Being a mum is a beautifully rewarding experience, but let’s be honest—it can also be chaotic, overwhelming, and exhausting. Between juggling the demands of work, managing household chores, keeping up with children’s schedules, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on empty. The constant whirlwind of activity can make it difficult to carve out even a few moments to breathe, let alone take care of your mental well-being.
I remember one morning when everything seemed to go wrong. My toddler decided that breakfast was better suited for the floor, the dog escaped into the neighbor’s garden, and I accidentally put the laundry detergent in the dishwasher. In that moment of chaos, I had a choice—let the frustration take over or take a deep breath and laugh. Spoiler alert: I chose to laugh. It didn’t make the mess disappear, but it made dealing with it a lot easier. This is exactly where mindfulness can become a lifesaver. Finding humor in the absurdity and creating moments of calm amidst the whirlwind can make all the difference.
But what if I told you that practicing mindfulness—even in the middle of the chaos—can help you stay calmer, reduce stress, and create a positive environment not just for yourself, but for your entire family? Mindfulness isn’t about needing hours of uninterrupted quiet (let’s face it, that’s not happening anytime soon). Instead, it’s about finding calm amidst the chaos, learning to be present in those small moments, and treating yourself with kindness and compassion.
1. The Power of Small Moments
You don’t need hours of meditation to start practicing mindfulness. In fact, one of the best ways for busy mums to embrace mindfulness is to focus on the small moments. These little opportunities for being present are often right under our noses. Maybe it’s savoring a cup of tea while the kids play, truly listening when your child tells you a story, or simply feeling the warm water run over your hands as you wash the dishes.
Small moments have a lot of power when we decide to fully engage in them. Remember that time when you sat down with a cup of tea and actually got to finish it while it was still hot? That’s the kind of win we’re talking about here. It doesn’t need to be a big occasion—just taking a few seconds to savor that warm cup of tea is a way to recharge in the midst of the everyday hustle.
2. Practice Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing is one of the most effective ways to find calm, no matter how chaotic things get. It’s simple and can be done anytime—whether you’re driving to pick up the kids, cooking dinner, or folding laundry. By simply turning your attention to your breath, you can ground yourself in the present moment and release some of the tension that builds throughout the day.
Think of that moment when you’re waiting in the car, already late for school drop-off, and the kids are arguing about who gets to hold the toy. In that instant, mindful breathing can be a lifesaver. Instead of letting the stress escalate, just focus on taking slow, deep breaths. It won’t end the argument in the back seat, but it might just help you keep your cool.
3. Mindfulness in Everyday Chores
Household chores can feel never-ending and mundane, but they also offer an opportunity for mindfulness. Instead of rushing through washing dishes or tidying up, use these activities as a chance to slow down. Feel the texture of the dish soap on your hands, listen to the sound of running water, notice the clean dishes stacking up. It may sound simple, but finding beauty in these small, repetitive tasks can help create a sense of calmness and purpose.
I used to hate folding laundry—until one day, I realized it could be a peaceful break. I took a deep breath, folded each piece carefully, and even felt a small sense of satisfaction as each pile grew. Of course, that sense of calm can be shattered when your toddler gleefully knocks over the stacks, but hey, it’s about the process, right?
4. Mindfulness with Your Children
Kids have a natural ability to live in the present, and there’s a lot we can learn from them! Try joining your children in an activity without distractions—build a block tower, paint together, or sit in the garden and watch the birds. Let go of your to-do list for a moment and focus entirely on being with them. Not only does this make for a beautiful bonding moment, but it also helps you practice being present and carefree.
Once, while painting with my daughter, I caught myself mentally drafting a grocery list. I stopped and just watched her mix colors with absolute fascination. I joined in, and before I knew it, we were laughing and making a mess. It was a small moment, but it was filled with genuine connection—and that’s what mindfulness is all about.
Quick Tip: When your child wants to tell you something, put down your phone or any distractions and give them your full attention. Notice how they express themselves, and fully engage in the conversation without worrying about what’s next on your list. Your child will notice the difference, and you’ll feel more connected, too.
5. Treat Yourself with Kindness
One of the key elements of mindfulness is self-compassion. Often, mothers hold themselves to impossibly high standards—feeling guilty for not being able to do it all or for wanting a break. Practicing mindfulness means treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend. When things don’t go as planned, acknowledge the difficulty and remind yourself that you’re doing your best.
Picture this: you’ve made dinner, dealt with a tantrum, and finally got everyone to bed, only to realize you forgot to do that important work task. Instead of spiraling into self-criticism, take a moment to acknowledge that you’re human. Remind yourself that you’ve done your best today, and that’s all anyone can ask for.
Quick Tip: When you catch yourself being overly critical, pause and ask yourself, “What would I say to my best friend if she was in this situation?” Give yourself the grace to be imperfect, to make mistakes, and to need rest. The more compassionate you are to yourself, the more energy you will have to share with those you love.
The Calm Amidst the Chaos
Mindfulness isn’t about erasing the chaos or somehow magically making everything calm. It’s about learning to find moments of peace within the whirlwind of parenting. By incorporating small mindfulness practices into your everyday life, you can feel more grounded, reduce your stress levels, and be more present for the people who matter most to you. Even just a few moments of mindfulness each day can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
Remember, being a mum is tough, but you are tougher. The next time you feel like the day is spiraling out of control, take a deep breath, focus on the present, and remind yourself—you’ve got this.
Mindfulness Resources for Mums
If you’re interested in exploring more about mindfulness, here are some valuable resources to help you get started:
- Headspace: A popular mindfulness and meditation app that offers guided meditations specifically designed for busy parents.
- Calm: This app provides meditation exercises, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques, perfect for mums looking to find a moment of calm in their day.
- Mindful.org: A website dedicated to providing information on mindfulness practices, including articles and exercises geared towards finding balance in everyday life.
- The Mindfulness App: Offers personalized guided meditations and timers, making it easy to incorporate mindfulness into a busy schedule.
- Insight Timer: A free app with a vast library of meditations and a supportive community—ideal for finding a few minutes of calm amidst the daily chaos.
These resources are designed to make mindfulness accessible, even for the busiest mums. Try incorporating them into your day to build a habit of calm and presence.