Being a mom is the most amazing experience I’ve had in my life, but it’s also been one of the most challenging. Whether you’re a brand new mama or a mom of many, I’m sure you can resonate with that.
I first became a mom in February of 2020, right before the world shut down. Having just entered the unknown of motherhood and having to face the unknown of the world at that time was quite a shakey experience for me. Throw postpartum depression and anxiety into the mix and it was one of the toughest times in my life.
I questioned so much about myself as a mom and my self-esteem surely took a dip. Over time, I started to find myself again and my confidence as a mother really started to bloom. It took time and pushing myself to get to be the confident mom of two that I am today.
If you’re a mom who…
- feels like you’re losing yourself in motherhood
- feels like you’re failing as a mom
- wants to build your self-esteem
- want to feel confident as a mom (and generally!)
… Then you’re in the right place. It might not feel it at the moment, but getting to this point is 1. normal and 2. will help you propel yourself to become the confident and sure mom you want to be. Here are 7 simple ways to boost your confidence as a mom!
7 SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE AS A MOM
1. GET READY FOR THE DAY –
I understand how moms, especially stay-at-home moms, feel like it’s pointless to get ready for the day when they’re just going to be doing things at home. I also understand how moms think they don’t have time to focus on themselves enough to get ready for the day. I have been both at one point!
I’m a stay-at-home mom of two and I get fully ready for the day about 5-6 days out of the week. I do my makeup, fix my hair, and get dressed in fresh clothes that I feel good in (even if it’s just leggings and a tee). Getting ready for the day by doing these things makes me feel like I’m at my best, even if I’m feeling tired and blah!
Getting ready for the day helps set the tone for your day. If you look good to yourself, you’ll feel good. I always feel more put together when I make time to get myself ready. It doesn’t need to take long either! My hair and makeup take me about 20 minutes in total to do. Those 20 minutes really go a long way in boosting my self-esteem.
Whatever getting ready for the day means to you, do that for yourself. When you’re consistent in prioritizing yourself, you’ll see how it uplifts your days.
2. MAKE SMALL GOALS –
When you have small, attainable goals to work towards, you’ll feel a sense of purpose that fuels you to accomplish your goals. I’m a lists girl all the way and there’s just something so satisfying about checking something off of my list when I’ve reached a goal. If you want to step up your self-esteem, making small goals is a great place to start.
No matter how big or small something is, when you finish that task, you feel great! This feeling of accomplishment will help you to continue conquering your small goals and will build your confidence to start making bigger goals. Don’t let your small goals be influenced by others. No goal is too small or silly.
3. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE –
I thrive when I’m in the comfort of my own home… most of the time, haha. The other bit of the time, I’m going stir-crazy and just need out of the house! Getting out of the house, even if it’s only for a little bit, can do wonders for you. Get some fresh air, grab a coffee, and do something fun.
I’m always jumping at the chance to get out of the house with the kids now but it wasn’t always that way. I was anxious about going out solo with my 2 kids during the first few months of my youngest’s life. It just seemed to be way more hassle than I wanted to deal with. Then I did it and it felt good. I was proud of myself. Before I knew it, I made getting out of the house with the kids almost a daily occurrence.
I know some moms dread going to stores with the kids. get it, I do. If that’s you, I want to encourage you to get out and go to the store with your kids anyway. I know it’s overwhelming. I know that anxiety can peak. But the more you get comfortable doing something, the better you’ll feel and your confidence will skyrocket. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself at a place thinking, “Wow, I remember when….” and you’ll be proud that you pushed yourself.
4. THINK POSITIVE, ACT POSITIVE –
The way you think about yourself eventually creates your reality. Choose to think positively about yourself, the day ahead, etc., and follow through with acting positively. Positivity isn’t something that always comes naturally and that’s okay and normal.
I have days where I look in the mirror and I initially don’t like what I see. I notice my cellulite, less-than-perky boobs, hip dips, and many other “imperfections” that I wish I didn’t have. I could dwell there but when I choose to reframe my thoughts into praising my body for all it’s been through in my life, I start to feel amazed. This has been a hard thing for me to work on. It’s not easy but it’s been so healthy for my self-esteem.
5. GET MOVING –
Get your body moving! Exercise is obviously great for your physical health but it’s also incredible for your mental health. Exercising allows your body to release endorphins, which provide mood-boosting effects.
You don’t have to be strict about exercising and working out to get moving. In all honesty, I rarely have time dedicated to working out. However, I am constantly moving my body as a mom. Taking walks at the park and chasing my kids around the playground… counts as exercise. Stretching with my kids in the morning also counts!
The more you get your body moving, the better you’ll feel about yourself. Get your blood pumping and boost your confidence.
6. NOTICE WHAT YOU’RE GOOD AT –
As moms, it can be easy to only see what we need to get better at, rather than acknowledge what we’re good at. I fall into this often. We can also forget about our talents and outlets that we’re good at and bring us joy. If you’re feeling like you’re only noticing what you’re bad at or need to get better at, I have some homework for you. 😉
Sit down with pen and paper or open the notes app on your phone and take time to list things you’re good at. It doesn’t have to be mom-related – it can be anything!
For example – here’s a snippet of my list. I am good at…
- being empathetic
- being organized
- being creative
- being an encourager
- being a listener
- being in tune with my kids’ needs
After you’ve thoughtfully taken time to do this, you’ll notice the list of things you’re good at is actually quite long! Yeah, mama – you rock at so many things. Seeing this list will boost your confidence and you’ll be able to then see where you can implement these things into everyday life to further your self-esteem.
7. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF REGULARLY –
It can be draining having tiny humans depending on you for everything all of the time. You can easily fall into not taking time for yourself and lose focus on your needs. Needs that you have to have fulfilled to keep going.
I get it! I’m with my kids 24/7. Literally! My husband and I have no “village” where we live, so it’s all on us all of the time. While it’s beautiful and I’m beyond grateful to always be with my kids, it is exhausting. This is why I do my best to always take a little time each day for myself.
Having time to yourself fills up your cup, your happiness, and your overall well-being. You need to take time for yourself. You need to make time for yourself. You can do it.
Taking proper care of yourself and being in tune with yourself is huge in building your self-esteem and confidence.
Check out this post: 5 Ways To Make Time For Yourself As A Mom (Without The Guilt!)
PIN FOR LATER!
Mama, I hope you’ve picked up some tips and thought-starters on how to improve your self-esteem and confidence as a mom. If you did, share with a mom friend who might need some encouragement. 😊
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @SummerTelban and on Facebook @CoffeeWithSummer!
