🌸 That Illusion of “Me-Time”
Right now, I'm sitting in my favorite cozy corner of my home. The chores are done, my daughter is finally taking her afternoon nap, and for a moment, the house is quiet. You might be thinking: “She must have free time now.” But honestly? That couldn’t be further from the truth.
⏪ Rewinding My Routine
My day typically starts at 6:00 AM. As a mom to a toddler, restful sleep feels more like wishful thinking. Midnight feedings, restless nights, unpredictable wake-ups—it’s all part of the package. Some mornings I feel fresh and ready to go; other days, I’m running on fumes, hoping caffeine and patience will carry me through.
💭 Guilt, Expectations & Mental Load
As I sit here, a wave of thoughts rushes in—about putting my career on pause, about those moments when frustration spills over and I feel guilty for not being more patient with my daughter or sometimes with my husband. The truth is, I’m juggling a lot. The household chores, emotional ups and downs, and trying to be the best mom I can—all while my mental wellness takes hit after hit. From a carefree daughter to a responsible mom, this transition has been profound. I'm still learning, still growing.
No one hands you a checklist and says, “Do it all.” Yet, somehow, we convince ourselves we have to. Clean the house, cook, organize everything, and raise a tiny human—with grace. And while we love our children fiercely, it's okay to admit: this is not a piece of cake.
In the beginning, you’ll face countless failures. Your routine will bend and break based on your child’s needs. Some days they'll be bubbly, and other days, cranky chaos will reign. There’s no blueprint—only adaptation.
🐣 Toddlers & The Mental Health Spiral
When my daughter began walking, chaos followed. Finding time for a peaceful bath felt like a luxury. As she reached toddlerhood, she started expressing emotions—but words didn’t follow easily, and her frustration often translated into meltdowns. Mine too. The exhaustion and mental strain started piling up.
Some days I feel energized. Others, I don’t want to lift a finger. The mess around me multiplies, and I find myself asking, “Why am I even cleaning if it's going to look the same in five minutes?”
🌿 Why Cleaning Isn’t Just About the Mess
Here’s what I’ve come to realize: tidying up isn’t just about clearing the clutter—it’s about protecting my peace. When my space is messy, my thoughts feel messy too. But when I organize even one corner of my home, I feel calm, collected, and renewed—even if it only lasts fifteen minutes.
There’s something about clean surroundings that brings positive energy. Fewer distractions, fewer chaotic thoughts. That’s why, whenever I feel low or overwhelmed, I start by cleaning. Rearranging things, wiping down surfaces, opening windows—it’s my way of clearing not just my home, but my mind. Trust this process, its not only bring positivity around you but also improve your mood and the vibe of your home.
💫 Balancing Motherhood & Mental Wellness
“Slow and steady wins the race”—this phrase couldn't be more perfect when it comes to motherhood. If you believe you’ll get everything right in just one day or set the ideal routine overnight, you’ll only end up feeling disappointed. Motherhood is a long, winding journey filled with trial, error, patience, and growth. It’s not about being flawless—it’s about showing up every single day with love and effort, even when you’re exhausted.
Each day brings a new challenge, whether it’s related to my daughter’s needs or my own emotional ups and downs. And sometimes, the pressure to be a ‘perfect mom’ creeps in silently. That invisible pressure builds over time and can deeply affect our mental wellness. So I’ve learned to let go of the need to be perfect. I remind myself that nobody has it all figured out—we’re all trying, learning, and growing in our own ways. That’s when I started giving myself permission to pause. I began taking breaks, carving out time for myself, and reconnecting with my passions. Whether it’s through writing or creating Mandala designs, expressing myself creatively has become one of the most meaningful ways I balance motherhood with mental wellness.
☀️ From Chaos to Calm: The Power of Morning Rituals
Believe me, I was never a morning person. But now I’m learning. Waking early and gifting myself just 10–15 quiet minutes sets the tone for my entire day. A warm drink in hand, sitting on my balcony as birds chirp and fresh air floods in—this is my booster dose for mental wellness.
