As women we tend to take control of most things, as moms we control what seems like the entire universe at times. We know where the towels go, when the baby should go down for nap, where the mayo is in the fridge, when the dogs eat, what brand of cereal to buy at the grocery store, which clothes do not get put in the dryer, and the list never ends.

That means that we tend to forget about our needs because we are too busy tending to every breathing thing in our house. You cannot pour from an empty cup, you must fill up to pour out. This list may seem indulgent to some, but I think it is absolutely necessary to maintain all that I balance. You know the saying “Happy wife happy life”; well I think it is just as and maybe more true when applied to moms, it just doesn’t rhyme that well.

Long, quiet shower

For some reason when my husband showers absolutely no one needs to use the one of three bathrooms in our home. However when it is my shower time everyone and their brother needs something from the bathroom I am in. I typically shower at night since mornings and I haven’t ever really been friends. About once a week I take a 30 minute luxurious shower, with kids scattered in the tub with me. I will do a face mask, hair mask and maybe tackle that crazy leg hair! It is so stinking relaxing! #NewWomanAlert

Read a good book

Christian, inspirational, autobiographies, fiction, novels, blogs, whatever makes you happy read. I hear so many moms say well I don’t have time to read. This statement makes me so sad and frustrated at the same time. Sad because mommas need to take better care of themselves. Frustrated because our kiddos need to see us having a good reading life to want them to read as well. Sermon over, lol. I do suggest that if it really is that hard to read then get audio books or listen to podcasts. It fills you up without taking time to sit down.

Girls night out

Seriously! Dinner with your friends is beyond amazing. This super crazy thing happens. You get to eat un-interrupted which means no children are stealing your food, your food is warm, you don’t have to cook the meal OR clean it up! Are you sold? Along with that you will get filled up with good conversation. With that being said…

Have more adult conversations

Do you ever get to the end of the day and realize you have spoken to just your dogs and kids? Nope, just me. As a stay at home mom some days I don’t talk to another adult until my husband gets home from work. I found that I was super needy when he got home because I was missing adult interactions throughout the day. Texting is so easy, but every now and then it is great to just get on the phone and laugh with a friend or family member. Plus I walk while I talk, so I end up doing some cleaning while on the phone. She shoots, she scores!

Take a nap

Like for real though, there are days that I cannot keep my eyes open. I guess there is only so much coffee that is acceptable throughout the day. I have always been easy on myself and say that it is okay to nap when they nap, but some mommas don’t. So this is me telling you, “Go Nap!” We all wake up refreshed and happy, plus I am way more peaceful throughout the rest of my day. #LessYelling

Be kind to yourself

Give yourself a break and realize all that you do. Would you say the things you say to yourself to a friend? Heck to the no. Stop looking around on Facebook and Pinterest on how to be the better mother. Your kids do not need a perfect momma, they need a happy momma. So take care of you! Love your bossy and independent friend, Brandi