The start of a new year is usually the time when everyone start to think about the year ahead and what changes they want to make in order to make this year just a little bit better than last. Well friends, I came stumbling into 2017 from that mad rush of Christmas/holiday action and just barely have my head on straight enough to begin thinking about resolutions for the year.
Honestly, I think back on 2016 and have nothing but happy, positive things to remember – how could it get better than that?!? So I started thinking about what could bring this coming year a little more joy and a little less stress, and not just for me but for my whole family. That brought me to these mom resolutions. These are not your typical eat better, exercise more type of resolutions. In my opinion they are a little harder to achieve and don’t necessarily have a clear “end” or box you can check off at the end of the year, but they will make your daily life a little brighter.
These resolutions require us to be intentional with our daily actions. I am definitely guilty of going through the motions each day without really processing the little things. I want to get out of my comfort zone and do things I don’t normally do (*ahem* like put away the phone). What do you have to lose? Let’s help ourselves be happier, healthier mamas in 2017!
- Put down the phone! I know we are all guilty of this one. I’ll be the first to admit that I am on it way too much, it’s pretty much attached to my hand at all times. And lets not even talk about when you freak out because you left it at home. Well ladies, most things can wait. I promise that 30 minutes of not checking your phone will be ok – those Facebook messages and texts from friends can be answered later. Every minute I spend scrolling through my Instagram feed is a precious face time I am missing with my son. This year when I am with him I am going to put the phone down and focus on him and save my phone time for naps and quick replies a few times per day.
- Play more! More often than not I sit out from the action with my kiddo. I watch him swing and slide at the park instead of doing it with him. This year I want to say “yes” more to the fun things – I’ll say “yes” to going down the slide together at the park, say “yes” to playing that game with him, say “yes” to sitting down and eating a snack together
- Spend more time with my spouse. It isn’t always easy to make time for your spouse, especially after a long day of work or with the kids. But guys, it needs to happen. I’ve mentioned before that my husband and I will go too long between date nights (but we try to plan epic ones when we do!). So this year I plan to set aside some time a few nights per week to spend with my husband (and let’s make that phone-free time). This can be leaving the house for a date or just hanging out at home just the two of us.
- Get kids involved with meals/meal planning. Eating more family meals at home is always something we try to do in our house. When we eat out things tend to feel rushed and stressful so meals at home naturally work better for us. And when kids are excited about a meal, they are more likely to eat it, so why not let them help decide what to make. This year I am going to get my toddler in the kitchen helping me with some small kitchen tasks so he can feel like he is a part of the process and can have a little fun while doing it.
- Schedule in “Me Time” every day. Our Self Love September series really reminded me how little I do for myself on a regular basis. This year I will set aside at least 10 minutes a day to do something for just me. Even something as simple as sipping on a beverage by myself or taking the time for a bath instead of a quick shower.
Tell us, what are your mom resolutions for 2017?
