Doing this one thing every day can help you become more centered and focused, which will help you get more of your to-do list done!

If you’re a mom whose family likes a clean home and meals on the table, you probably feel overwhelmed by the never ending to do list. I know I sure do!

Whether you have little kids or big, whether you cook everything from scratch or prefer to let someone else do the cooking, whether you have a business to run or are running kids to soccer practice… there are always a million things to do and there never seems to be enough time!

But actually slowing down and taking a little time for self-care helps me get more done, even though I’m taking time out of my day to meditate and center myself.

How to Meditate

So, I’m just going to go ahead and say that this is not the traditional concept of meditation as used in the Buddhist tradition! This is more about clearing your mind and learning to center yourself. That may look differently for you than it does for me… so these ideas are just guidelines that you can customize to your life!

1. Set Aside Time

We are all busy, so you don’t need an hour to do this, but at least 15 minutes would be good. There’s a lot you can do to center yourself in just 15 minutes of quite time!

2. Find a Quite Spot

Pick a spot in the house that is quite and calm, and free from distractions. I’ve found the best place for me is on the couch in the living room with my feet up during the first 15 minutes of nap time!

Wherever you are make sure you are comfortable, but not so comfortable that you will fall asleep!

3. Clear Your Mind

This is the tough part. Mama, you gotta let it all go. Right now.

Stop thinking about the dishes, the clothes that need to be folded, what you’re going to make for dinner, the gift you need to buy, the post you need to write… let all of it just slip away.

Focus on your breathing, your heartbeat. Let the thoughts that enter your mind slip out just as quickly as they came in… don’t latch on and start interacting. You can take note of them lightly, but let them leave you.

Clear your mind for about 5 minutes until you are relaxed and no longer anxious or thoughtful of the things on your to-do list.

4. Spend a Few Minutes Right Where You Are

Now that your mind is cleared and you aren’t focusing on the issues of the moment, stay right where you are and do something else.

Your else might be continued meditation with your eyes open, or reading a spiritual book, or praying. This is going to be different for everyone.

But the bottom line is, until your 15 minutes are up, relax, clear your mind, forget about everything, and just be.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *I’ve found that by just meditating, reading the Bible, and praying for 15 minutes at the beginning of my son’s nap time I am more centered and able to tackle the challenges of motherhood and life a whole lot better than before!

 

Looking for a few ideas for your 15 minutes of self care? Here are more ideas for you!

 

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