Down south there’s a cute phrase that I absolutely love. You’ll often hear people say:
“If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”
Truer words were never spoken! As moms we set the tone in our homes. When we’re smiling, it’s all sunshine and roses, and home is a heavenly place to be. But honey, if we get that look on our faces (you know — the one that makes both toddlers and daddies run for cover), then home can be hell on earth and the last place that anyone wants to be.
But your family shouldn’t have to tip-toe around you and silently pray that the funky mood will pass.
Here are some tips to help all of us temperamental moms change those frowns to smiles so the whole home can be happy:
• Stop the “funk” before it even starts. Starting your day with meditation, your favorite scripture or a pleasant thought will help you set the mood for your whole day. If you start off the day in a good mood, it’s harder for you to get thrown off kilter by whatever curveball life throws at you. Get the whole family involved by taking 5 minutes before the kids head off to school to have everyone in your home share a positive thought or affirmation for the day.
• Expect the unexpected. If you’re a busy mom, there is no such thing as a perfect day. As sure as the sun rises, something that you couldn’t possible expect will happen in your day. Knowing this will help keep you on your game. Being mentally ready for that unanticipated dilemma will keep you from spiraling into a funk.
• Take care of yourself. Studies repeatedly show that women who eat balanced meals, exercise daily and get adequate rest are better equipped to handle stress. Taking care of ourselves gives us added energy and makes combatting bad moods easier.**
• When in a funk, take 5. Before you let that stress cause you to yell at the kids or cuss out your partner, catch yourself and take 5. There’s nothing wrong with walking away from a conversation, taking a 5 minute walk and coming back. When you return to the family, your mood will be much, much more pleasant – I promise!
• Have a laugh. It’s hard to stay in a bad mood once you start laughing. Take some time to call your funniest girlfriend, watch reality TV (after all, you can’t help but laugh at Stevie J or the Braxton sisters), or listen to your kids talk about their day. Once you start laughing, your mood is guaranteed to get better.
Try a few of these tips the next time you feel your attitude going south. Your whole house will thank you.
Mommies, what’s your favorite ways to shake off the funk?
Source: University of Maryland Medical Center
Thinkstock