Finding Time for a Break – MOM 2 MOM Mondays {guest post – Melinda}

Being a mom is a demanding job.

A mom has a job unlike any other. There are no days off, and the weekend does not bring a respite from her work. A mom’s job is an around-the-clock, 24/7 job. It is easy to get lost in the monotony of the endless, repetitive jobs that call for a mom’s attention.

Moms need breaks from their jobs.

How can we, as moms, find the time to give ourselves a break? We can’t simply leave our homes and our children. We need to be able to find the time to take a break while continuing faithfully in our jobs at home.

How is that possible?

  
1) Break up your normal routine

It’s a good idea to do something different once in a while. The temptation to stay home (especially when your children are young) can be overwhelming at times. Yet getting out of your home and enjoying the company of others is a good way to rest your spirit and rejuvenate yourself for your jobs. Even a walk around the block allows you to get fresh air and some exercise. A simple break from your normal routine gives you a chance to relax.
  

2) Focus on the needs of others

My daughter, Renae

Look around you. Find someone you can encourage. Look for a woman who is a step behind you in her season of life. If you have toddlers, look for a mom with an infant. Seek to encourage her with practical advice. If you have teenagers, look for moms of toddlers. Ask them what their greatest struggles are. See if you can offer advice from your experience.

Also look for someone who is ahead of you in life. Find some experienced mothers (or grandmothers) who have faced challenges similar to yours and come out victorious. Find people who will encourage you.  

3) Challenge your intellect

When your children are young, it’s difficult to find ways to stimulate your brains. Yet, mental activity is important. One of the quickest ways to burnout as a mom is to feel like your mind is stagnating when all of your socialization is coming from children.

Consider reading…..

……a book that will challenge you – What were your interests before you were married or had children? Pick up a book on that topic.

……a book that will teach you – Is there a topic pertaining to homemaking, motherhood, or wifehood you’ve been wanting to learn about? Find a book that will educate you.

……a book that will relax you – What types of books do you enjoy reading? Pick up a mystery, a novel, a biography, or some other book to read just for fun.  

4) Remind yourself motherhood is for a season.

In the midst of the challenging days, it can feel like motherhood is an eternity of whining children, mountains of laundry, and never-ending housework. It is mentally helpful to take a step back from the stressful moments and remind yourself that motherhood is just a season. One day your job will be done. Your children will be grown and (most likely) have their own lives outside of your home. Putting the difficult days and seasons in perspective will help you slow down and find the blessings even in the difficult times.  

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Melinda blogs with her twin sister at Wholesome Womanhood. Together they have a passion for encouraging women in their various stages of life. Melinda is married. She and her husband, along with their daughter, live in Nebraska.

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