As an at-home mom since 2016, I understand the challenges of balancing household duties, raising kids, and, for work-at-home moms like myself, running a blog or business from home. The constant demands can easily lead to feelings of overwhelm, leaving us frazzled, anxious, and far from the calm we need to function well. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom managing the endless list of tasks or a work-at-home mom juggling career and family responsibilities, cultivating calm is key to maintaining a sense of peace and balance amidst the daily chaos.

In this post, I’ll share practical strategies that have worked for me to help you remain calm even when the day gets overwhelming.

Practical Strategies How to Cultivate Calm Amidst Chaos as an At-Home Mom

1. Start the Day with a Calming Routine

The way you begin your day can set the tone for everything that follows. For me, my calm begins at 5 am when I wake up to prepare my children for school. After that, I carve out a few moments to read the Bible, which grounds me and helps me start the day from a place of peace. You don’t have to have a long morning routine to feel the benefits—just a few minutes of quiet before the rest of the house wakes up can make a huge difference.

Some ideas to consider for your morning routine:

• Practice a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation.
• Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in silence.
• Read something inspiring or journal your thoughts.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that soothes your mind and prepares you for the day ahead.

2. Create a Flexible Schedule

As an at-home mom, it’s essential to have a plan, but rigid schedules can sometimes lead to more stress, especially when things don’t go as expected (and let’s face it, with kids, things often don’t). I’ve found that creating a flexible schedule that prioritizes the most important tasks helps me stay calm, even when unexpected things come up.

I plan my day by setting blocks of time for specific activities, like working on my blog from 8 am to 11 am, followed by house chores and lunch. But within that schedule, I allow room for flexibility. If something takes longer than expected or if I need to switch things up, I don’t stress—I just adjust.

Having this structure with flexibility reduces the feeling of overwhelm and gives me the confidence that I can handle whatever the day throws my way.

3. Embrace the Power of “No”

One of the biggest sources of chaos in our lives as moms is overcommitting. Whether it’s saying yes to too many playdates, volunteer opportunities, or extra work assignments, the pressure to do it all can quickly rob you of peace.

Over the years, I’ve learned to set boundaries and say “no” when necessary. It can be uncomfortable at first, but once I embraced the power of “no,” I realized how much calmer my days became. Protecting your time and energy is essential to keeping chaos at bay.

4. Incorporate Mini Self-Care Moments Throughout the Day

Self-care doesn’t have to be a grand gesture like a spa day (though that’s always nice!). For busy at-home moms, self-care can be as simple as taking small breaks throughout the day to reset your mind and body.

Some ideas for mini self-care moments:

• A 5-minute stretch while your kids are playing.
• Stepping outside for fresh air and a moment of quiet.
• Listening to a calming song while you fold laundry.

These little moments of peace sprinkled throughout the day can do wonders for your mood and ability to stay calm.

5. Practice Mindfulness in Everyday Tasks

Mindfulness has been a game-changer for me when it comes to staying calm. As an at-home mom, we often find ourselves multitasking, but trying to do everything at once can increase anxiety. Mindfulness teaches us to focus on the present moment and fully engage with the task at hand.

Whether it’s washing dishes, folding laundry, or playing with your kids, try to slow down and be present in the moment. Instead of thinking about your never-ending to-do list, focus on the task in front of you. This practice helps me stay grounded and reduces the chaos swirling in my mind.

6. Create a Calm Environment

Your home environment plays a huge role in how calm or chaotic you feel. I’ve found that keeping my space clean and organized, even in small ways, helps me feel more at peace. While it’s impossible to have a spotless home all the time (especially with kids), decluttering and creating organized spaces can provide a sense of control.

Incorporating calming elements like plants, soft lighting, or soothing colors can also promote a sense of calm in your environment. I love having a small area where I can relax with a book or just enjoy a few quiet minutes. Read simple tips for creating a calm enviroment

7. Breathe Deeply in Stressful Moments

Whenever I feel like things are spiraling out of control, I rely on deep breathing to bring me back to calm. Something as simple as taking a few deep breaths can lower your stress levels and help you regain control.

The next time you feel overwhelmed, pause for a moment, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. It sounds simple, but it works.

8. Seek Support When Needed

Being an at-home mom can sometimes feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s leaning on your partner, connecting with fellow moms, or seeking help from family or friends, having a support system is essential to maintaining calm amidst the chaos.

As an active member of my church and a WhatsApp group for young mothers, I’ve learned that sharing my struggles and seeking advice from others can help me stay grounded and calm, even on the toughest days. Read tips on building strong networks as an at-home mom

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List of Amazon essentials that can help cultivate calm for at-home moms:

1. Essential Oil Diffuser

• Description: An essential oil diffuser helps create a calming atmosphere with soothing scents like lavender or chamomile. It’s perfect for promoting relaxation during busy days.
• Link: Essential Oil Diffuser on Amazon

2. Aromatherapy Essential Oils

• Description: A set of high-quality essential oils can enhance your aromatherapy experience. Look for calming blends that include lavender, eucalyptus, and bergamot.
• Link: Aromatherapy Essential Oils on Amazon

3. Yoga Mat

• Description: A good yoga mat provides a comfortable surface for practicing yoga or meditation. It can help create a designated calm space in your home.
• Link: Yoga Mat on Amazon

4. Meditation Cushion

• Description: A meditation cushion provides support during mindfulness practices. It encourages proper posture and makes meditation more comfortable.
• Link: Meditation Cushion on Amazon

5. Calming Herbal Tea

• Description: Herbal teas like chamomile or lemon balm can promote relaxation and help ease stress. They’re a simple self-care treat to enjoy during a quiet moment.
• Link: Calming Herbal Tea on Amazon

6. Self-Care Journal

• Description: A self-care journal allows moms to reflect on their thoughts, set goals, and practice gratitude. Writing can be a therapeutic way to unwind and focus on positivity.
• Link: Self-Care Journal on Amazon

7. Noise-Canceling Headphones

• Description: Noise-canceling headphones can help moms create a peaceful environment by blocking out distractions. They’re great for listening to calming music or meditation tracks.
• Link: Noise-Canceling Headphones on Amazon

8. Stress Relief Coloring Books

• Description: Adult coloring books provide a creative outlet and can be a relaxing way to reduce stress. They encourage mindfulness while allowing for artistic expression.
• Link: Stress Relief Coloring Books on Amazon

9. Weighted Blanket

• Description: A weighted blanket can promote feelings of safety and comfort, making it easier to relax and unwind after a long day. It’s perfect for snuggling up during quiet time.
• Link: Weighted Blanket on Amazon

10. Calm Music or Nature Sounds Playlist

• Description: Consider investing in a subscription to a music service that offers calming playlists or nature sounds to help create a serene atmosphere in your home.

These Amazon essentials can help at-home moms create a calming environment, manage stress, and incorporate self-care into their busy lives.

Conclusion

Cultivating calm as an at-home mom—whether you stay at home or work from home—requires intentionality. By creating a flexible routine, practicing mindfulness, incorporating self-care, and surrounding yourself with a calm environment, you can reduce the feelings of chaos and find peace in your daily life. Remember, you don’t have to do it all, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone.

These strategies have been vital in helping me find calm over the years, and I hope they bring you the same peace as you navigate the beautiful (yet sometimes chaotic) journey of being an at-home mom.

Let me know if you’d like any specific adjustments or additions!