The start of a new year often feels like a fresh beginning, filled with the potential for change, growth, and a sense of renewal. But for busy moms, the pressure of starting fresh can bring more stress and anxiety than excitement. Being a mom is an overwhelming role with all the tasks we juggle and the mental load we carry.
If you’re a mom facing the stress and anxiety that often comes with the turn of the calendar, this post is for you.
🍃This year, let’s work on finding peace and balance as we lean on our savior and let go of worry, stress and perfection. Here’s how to tackle your stress, embrace the new year with gentle intention, and uncover the peaceful mom life we all strive to have.
🍃Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Judgment🍃
As a mom, you’re no stranger to feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. But here’s a powerful truth: your feelings are valid. It’s okay to feel like things are a lot right now. The demands placed on you are real, and it’s completely normal to feel the weight of them.
Rather than trying to push those feelings away or ignore them, allow yourself to acknowledge them. Take a moment to sit with your emotions and recognize that it’s okay to feel stressed—especially as you head into a new year full of unknowns. Once you acknowledge how you’re feeling, you’ll be in a better position to nurture your mental well-being. I find it helpful when I’m feeling overwhelmed or emotional to write my feelings and thoughts in a journal, getting them out on paper and giving them to God helps lift the heavy burdens we often carry as moms.
🍃Start Small: One Step at a Time🍃
When you’re juggling a thousand things, the idea of making major life changes in the new year can feel downright impossible. So, instead of setting yourself up for failure with big, overwhelming resolutions, focus on small, manageable goals.
Start by asking yourself: What’s one thing I can do today that will make me feel better?Maybe it’s spending five minutes in silence and prayer before your kids wake up, or taking a short walk. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—just something that gives you a small sense of control and peace amidst the chaos.
Remember, progress doesn’t always look like big leaps. Often, it’s in the tiny, consistent steps that true change happens.
🍃Embrace Imperfection: It’s Time to Let Go of the “Supermom” Myth🍃
As moms, we often carry the invisible weight of the “Supermom” myth, which tells us we should do it all and do it perfectly. This unrealistic expectation can lead to burnout, anxiety, and constant self-criticism. Let this year be the one where you throw out the idea of perfection.
You don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom. In fact, the most impactful moments come from being present and authentic with your kids, not from managing every detail flawlessly. You don’t have to be everything for everyone. This year, give yourself permission to take breaks, ask for help, and prioritize your own well-being.
🍃Set Boundaries and Learn to Say “No”🍃
It’s easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to everything because we don’t want to disappoint others or miss out on opportunities. But saying “yes” all the time can quickly lead to overwhelm. Boundaries are key to reducing stress.
This year, practice saying “no” when something doesn’t align with your priorities. Whether it’s an extra project at work, an event you don’t really want to attend, or taking on another responsibility at home—if it doesn’t serve your well-being or your family’s well-being, it’s okay to say no. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s an act of self-care that helps you preserve your energy for the things that truly matter.
🍃Prioritize Self-Care (In Small Ways)🍃
I talk a lot about self-care, I know for a busy mom, it can feel like a luxury you don’t have time for. The truth is, self-care doesn’t have to mean a day at the spa or a weekend away. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to recharge.
Find small ways to nurture yourself that fit into your daily routine.
Here are a few ideas:
- Take a 10-minute break to read or listen to music you love.
- Read a passage of scripture or say a prayer before getting out of bed.
- Drink a glass of water before your first cup of coffee.
- Take deep breaths for a minute when you’re feeling stressed.
- Do a quick stretch or walk.
- Go to bed 15 minutes earlier to get more sleep.
Small acts of self-care, done regularly, can have a profound impact on your mental and physical well-being. You deserve it.
🍃Practice Mindfulness: Ground Yourself in the Present Moment
One of the most effective ways to manage anxiety and stress is by practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness helps you stay grounded in the present moment, instead of spiraling into worries about the future or regrets about the past.
Start with simple mindfulness exercises:
- Breathe deeply: Take a few slow deep breaths in and focus on the air filling your lungs, then slowly exhale.
- Focus on one task at a time: Whether it’s folding laundry or preparing a meal, stay focused on that single task instead of thinking ahead to everything else you have to do or trying to multitask.
- Gratitude practice: Each day, think of three things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your mindset from stress to appreciation.
Mindfulness helps you connect with the present, reduce anxiety, and increase your overall sense of calm.
🍃Let Go of the Need to Control Everything🍃
Life with kids is unpredictable—plans change, moods fluctuate, and nothing ever goes exactly as expected am I right! Trying to control every little detail will only leave you feeling frustrated and exhausted. This year, practice letting go of the need to control everything. This verse has been something I read often to remind myself I don’t need to be in control because he’s already got my day and life all planned out so I can just relax and trust in him and his plans .
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take”.
It’s okay if things don’t go as planned. Embrace the messiness of motherhood. Accept that not every day will be perfect, and that’s okay. By releasing the need for control, you allow yourself to be more flexible, resilient, and at peace.
🍃Ask for Help and Build Your Support Network🍃
You don’t have to do it all alone. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or burned out, reach out for support. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, having someone to talk to can make a huge difference in your mental health.
Don’t be afraid to ask your partner for more help with the kids or household chores. If you don’t have a support system in place, consider looking for local mom groups, a small group at church, online communities, or even professional counseling.
Having people to lean on can alleviate a lot of the pressure that comes with being a busy mom.
As I conclude I pray this year we commit to reducing stress, embracing imperfection, and prioritizing our own mental health. While juggling the demands of motherhood, remember that you don’t have to do it all. Start small, set boundaries, and practice self-care in ways that feel good to you.
The new year is not about being perfect or setting big life changing goals—it’s about being kind to yourself and recognizing that you’re doing your best. You deserve a peaceful, balanced year, and it all starts with taking care of yourself.
You’ve got this, mama!