As a stay at home mom, I have suddenly encountered something that I never anticipated. I knew I might struggle with post pardom depression, adjusting to a new baby, and less time with Michael. But I did not expect or anticipate how much down time my brain would have.
Between holding baby Jude and changing diapers and naps and play time, I slowly feel my brain turning to mush. Don’t get me wrong, I am LOVING being a mom. But, how do I keep my mind actively learning and thinking positively during the constantness of caring for an infant?
Too often I find myself dropping into bed exhausted in every capacity. I haven’t been able to refill my dangerously low tank of healthy snacks for my mind to munch and crunch on through the day. And when our tanks get low, we fall into unhealthy patterns of thinking and talking. This is when I find myself saying things I wish I hadn’t and dwelling on the negatives and the past.
Here are some things I have found helpful in keeping my mind active with healthy thoughts.
Podcasts: This has been one of my favorite ways of passing the time and learning while taking care of Jude. Some of my current favorites are uplifting words from Zig Ziglar, sermons from Robert Morris, or inspiring stories from Justin Lukasavige.
Audio Books: I have trouble finding the time to sit and read with and infant. Audio books are a great way to “read” while out for a walk or doing dishes! My current book is The Millionare Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko.
Music: Jude and I both love music. It calms him and keeps me encouraged. I choose an uplifting station on Pandora such as Sara Groves and away we go!
Exercise: Serious uplift for any brain struggling with the dundrums! Get out and walk. Amazing how I think differently when not staring at a pile of laundry! I love it and Jude does too.
Staying proactive in pursuing my own emotional health has been huge for me. If I sit and pity myself, things go downhill fast. These four things have helped provide a smooth transition into motherhood, keeping my sanity, my interests, and mind alive.
Question: How do you stay motivated and inspired during your day?
Listening to sermons, podcasts, and audio books are huge for me, too. I get at least 10 hours/week during my commute time. It puts me in a good space to deal with work and to stay motivated with business stuff. Sermons: Fairfax Community Church (our church) and Elevation Church. Podcasts: Justin’s as well, Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn, and Internet Business Mastery.
Jody,
Love it! That’s actually how we got on this whole new way of thinking and living 🙂 Taking advantage of commute time is HUGE! Wow. Now I try to take advantage of my commutes on foot whenever possible! Yeah, and again I agree I changes my whole state of mind.
Oh, I’ll have to check out your podcasts… always up for more recommendations!
See you soon!
soon you won’t have a commute! 🙂
Hi Claudia! Once again, your honesty is SO refreshing!!! I’m wishing we could have made our little outing work this week, as I, too, am feeling a bit in the dumps today. And a face-to-face conversation with a girl-friend is always a sure “pick-me-up”! Or even a phone call! I found that going out on an errand helped my days feel less “mushy” when Dylan and Jaida were babies, even if was just to the grocery store or the bank. And walking! A quiet walk is still one of the best things for my brain–and soul! It is commendable that you are so aware of how you are feeling and how to respond in a positive way. I so admire that! Do not fear! Your brain may feel like mashed potatoes today, but better days are to come! 😀
Oh friend 🙁 I hear ya! Yup, us girls need to talk!
I also love errands! Just gets me out of the house and I can think.
I remember you talking a lot how you love walks! Yes, they are amazing indeed. Did you walk a lot with Dylan an Jaida when they were little?
Thank you for the encouragement friend 🙂 Mashed potatoe brain will only last for a season – hah!
(hardness aside) I totally busted out laughing at that picture!! So true. 🙂
haahaha Dave. Yup. Totally true and crazy how it happens. Gotta stay on top of that crazy mom brain. 🙂
Claudia,
I can totally relate to this post! As a SAHM for the last 2 1/2 years it has been some of the best years of my life. With Ryan working 2 jobs and only having one vehicle there are some days though that are really hard. Sometimes you just want to get out the house and go somewhere… anywhere. I pretty much am at home 24/7 with the exception of going to worship services on Sunday and Wednesday. I too have to focus on the positive and not let this get me down. I am thankful that Ryan works so hard to provide for our family and that I am so blessed to be a SAHM!
I have started listening to Zig Ziglar and love that guy! He is so motivating, encouraging and inspirational to me!
Listening to music is also something that I love. I stream off of Pandora most of the time.
Ryan and I set some goals at the beginning of the year and working on them also helps me. Having to write down at the end of the day what I did towards our goals really helps. I don’t like writing in NOTHING!
I also try to exercise 6 days a week.
Sounds like we have some stuff in common. If you ever want to skype or something let me know!
Ashley!
Hi! Great to connect with Ryan’s other half 🙂
Oh my I can totally relate to the going crazy being home thing!!! Whenever I don’t have a car to get out I go a little bonkers. I have a neighbor friend that I walk to a lot, and that is amazing.
Did you work full time before having Skyler?
Exercise is HUGE for me too!!! I put Jude in the stroller and away we go… and I listen to a book or a podcast. We went in the rain last evening just to get out! 🙂 hee-he
I love your idea of writing your goal progress down each day! I might implement that myself!!!
How is it going getting your house ready to go on the market?
I would love to Skype sometime! When shall we talk?
Claudia,
I can totally relate to this post! As a SAHM for the last 2 1/2 years it has been some of the best years of my life. With Ryan working 2 jobs and only having one vehicle there are some days though that are really hard. Sometimes you just want to get out the house and go somewhere… anywhere. I pretty much am at home 24/7 with the exception of going to worship services on Sunday and Wednesday. I too have to focus on the positive and not let this get me down. I am thankful that Ryan works so hard to provide for our family and that I am so blessed to be a SAHM!
I have started listening to Zig Ziglar and love that guy! He is so motivating, encouraging and inspirational to me!
Listening to music is also something that I love. I stream off of Pandora most of the time.
Ryan and I set some goals at the beginning of the year and working on them also helps me. Having to write down at the end of the day what I did towards our goals really helps. I don’t like writing in NOTHING!
I also try to exercise 6 days a week.
Sounds like we have some stuff in common. If you ever want to skype or something let me know!
Ashley!
Hi! Great to connect with Ryan’s other half 🙂
Oh my I can totally relate to the going crazy being home thing!!! Whenever I don’t have a car to get out I go a little bonkers. I have a neighbor friend that I walk to a lot, and that is amazing.
Did you work full time before having Skyler?
Exercise is HUGE for me too!!! I put Jude in the stroller and away we go… and I listen to a book or a podcast. We went in the rain last evening just to get out! 🙂 hee-he
I love your idea of writing your goal progress down each day! I might implement that myself!!!
How is it going getting your house ready to go on the market?
I would love to Skype sometime! When shall we talk?
Hey Claudia,
We are still working on the house, but it’ s going great. I’ve been painting lately and hope to do a lot more this week.
I worked part- time before Skyler was born.We can talk more about that when we Skype.When is a good time for you?
Ashley,
I remember those days… I did a LOT of painting when we moved to this house. I got a little bit (or a lot) obsessed with my color schemes 🙂
I could skype on Friday… anytime is fine…
Or any day next week except Monday.
Tuesday works for me. 10 AM? Let me know if that works for you.
Tuesday morning won’t work… I could do later in the day… after 1 or maybe Wed. morning?
Wednesday morning is good. What time?
Ashley
How about 9?
9 AM Eastern time and 8 AM Central time? Sounds good to me as long as it’s good for you. Looking forward it!
Sounds good Ashley!