You’ve mastered the art of functioning on four hours of sleep and keeping track of snacks, schedules, and meltdowns. You’ve felt the heart-exploding pride watching your little one take their first step.
But somewhere between the endless chaos and magical moments, your own happiness takes a backseat.
The truth I wish someone had told me sooner is that your joy matters just as much as theirs. You deserve to smile with them, not just for them.
How to be a happier mom? I learned this the hard way, but you don’t have to. Here are seven simple shifts to make motherhood lighter, brighter, and more you.
Let’s find the vibrant woman who exists alongside “mom”!
How To Find Joy In Motherhood? (Even on the Hard Days)
Joy doesn’t always come wrapped in picture-perfect moments. It’s often tucked between tired mornings, messy kitchens, and deep breaths you didn’t think you had time for. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, these small, doable tips on how to enjoy motherhood without sacrificing yourself.
1. Shift Your Mindset: Let Go of “Perfect Mom” Guilt
The ‘perfect mom’ is a myth invented by Instagram algorithms and judgmental aunties. Guilt creeps in when you can’t make organic bento boxes or when the house isn’t squeaky clean.
But chasing perfection only drains your joy. Being a good mom is more than enough—your kids need presence, not perfection.
Instead of overloading your day (and your mind), set gentle daily minimums: food, safety, and love. The rest is a bonus. The laundry can wait. The dishes can pile up. The toys can stay on the floor.
So the next time you feel guilty, breathe and remind yourself that you are a good mom, and that’s enough.
2. Tiny Daily Habits for Big Mood Boosts
Motherhood rarely leaves room for long bubble baths or spa days, but tiny daily habits can still make a big difference. Even five minutes of your time can shift your whole mood. Mothers feel emotionally drained from always giving without pause. That’s why small, intentional moments matter.
Start here:
- Write one thing you’re grateful for daily.
- Sip your coffee in silence—no multitasking.
- Steal 10 minutes for a solo walk, yoga, or exercise.
- Play your favorite feel-good song while folding laundry.
- Take 5 deep breaths before the day begins (mindfulness helps more than you think).
3. Set Boundaries (Without Apology)
You don’t have to do it all. One of the biggest causes of burnout is feeling like every task and emotion in the house depends on you. But setting boundaries—without guilt—is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.
- With kids: Use a timer to encourage solo play. “Mom’s taking a 15-minute break” is a healthy habit.
- With partners: Delegate chores and ask for support when needed.
- With screens: Create phone-free zones during meals or mornings.
Small but consistent shifts in daily routine help moms take a breath and reclaim space for themselves.
4. Reclaim “You Time”: Hobbies Aren’t Selfish
You were someone before you became “mom,” and that version of you still matters. Hobbies aren’t selfish; they’re soul fuel. Whether it’s reading, baking, painting, or dancing in your kitchen, doing things you enjoy helps you feel whole again.
Start small: read a page during nap time, stretch while your toddler builds blocks, or doodle at the kitchen table. You don’t need hours; just 10 minutes is enough. Reclaiming “you time” makes you a happier, more energized mom.
Pro tip: If time feels tight, try swapping childcare with a fellow mom for a little free time (great tip for working moms, too).
5. Simplify & Outsource What You Can
You don’t have to do it all. Simplifying isn’t lazy; it’s smart. Use shortcuts like paper plates on rough days or batch-cook meals to save your future self some sanity.
Let go of the pressure to plan Pinterest-perfect activities. Some of the best memories come from simple joys, like a backyard hose turned sprinkler or a spontaneous dance party in the living room.
Outsourcing isn’t a failure either. Hire the teen next door to mow the lawn or accept a friend’s offer to babysit. Support lightens your load. Motherhood isn’t meant to be a solo mission. It truly takes a village to raise a child.
6. Talk Kindly To Yourself
Moms are often their own toughest critics. You forget one thing, and suddenly it’s ‘I am the worst mom ever’. But would you speak to your child that way? Probably not.
Swap that harsh critic for gentle affirmations: “Today was hard, but I tried.” Use gentle words, offer yourself grace, and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed- to hate it.
You don’t have to love every moment to be a loving mom. If the tough days feel heavier than usual, explore mental health support: therapy, meds, or just talking to someone. Happiness starts with how you speak to yourself. Make it kind.
7. Connect with Your Tribe (Yes, Even Introverts)
Motherhood can feel lonely, especially when you’re drowning in diapers or dodging toddler meltdowns. Talking to fellow mothers who are going or have gone through the same dilemma makes you feel seen and encourages you that you’ll get through the tough days.
But, social connections don’t have to be forced or overwhelming. Sometimes, just showing up at a library storytime or chatting with another parent at the park helps. Online communities can also offer a safe, judgment-free space to vent, share, or feel seen.
Happy Mom = Happy Home
Your joy is contagious. When you are happy, your entire family feels happy. A happier mom doesn’t mean a spotless house or endless crafts. It means messy laughter, honest “I’m tired” conversations, and showing up as you, with imperfections. Your kids won’t remember the laundry pile. They’ll remember you, the mom who chose joy, even on the hard days. You’ve got this, mom!