60 {simple} ways to reclaim your day – includes download

You’re one mom. And sometimes you, the one mom, have those challenging days. In the midst of those days it’s sometimes hard to change the tone of the day – to break the pattern – to reclaim the day.

Have you ever had it when you’re in the midst of craziness and the phone rings and immediately your demeanor changes? You’re chipper, happy, and oblivious to the fact that milk is running down the floor, and that the sprinkler should have been turned off 46 minutes ago, and that the dryer is still full of clothes waiting to be folded yesterday. That call? It broke the pattern of the day.

Moms need these as well.

We need simple ways to reclaim those days when we want to sit down and throw in the towel but we can’t even find the towel to throw in. Here’s a list of pattern breaks, of simple ways to reclaim a day that’s spinning. Does it work every time? No. We all have those days where we are absolutely thankful to put our head on the pillow and get a new start. These are simply ideas, giving yourself grace moments, and go-to  options to reclaim those hard days.

1. Turn on music. Try a soundtrack – it makes life feel a bit more dramatic. Meaningful. And maybe try dancing with that four year old.
2. Give everyone ice cream.
3. Turn on a movie and actually watch it with them.
4. Put shoes on and go for a walk.
5. Start a quiet time in the house. For everybody. Including you.
6. Work together to make cards for someone important.
7. Weed the garden.
8. Choose one room to clean and only work on that room.
9. Sit and pray. And pray some more.
10. Light some candles.
11. Wash dishes by hand – being grateful for those who eat from the dishes.
12. Read some books. Out loud.
13. Organize toys. I love this one, I love sorting, and cleaning, and establishing order.
14. Call a friend.
15. Go for a walk. Walk to the park. Anything.
16. Rest in the grass and look at the clouds.
17. Sing songs together. Refer back to point one for options.
18. Paint. Anything. Again.
19. Give each of your children a hug and tell them you love them.
20. Write your spouse a note thanking him for all of his work.
21. Shake out some rugs. {helps with frustration}
22. Load everyone up in the car, drive to get coffee, and breathe.
23. Clean the garage.
24. Sit on the floor and build with legos.
25. Write stories together letting everyone add a new sentence.
26. Look through old pictures.
27. Watch old movies.
28. Be okay with not having everything perfect.
29. Pull out some workbooks.
30. Color together.
31. Have everyone sit at the table and brainstorm 5 things they want to do this summer.
32. Blow bubbles. Especially if you have littles.
33. Start to laugh.
34. Count to 10. Or 100. Or 1000. Whatever it takes.
35. Write down 10 things you love about your child.
36. Start whispering to each other – you’ll be amazed at how quiet it gets.
37. Pull weeds.
38. Make an obstacle course in the backyard.
39. Don’t let the hard stuff of the day define your tomorrow.
40. Read some Scripture.
41. Bake cookies as a surprise.
42. Let the supermom ideal go.
43. Choose one thing to do right now. Do it well.
44. Wash walls. Get the kids involved. They’ll think it’s fun.
45. Search the house for change.
46. Sit down and have everyone be still for a bit.
47. Write Bible verses down. Read them. Post them around.
48. Be okay with telling your kids you’re having a hard day.
49. Brew sun tea.
50. Remind yourself to never give up.
51. Give yourself grace.
52. Look at the littles while they sleep – gives perspective.
53. Run around the house. Or have the kids run around the house.
54. Go outside and play with them.
55. Tell your husband you love him and that you are proud of him.
56. Look for 3 blessings right around you.
57. Watch Gilligan’s Island.
58. Watch Little House on the Prairie – the early seasons.
59. Don’t compare your life with others.
60. Take some deep breaths.

And know – you are not alone.

Blessings on reclaiming your day you amazing moms. 🙂

Interested in printing this list? Here’s a link to a google doc where you can print the list directly. If you like it, please consider sharing as well. Thanks!