you time from driving to a gym. 
5. Write out a weekly word of encouragement & post it up in your house. We are visual beings and seeing encouraging words helps us mentally. I usually like to post a Bible verse that I end up memorizing. It’s a daily reminder and refreshes our mind all day long.   
6. Shower every morning & get out of your PJs. Now with the pandemic and quarantine days, some people prefer to shower later during the day and some stay in their pajamas all day. Showering in the morning is refreshing in every way possible. It has the same effect on me like cooking in a clean kitchen – it makes me feel clean and ready to conquer the day. Wearing PJs all day adds a mental drain – even if you are not going anywhere, get out of your PJs, and wear athleisure at home. 
7. Take a long shower at night. Boy oh boy! This is highly needed especially on the long days! Taking a long warm shower or bath is therapeutic and helps soothe and relax muscles after a nonstop day. I practice calming down and breathing in and out those warm shower vapors while praying (sometimes crying out) to God and ultimately end up thanking Him for my day. Lastly, it helps me wind down physically and mentally for bed. Try it, and you’ll notice how much it helps in going to bed with a smile after a long day!

It is possible to experience a daily constant joy in motherhood. If you are longing to find refreshment in your day to day, try implementing these attainable habits that will have such a positive return in your life. Be determined to make it happen and you will experience a more refreshing and joyful motherhood.