I’m sharing Febreze in my life as part of a sponsored series for Socialstars™

I know I’ve shared on my Instagram that I’m not into the “new year, new me” type stuff. Which is so very true. But I did have people ask what I’m doing differently. Because apparently whatever new habits I’ve started since January 1st 2018, have been making me seem happier and more relaxed. And y’all are noticing! So here I am, 11 whole days an expert at being a happier mom. 

I’m no doctor. Nor am I a licensed therapist or specialist of any kind. I just so happen to be a mom fighting for a brighter year, emotionally. If *I* can make a difference in my daily mental health, you can too. Here are four of my best tips to take everyday for a happier, less stressed mom life.

4 new habits for the New Year that are making me a happier, calmer mom:

1. Make your bed every morning.

Yes, it seems like such an obnoxious task. And why bother making it when it’s just going to get messed up again later that same day? But seriously, since committing to making my bed every morning, something about life is just better. Last Thursday I was feeling a bit weird while trying to work. And I couldn’t put my finger on why. I walked towards my closet to grab a pair of socks and realized I hadn’t made my bed yet! I yanked the covers back flat, organized the pillows and immediately my shoulders relaxed. Magic, I tell ya.

2. Never go to bed with a dirty sink.

A friend on Instagram actually recommended this to me. It was right around the time I was having a really rough time with J not sleeping and I was frustrated. I felt like the house was falling apart and had a vent session on Instagram. A very wise woman told me her best advice that made her a happier mom was to make sure her sink was clean every night.

Kind of bizarre advice, but I figured it couldn’t hurt. After a few nights, it was amazing how much more accomplished I felt that day. And feeling more accomplished every night translated into a much happier mom in the mornings. I walked into a clean kitchen every morning, and started my day off on the right foot. Even if the kids had been up all night, it was a guaranteed little sigh of relief.

3. Write down 3 GOODs for the day.

Every night, I take a minute before bed to decompress. I reflect on my day and choose three that stand out that I pick as my “goods”. This habit comes in handy ESPECIALLY on the hard days. Which we all know there are a lot of. Toddlerhood is testing. But even on the hard days, I can always find three glimmers.

It might be that H helped get J a snack without my asking. Or that his hugs were extra sweet at bedtime. The day J started intentionally snuggling into my neck last week. All the moments that made my heart surge, even if just for a moment. And some days I cheat and add extras, which helps make up for the days I struggle to find three. Seeing a visible manifestation of the “goods” takes the edge off. I’m trying to live more in a positive thoughts, positive life kind of way, and it feels like this 5 minute journaling every night has certainly see that manifest.

Plus, imagine what a sweet memory this will be to look back on! 

4. Get outside everyday.

Regardless if its snowing or raining, we go outside. Cabin fever is REAL, y’all, and is rough. Even taking a 5 – 10 minute walk around the block with the boys is effective. I am really good, like, really REALLY good at making excuses for why I can’t do something. So sometimes this looks like me staring at my jacket and the door, pumping myself up to open the door and get outside. One way to fight that? I tell the kids we’re going on a walk! If your kids are anything like mine, they will scramble to get their boots and jackets on. And once they’re ready, it’s impossible to not get out. “Mooooom, are you ready?!” “Hello? Mom? Get your shoes on!” “Come on mom! Here, wear these shoes!” “Let’s goooooooooo”. Yeah, with a chorus like that behind you, there’s no way you’re not about to hit the pavement. 

Research has shown that fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for a persons psyche. Being outside, especially in a green space, is guaranteed to improve your mental wellbeing. Of course, it certainly doesn’t help that getting outside and getting moving is also beneficial physically! Initially, 10 minutes seems like forever when I’m dragging my feet. But by the time we get out there, it’s usually at least 20 minutes before I even think about it!

When we come inside, it’s Febreze ONE to the rescue. 

One of our biggest rules in the house is no shoes. As soon as we’re inside, shoes come off. But my goodness, little feet are incredibly stink prone! After running around outside, the sweat and dirt and grime just attack my nose. We are very lucky that our new home has a mud room, so its the perfect spot to remove all foul-smelling accoutrements. I always keep a spare bottle of Febreze ONE in our mud room for these exact situations. A little pump of the handle, and my all-in-one Febreze ONE can tackle any odor my kids, dog and husband can throw at it. This powerhouse of a bottle is a must in my home.

As a #boymom, I’m no stranger to lurking odors.

And let’s be honest, it’s hard to be happy and relaxed and stress free if my home doesn’t smell fresh. I’ve talked a TON about my love for Febreze ONE these past few months. Just like I clean out my sink, and make my bed, a fresh and clean smelling house is HUGE for my mental health and psyche. One again, I’m going to bring science in here. It has been proven that anxiety and small are related. In fact, there’s an entire type of therapy that surrounds this thought: Aromatherapy. By using plant materials and aromatic plant oils, one can improve not only your psychological well being, but your physical well being as well!

So if you have smells, grab some Febreze ONE. Pump once for a refreshing little spritz, or three times for a continuous spray of enlightening fragrance. And say sayonara to lingering odors.

Take a deep breath, implement my four steps and feel your motherhood game come back strong!