A Mindful Mother

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You know you love your kids when they drive you completely nuts but you still manage to help them with their homework, make the family dinner, and tuck them into bed, all just to repeat the whole process again the next morning. You’ve heard it before: ‘It’s important to make time for yourself’ or ‘Try some yoga and meditation.’ But when you only have 24 hours in a day, it’s hard not to feel exhausted and overwhelmed on a daily basis. That’s where mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness is a simple tool that can help you be not only the mom, but the individual that you want to be. It’s the practice you need to recharge in any given moment and come back to the present moment. Cultivate a practice of mindfulness to increase your energy and patience.

1. It all begins by paying attention to your breath.

Pay attention. When things get overwhelming, it’s important to be aware of your body. Bringing awareness to the breath can help you manage the everyday stresses on your physical body as well as mental. Drop your shoulders away from your ears, loosen your jaw, and relax your face. Deeply exhale and breathe out any tension from the body. Inhale positivity and treat yourself with love and kindness.

2. Hugs

It’s hard to come to a point of understanding when arguing with a toddler. That’s why it’s important to transform out of a fiery encounter and into a loving one. It’s definitely not easy, but hugging your child in the heat of the moment and taking 10 deep synchronized breaths can help diffuse the situation.

3. Fall In Love With the Process

You wake up early, make breakfast for the fam, and drive the kids to school all before taking a shower. But it’s okay because you enjoy it. Overcoming frustration and replacing negativity with loving thoughts is a practice. Motherhood is full of these moments, but switching your perspective and approach can help you come out of negative situations with a positive outcome.

4. Mindful Walking

Coordinate your steps with your breathing. Take it one step at a time and pay attention to your posture and gait. Take deep breaths in nature to refuel and keep energized.

5. Space

Find your comfort zone. Whether it be the laundry room, sofa, bed, or floor, it’s important to have a corner you can be yourself and unwind in. Feel grounded by reaching to this space for meditation and mindfulness practices.

At any point in time you can choose to be mindful. Tune into the moment and choose to deal with anxiety in a positive way. It takes time and practice so be patient with your practice. Mindfulness starts with your willingness so give it a try and improve your life today.


mindfulChristin Lee is a yoga instructor, entrepreneur, and lifestyle blogger living in NYC with a passion for universal human rights. She currently writes for InsiderEnvy a site focused on travel, health, and eyecare.