Between going to work and taking care of your little ones, the work a mom has to do is fairly difficult to keep up with, and many will tell you that there’s absolutely no time for some much-needed relaxation.
However, the reality is far from this conclusion, and even if you feel as if your days are completely booked, finding 20 minutes of peace to meditate is easier than it seems.
Of course, this doesn’t apply to every single day, as you’re bound to be too tired from work or chores to even think about meditating, but when all the stars align, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
Another thing to keep in mind is that meditation is a fairly modular practice, and you’ll want to adjust it to your habits and responsibilities, dedicating more time to it when you’ve got a day off and less when you’ve got a hectic week ahead of you.
It’s a necessity
If you look at the amount of stress the average mom has to soak in every day, meditation feels like the perfect solution, and that’s because it’s exactly that.
By meditating we throw away all our frustrations and worries, focusing on something deep within us, rather than the many little things that contribute to our stress levels throughout the day.
What’s great about meditation is that it gives you the ability to look only at what’s in front of you, allowing you to cherish the present without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, and when it comes to spending time with your kids, that’s what it’s all about.
It’ll help you nourish your patience and tolerance, which will, in turn, improve your performance at work and at home, turning you into some sort of supermom who can do anything she puts her mind to.
Let your mind wander
It’s not uncommon to finish a full meditation session only to realize that your mind was in the “wrong“ place the entire time, whether it was work putting pressure on you or the chores back home.
At times like this, most people begin to think that meditating just isn’t going to work for them and they quit sooner or later, which is completely unnecessary.
As necessary as it may be to empty your mind when meditating, we’re only human after all, meaning that we have frustrations, worries, and invasive thoughts that we can’t get rid of sometimes.
Instead of giving up over a small setback like this, try working on your thinking patterns and look for positives in everything.
Suddenly, that pile of laundry back home can turn into some quality time with your kids, so long as you decide to make it that way.
Get some outside help
Not everyone is an expert at meditating, and more often than not, those that are new to the practice will need someone to lead the way, which is nothing to be ashamed of.
Guided meditation is the best way to get into the practice, and you shouldn’t let those telling you that it’s “cheating“ and “not the real thing“, deter you from achieving your goals.
At the end of the day, as long as you’re getting your stress levels down, you’re doing something right, whether you did it on your own or with the help of a professional who guided you through the entire process.
In fact, the beauty of meditation lies in the fact that it’s as freeform as something can get, and it’s even been proven that listening to someone else’s guidance can remove some of the anxiety those new to meditation may be feeling at the start.
You don’t need all the time in the world
Contrary to popular belief, meditation doesn’t have to last for a solid hour or more, as it’s only as long as the amount of free time you’ve got to spare.
Anyone telling you that meditating for less than 30 minutes isn’t doing anything for you clearly has way too much time on their hands, and you should not let their comments ruin your practice.
Free time is a luxury that a lot of moms don’t get a lot of in a week, and even 20 minutes of mindfulness and meditation every other day is enough to get your mind in the right place.
Keep finding new ways to utilize your free time and you’ll discover the amazing world of meditation one baby step at a time, even if it means using your 15-minute break at work to let go of all the stress you’ve accumulated by then.
Bottom line
As difficult as it may seem to get into, the beauty of meditation lies in its simplicity, and despite all the elitists and gatekeepers the practice may have, it’s suitable for anyone.
Even 20 minutes a day is enough to get your mind in the right place, and if you can set a regular schedule for your sessions, you’ll begin to see improvements in no time.