Dear Fellow Mum, You Deserve to Have Fun, Too

Parenting is a busy job, maybe even the busiest one there is! It is perfectly normal to feel exhausted with all that's going on the regular. Read on to learn about small but fulfilling ways to enjoy your time and care for yourself while still being a supermum.

It is no joke to say that parenting is a full-time job. In fact, it may even be more appropriate to say that motherhood, in particular, is two and a half full-time jobs in one.

Fellow mum, if you are feeling burnt out, you are not alone. No, this doesn't mean that you are a bad parent or don't love your kids for needing a break. Just like all the best parents, you are only human.

Of course, you should never neglect your duties as a mother. But amongst the mountain of responsibilities you face every day, you must leave space to have your own enjoyment.

Not a lot of time to do that either? Don't worry. We've put together a list of small things you can carve out time for every day to make your routine more fun, more relaxing, and more you.

Dress Up for the Day

The months of staying at home due to the pandemic have made it harder not to feel lethargic. One neat trick may help you get out of that funk: get dressed up! Bring a slice of pleasure into your routine by ditching your usual loungewear for some outerwear.

Getting dressed like you are going out shifts your mindset into one of productivity. You don't have to be modest about it, too. Go all out and pull up that designer women's cardigan and fancy dress that have been lying around in your closet for months.

This small change can make you more energized for the rest of the day. You can make it a family activity, too, to make it extra fun.

Take Time Doing Your Favorite House Chore

What's your favorite chore? Do you love folding laundry or sweeping the floor? Maybe washing the dishes?

Prolong your me time without compromising on your chores by taking more time doing that chore you love to do. The act of decluttering and organizing your shelves and cupboards may even make you more relaxed.

Spice it up by playing your favorite music or podcast, too, while working. Think about how much more entertaining cleaning up will be when you're listening to some Abba in the background!

Have a Good, Hearty Meal

Despite how busy you are, never forego having regular meals. If you think you'll be having busier days ahead, you can pre-cook some dishes so your family will only need to reheat in time for lunch or dinner.

We can all get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget the pleasure of watching our children grow. Take time to sit down with your spouse and kids, too, and enjoy eating together. You and your family may all be busy with school, work, and chores daily, but the dinner table is the one place where you all come together to bond and get little updates about each other's lives.

Do Some Exercises

Exercising is a wonderful way to de-stress and unwind. It also promotes good health. Here are a couple of ways you can bring better fitness into your everyday routine.

Take your baby for a walk.

Hit two birds with one stone by taking your baby in a stroller and going out for a morning walk. This way, you can take care of your child while enjoying some time to yourself. It is also a good opportunity to get a change of scenery and a healthy dose of vitamin D.

Meditate.

Overwhelmed with stress? Take a few minutes of your day to be alone and simply meditate.

Sit on a chair or lie down on the bed-whichever is more comfortable for you. Then close your eyes and take deep breaths. For beginners, a quiet environment is the easiest way to clear your mind.

Verbalize What You're Grateful For

Keep a journal of what you are thankful for every day. Better yet, voice your gratitude to the people you love. This practice gives you a better disposition as you face the day's challenges.

You can also turn it into a family habit. When you are together, take turns to mention a couple of things that you are grateful for. It keeps you all hopeful and joyful amidst the goings-on of life.

It's Okay to Ask for Help

There will be moments when it feels too tough. When this happens, do not hesitate to reach out to your spouse, another family member, or a friend for support or help with some tasks. You are not meant to go through your parenting journey in isolation!

Have a good support system to approach for advice and encouragement when you are at a loss. So, keep good company! It helps you be a better parent.