Believe me, I was never a morning person. But now I’m learning. Waking early and gifting myself just 10–15 quiet minutes sets the tone for my entire day. A warm drink in hand, sitting on my balcony as birds chirp and fresh air floods in—this is my booster dose for mental wellness.
🍵 Building My Daily Flow
After that peaceful moment, I step into my kitchen to prepare tea for myself and my husband. I check my meal plan—yes, planning meals the night before truly saves precious time and brain space. Health is wealth, and that gentle reminder nudges me to lace up my shoes for a morning walk before the sun fully rises. The walk doesn’t just move my body—it resets my mind.
After that peaceful moment, I step into my kitchen to prepare tea for myself and my husband. I check my meal plan—yes, planning meals the night before truly saves precious time and brain space. Health is wealth, and that gentle reminder nudges me to lace up my shoes for a morning walk before the sun fully rises. The walk doesn’t just move my body—it resets my mind.
💫 Tiny Shifts, Big Impact
It’s the little things I do each day that give me the strength to keep going. Whether it’s cleaning up the mess around the house, organizing the closet, adding a few new touches to make the space feel more like home, or spending joyful time with my daughter—who’s now almost three and absolutely bursting with curiosity—these routines keep me grounded. She is at such a magical age, asking questions, exploring everything, and reminding me daily of the beauty in small moments.
But in between all the busyness of being a mom, I’ve found that it’s also incredibly important to carve out time just for me. In those rare pockets of quiet, I reconnect with myself and the things that bring me peace. Sometimes I write blogs and let my thoughts flow onto the page. Other times I create mandala art that helps calm my mind, experiment with recipes in the kitchen, treat myself to a skincare session, or take a good sound sleep with my daughter or simply relax with a feel-good series that helps me unwind.
And I’ve learned to embrace this time without guilt. Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to give up yourself. "Me time" isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It helps me recharge, stay productive, and feel fulfilled while carrying the most precious and responsible role of all: being a mother. Taking care of myself allows me to take better care of my child. It reminds me that even though motherhood is a big part of who I am, I’m also still the creative, curious, and passionate woman I’ve always been.
💜 From Routine to Restoration
This isn’t just my story—it’s the story of many moms who manage homes, nourish families, and still carve out time to be with friends, breathe, and avoid slipping into that downward spiral of mental fatigue. Creating a routine isn’t just practical—it’s healing. And reminding yourself that you’re allowed to feel tired, to take breaks, and to enjoy what you love… is a powerful act of self-care.
💜 From Routine to Restoration
This isn’t just my story—it’s the story of many moms who manage homes, nourish families, and still carve out time to be with friends, breathe, and avoid slipping into that downward spiral of mental fatigue. Creating a routine isn’t just practical—it’s healing. And reminding yourself that you’re allowed to feel tired, to take breaks, and to enjoy what you love… is a powerful act of self-care.
💛 Final Thoughts
Staying at home and not earning used to make me feel guilty—but not anymore. The time I get to spend with my daughter is precious, and these moments won’t come back. Her childhood, her growth, our memories together… they mean everything to me. I’m truly at peace with the path I’ve chosen.
That said, every mom walks her own journey. Some go out and earn, some stay in and nurture—and neither should feel guilty. It's not about choosing one over the other. It’s about finding what works for you and your family especially for yours little human.
We all need a little space—mental wellness, self-expression, joy. Whether it’s a walk, a moment with your art, a call with a friend, or simply a breath of fresh air—every mom deserves time for herself and the things she loves.
Staying at home and not earning used to make me feel guilty—but not anymore. The time I get to spend with my daughter is precious, and these moments won’t come back. Her childhood, her growth, our memories together… they mean everything to me. I’m truly at peace with the path I’ve chosen.
That said, every mom walks her own journey. Some go out and earn, some stay in and nurture—and neither should feel guilty. It's not about choosing one over the other. It’s about finding what works for you and your family especially for yours little human.
We all need a little space—mental wellness, self-expression, joy. Whether it’s a walk, a moment with your art, a call with a friend, or simply a breath of fresh air—every mom deserves time for herself and the things she loves.