Remember back before you had kids and your entire house was your own? If you’re like me, those days are long gone as baby stuff, tiny clothes, and toys seem to explode all over your living spaces. But it’s important to have a place that’s uniquely yours, so today we are talking about how to create a mom-space amidst the chaos.
Before we get to the how, let’s talk a little bit about why it’s important to create a mom-space in the first place.
First, you need a non-kid space. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my child, but there are times when I just need to go somewhere that’s not covered with blocks and trucks and balls.
Second, it helps to create a mom-space that’s just yours, not somewhere you share with your husband. That’s why my mom-space isn’t in our master bedroom. It’s not that it couldn’t be in there if you want, but I like that it’s in an area of the house that’s just mine.
Finally, a mom-space is your little corner of heaven. It’s where you mentally turn off your mom brain and just focus on you and your adult stuff.
What to use your mom-space for
You can use your mom-space for whatever you want! Use it for drinking a nice cup of coffee and reading a book. Or use it as a spot to do your quiet time and devotions in the morning or evening. You can even use it as a place for just thinking or reflecting on things. Pull out your knitting or crochet, or do some painting or drawing. It doesn’t matter what you use your mom-space for; the important thing is that you use it for you.
How I worked to create a mom-space at my house
Our house isn’t super large, so I don’t have a spare room to dedicate to my mom-space. If you have that option, good for you! But if you’re like most people, you need to think outside the box as you create your mom-space.
My mom-space is a little area in our living room. It consists of a comfy chair (that I got for a great deal at Home Goods several years ago) and a little side table, and that’s it. It’s not very big, but it’s definitely cozy. There is a lot of natural light from our big windows, so it’s really just an all-around nice spot.
What I keep in my mom-space
Comfy is the key to my mom-space. I’ve thrown a cozy blanket across the back of the chair for those chilly winter mornings. I also keep a small pillow on the chair so I can get extra comfy if I want.
I enjoy reading and journaling, so my mom-space reflects that. On the side table, I keep my Bible, a couple pens and journals, and whatever book I’m reading at the moment. These items rarely move from this spot, so I always know exactly where they are when I want them.
Since I love pretty things, I also keep a simple decorative tray that holds a cute elephant candle holder and some cute stationary.
How to create a mom-space of your own
Now that I welcomed you into my little mom-space, it’s your turn to create your own.
First, find a corner of your house that you can convert into your mom-space. As I stated, it doesn’t have to be a whole room. Instead, look for an area of your house that you feel comfortable in, like a window seat, rocking chair or ottoman, or a spot in your sunroom or porch. Make sure it’s not a spot where you have to share it with your kids. Even though my mom-space is in our living room, I don’t generally use it when Little Man is up and about, so I don’t technically share it with him.
Next, make it your own. I shared some of the things I keep in my mom-space, but everyone has different things that help them relax and regroup. You can’t see it in the photos, but my essential oils diffuser is on another little table a couple feet away (that’s the only place I can plug it in), and I always use it to relax.
Finally, try to avoid doing work in your mom-space. Sometimes, I meal plan or time-block there, but I don’t really do other work. This is the place where you get to kick back and recharge.
How to use your mom-space
After you create a mom-space just for you, you have to make sure you actually use it! There was a time when my little mom-space sat unused for a few weeks, and I definitely could tell the difference in myself. I was stressed out, overwhelmed, and everyone bugged me. I realized that I failed to take time to regroup, so I made a conscious decision to utilize my mom-space several times a week (daily would be great, but who are we kidding?).
Use your mom-space to spend time with the Lord and in prayer for your family. Read that book you’ve been eyeing, even if it’s only a few pages a day. Do some knitting or crocheting while you listen to music. Whatever you do, make sure you are taking the time to recharge so you can better serve your family.
Your turn, mama. Make some time to create a mom-space just for yourself and commit to actually using it! Don’t feel guilty, you need a little piece of space that’s just your own where you can take a deep breath and relax. Remember, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy, so don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of time or give up a ton of real estate in your home. Just work with what you have, and I promise you’ll enjoy that little corner of peace more than you think.
Did you create a mom-space for yourself? Tell us about it in the comments!
