How To Get Out of a Mom Funk

Being a stay at home mom is such a privilege and a joy… but it’s also hard. Sometimes it can be easy to slip into a mom funk where you feel unmotivated, undisciplined, and maybe even a little …. (dare I say it?)… lazy?

Here’s the thing – when you’re in that mom funk all you feel like doing is letting the kids watch yet another episode of paw patrol while you scroll mindlessly on your phone… but twenty minutes later you actually feel worse than you did before!

If that’s you right now, can I give you a little pep talk for a second? I know this pep talk works because I’ve given it to myself plenty of times before. Are you ready?

You are capable of doing the things that you do not feel like doing.

You can get up off that couch.

You can take a shower.

You can fold some clothes.

And you can connect with your kids.

I know you don’t FEEL like doing any of this, but you will feel so much better when you do.

You are strong. You are capable. You. Can. Do. This.

Okay, now that our little pep talk is over let’s talk about some super simple steps for you to take RIGHT NOW to help you break out of your mom funk.

But before we dive into our steps to get out of a mom funk, make sure you grab your free Unhurried Daily Planner Download below!

9 Simple Steps to Get Out of a Mom Funk:

1. Take a shower.

Ugh, gosh… did you ever think it would come to this? Where someone else has to remind you to shower?

Showering used to be considered a non-negotiable back when I worked full time and still had to look presentable everyday, but let’s be real… when the only ones who see you every day are your kids and spouse, it’s easy to let this one slide.

HOWEVER, aside from being helpful for washing out the spit up and cheerio crumbs from your hair, it is amazing what a shower can do for your mental state.

2. Put on some music.

It doesn’t necessarily matter what kind of music, but make sure it’s something that you like and something that’s uplifting. Music changes the atmosphere.

3. Pick a project you know you can accomplish and do it.

The trick here is to make it simple enough that you know you can succeed. Don’t pick re-organizing the hallway closet unless you truly know you can finish it in one sitting.

Maybe it’s to clean up your kitchen. Or to fold that basket of clothes that you’ve been tripping over for days now. Or maybe it’s to clean all the mirrors in your house. Maybe it’s as simple as cutting up some fresh fruits and vegetables for you and the kids… Pick something that will make you feel good.

Pick one thing that needs to be done and tackle it. Make it simple.

Experiencing the success of having accomplished something will help you feel motivated.

4. Make a plan.

The monotony of life at home with kids can get tiring and consuming. To combat that, make a plan for the day. It can be as simple as planning a couple of tasks you want to accomplish, planning some fun activities to do with your kids, and planning what you’re going to make for dinner. Adding some structure to your day will help you feel motivated to get things done.

The Unhurried Daily Planner is a great tool to use! Snag your free download below!

5. Get the kids involved.

Chances are, if you’re in a funk, everyone else may be feeling a little bit in a funk as well. Have them go through a mini-version of what you’re doing. Have them get dressed, even if there’s nowhere to go and no one to see. Have them help you tidy up the house. Make it a game.

When you have fun music going and you engage with them playfully, it makes the whole process of “getting your feet back under you” a whole lot more fun.

6. Get some sunshine and move your body.

This one is tough during certain seasons and rainy days, of course… and let’s be real – the worst mom funks always happen when it’s a rainy day, don’t they?

But if it’s POSSIBLE, get outside to get some vitamin D for at least 20 minutes! Get some fresh air. Play tag with your kids. Do some jumping jacks. Take a walk.

If you’re stuck indoors, have a dance party with your kids or do an exercise DVD. Moving your body even just a little bit will release some endorphins that you desperately need right now.

7. Put down screens. Make eye contact with your family members.

(If you are one of those people who have a screen free household that is awesome…. We will applaud you and you can just keep moving through this one…. NOW for the REST of us normal folk…. Keep reading).

When you’re in a funk, screens are just an obvious attraction.

But they make it worse! It’s like this vicious cycle. You feel like you’re in a funk so all you want to do is scroll instagram or watch a movie, but the more you do that, the more you feel lazy and unproductive. Then you feel bad about yourself so you’re even less motivated, so you scroll some more….

I don’t know the science behind it, but I’m certain that somewhere out there studies have been written on the chemicals that are released in your brain when you make undistracted eye contact with human beings. Try it and pay attention to the difference in your stress level and your mood.

8. One simple trick…

Okay, let me geek out for just a moment. Have you ever heard the term “proprioceptive input” before?

Basically, we have more than five senses. There are actually a sixth and seventh sense – your vestibular sense and your proprioceptive sense. You can research it if you’re interested. Proprioceptive input helps to release serotonin in your brain. Serotonin helps to regulate your mood (along with a bunch of other things).

Try these little games with your kids and see what a difference it makes in your mood, and in theirs:

Lay on the floor and let your kids pile on top of you.

Play horse and let them ride on your back as you cart them around the house.

Give a piggy back ride.

Let them walk or crawl on your back.

Give each other big bear hugs and squeeze (but not too tight of course!).

The combination of playful engagement with your kids plus the proprioceptive input that you will both be getting will do worlds of good for your emotional and mental state, as well as theirs!

9. Your best is enough.

There are some days (or seasons) that are just weird. You have to cope the best you can. Don’t use those seasons as an excuse to throw in the towel and give up.

Do your best, and give yourself grace for the rest.

Don’t forget your free Unhurried Daily Planner download before you go!