Being a mother is considered the most difficult job in the world. Aside from nurturing her family, moms wear different hats: home manager, primary caretaker, sole or co-provider, teacher, among others.

While some households have working mothers, there is also a large group of moms that choose to be full time homemakers, taking the role as stay-at-home moms (SAHM).

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Some people may think that staying at home all day is the easier route, with more time to relax and indulge in leisurely activities. On the contrary, being a full time homemaker can be as taxing and as stressful as having a full time job outside the home, and with no fixed “working hours” because we’re on call 24/7! When the going gets rough, there’s little or no time left for herself.

What can stay-at-home moms do to keep their sanity amidst the beautiful chaos at home? Watch TV. Read a good book. Turn a hobby into a home business. Those can definitely work.

Here are 8 more practical ideas that SAHMs can do at home to help them keep it together without losing their minds:

8. De-clutter / Organize

There will always be a shelf, a table, or a corner that needs to be organized and purged with unnecessary clutter. Daunting as it may sound, de-cluttering one spot at a time for a few minutes everyday can help bring back some calm to a room or a space.

One might consider this a chore, but many find this exercise therapeutic. Let go of the old and make room for something new.

7. Re-decorate

Whether using old or newly bought accessories, moms can channel their creativity by rearranging some home décor or moving small furniture around. This is a great follow-up activity after purging and organizing.

For SAHMs who have a flair for styling, redesigning or redecorating their interiors can be an exhilarating and fulfilling project.

6. Assign a day for chores and tasks

Having some form of structure can help put order and balance in the life of a SAHM. Choose the chores or responsibilities and assign them a day during the week.

An example would be doing laundry and errands on Mondays and Wednesdays, ironing and cleaning on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fridays for grocery day, while weekends can be reserved for family time, travel and recreation. Setting a schedule will spread out the load and free up more time to spend with loved ones everyday.

5. Call a friend

Sometimes, a simple phone call to a friend can break the monotony of a SAHMs daily routine. Use the telephone for a change and give the computer and mobile phone a rest. Engaging in good conversation, catching up with an old friend or checking up on their own moms, even for just half an hour, can stimulate the mind and set a good mood for the rest of the day.

4. Go online / Blog

Blogging and social networking provides limitless entertainment and outlet for self-expression. Moms have been recognized as influencers and decision makers for a long time now and their voice online is growing stronger every day.

Fact is, many stay-at-home moms manage successful blogs where they share personal stories, their discoveries and interests, and even earn some decent income out of it. SAHMs can also find online communities that offer support, encouragement, and friendship.

3. Take extended baths/showers

Bathing with special soaps or body scrubs is a great and inexpensive form of relaxation at home. When there’s no time to indulge in spas or salons, a good long warm bath is the perfect way for the tired homemaker to de-stress and feel invigorated at the end of the day.

2. Eat in slow-mo

Despite keeping a tight and busy daily schedule, SAHMs could learn to enjoy some quiet time by eating alone. At any given day of the week, moms can prepare a simple meal for one, or have a craving delivered.

It’s a good way to reflect and refocus while savoring the food by their lonesome. No rushing. Even when kids are home, take a few minutes to eat in peace.

1. Prettify

Whether it’s a DIY mani-pedi or facial, or dressing up for a home baking project, a beauty break can be a welcome distraction for the busy SAHM. This activity can even be turned into an intimate social gathering, with one mom hosting a simple make-up session with the ladies over lunch or coffee. Looking and feeling good even while doing chores is totally out of the box, but can instantly lift the spirits.

No matter how simple or shallow, doing something outside the routine can be the perfect distractions for stay-at-home moms to keep their sanity. Remember, happy moms make happy homes.

What other tips do you have for stay-at-home-moms? Let’s discuss the joys of motherhood in the Comments Section.

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Michelle Lim blogs at Mymomfriday.com.
She’s a member of Mommy Mundo SoMoms.

Michelle Lim

Michelle Lim blogs at MyMomFriday.com. She's a member of Mommy Mundo SoMoms.

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