5 Ways to Beat the Stay at Home Mom Blues

As a stay at home mama and homemaker I have my days where I have the stay at home mom blues. There have been times here lately where I have felt more of a dark cloud hanging over me than sunshine and rainbows. I have been sad even with two beautiful children and a good marriage.

The laundry piles keep growing and growing. The dishes in the sink stack up higher and higher. Children need to be fed, they need to be entertained and disciplined, and the floors need to be cleaned. Like I said, some days I feel completely overwhelmed and consumed with all the things I need to do.

Sometimes, okay most of the time, I forget myself. When was the last time I brushed my teeth again? Did I brush my hair today? Oh, yeah, I polished my toenails three weeks ago.

It is important to carve something for yourself even when your days are full. Even when your husband is working all of the time and you feel completely alone. You need something for yourself to make you feel alive!

Tips for Beating the Stay at Home Mom Blues

1. Read a Good Book.

I’ve always loved reading and when I became a mother of two, reading became even more difficult to do. I sneak in a chapter or two of a good book when the kids are watching a DVD or when they are happily playing on the floor. Sure, I may not be able to get through the book quickly, but I can at least sneak some good reading.

2. Start a Hobby

Find something you love and go with it. Do you like knitting? Give it a try. What about photography? Find something you enjoy and just embrace it. You may not be able to devote the same amount of time to it that you would if you weren’t a stay at home mom, but just having a creative release will make you feel better.

3. Get Out of the House

This can be difficult if you are a one-car family, but staying cooped up in the house all of the time will drive you crazy. Visit the library with the kids, go to the park, or just play outside in your backyard. Fresh air and sunshine do wonders when you’re feeling down.

4. Do Something Nice for Yourself

Let your husband watch the kids and paint your toenails or color your hair. Do something for yourself that will make you feel better about yourself.

5. Build Friendships

This is the most difficult for me because I am naturally an introverted person, but building friendships will help you be happier. If you have someone you can relate to that you can laugh and have fun with, you will feel better. Call an old friend or meet new friends at a play group. Story time at the library is a great place to meet new moms, too.

If all else fails, just take a moment to close your eyes and breathe. Pray. Everything is going to be okay. It won’t matter if you let the dishes sit for a little while so you can collect your thoughts.