How To Overcome A Bad Day

Yesterday, I was making lots of progress early in the day and I felt like I was ready to conquer the world. I tackled some big things on my to-do list, my baby girl was somewhat cooperating, and I even had dinner figured out before it was time to eat. Then things started to fall apart and my productivity came to a halt. My toddler also started to have a meltdown and kept crying for no reason. It’s safe to say that things unraveled pretty quickly from there. I started to get down on myself for not being able to juggle it all and for not having the best attitude about it.

I also allowed the guilt of not measuring up to other moms creep in. If so-and-so can do it, why can’t I? I knew that I had to step away and simply make the best out of the day. It’s easy to feel inferior when our social media feeds are filled with picture perfect photos that are more appropriate in a glossy magazine. And unfortunately, even I have been guilty of posting these.

However that’s NOT real life, and those that pretend to have these perfect lives are often too afraid to show others that they are just like most moms out there. Real and imperfect. I don’t want to spend my free time worrying about household tasks when my kids need me to simply spend time with them. Yes, my home might look perfect, but at what expense? And for what? So that I can get praised for my “super” mom skills? Whose praise truly matters? These are all the questions that we need to ask ourselves when we get caught up in trying to do it all, yet we feel inadequate when we don’t. Bad days will happen, but it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom and it certainly doesn’t mean you failed.

So how can you overcome a bad day? I’ll leave you with some of my favorites:

How To Overcome A Bad Day

Pray

Nothing helps me clear my mind more than prayer. Just having some alone time with God to clear my mind and read the Bible, makes me feel instantly better.

Play with your kids

Nothing cures the perfect mommy complex like happy kids that show you how ecstatic they are from getting alone time with you. The chores can wait, but time won’t pause for your kids. Enjoy them while you still can.

Get off social media

The worst time to be on social media is when you’re feeling inadequate as a mom or having a bad day. Turn it off and focus on your family. You won’t miss out on anything, trust me.

Focus on the positive

The days that I’m not feeling very productive, I focus on the things that I did accomplish that day. Even the little things count. And yes, that includes keeping your kids fed and alive. 🙂

Take a time out

A bath and a good book are the perfect way to unwind. Once your husband arrives, ask him to keep the kids and enjoy some alone time. Even 30 minutes of alone time will help you clear your mind.

Appreciate what you have

Nothing puts things in perspective like looking around you and realizing how blessed you are. You may not have a “perfect” home, but you have kids that love you for simply being their mom. That’s all that matters.

Do you struggle with mommy guilt? What are some ways you overcome a rough day? I would love to hear from you!