Finding Peace and Connection in Motherhood: 4 Habits to Release in 2025
As moms, we carry so much—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Whether you’re managing a career, staying home with your kids, or balancing a bit of both, the weight of it all can feel overwhelming to say the least. It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of overdoing, overthinking, and feeling like you’re not doing “enough.”
But what if you could start the new year with more peace, connection, and confidence? By letting go of habits and mindsets that keep you stuck, you can create more room to feel present in your life and with your kids.
Here are 4 things to release in 2025 to help you feel more grounded and present in motherhood:
1. Multitasking to the point of burnout
We’ve all been there—juggling a million things at once only to feel frazzled, disconnected, and incomplete. While multitasking might feel productive, research shows it often increases stress and takes us further from what truly matters. According to the American Sociological Association, mothers often report negative emotions and heightened stress when multitasking at home and in public settings.
What to try instead: Focus on one thing at a time. Whether it’s playing with your kids, preparing dinner, or tackling work, give it your full attention.
How to start:
Set clear boundaries around your time.
Establish start and end times for work, household chores, or “me time” to create space for family.
Collaborate with your partner, if available, to share responsibilities.
Adjust your expectations to align with what’s realistic given your time, energy, and your child’s developmental needs.
2. Shaming yourself for every moment of emotional dysregulation
No one is perfect—especially not in motherhood. We all have moments when we lose our cool or react in ways we’re not proud of. But layering shame on top of those moments only deepens the cycle of overwhelm.
What to try instead: Practice self-compassion. When tough moments arise, remind yourself, “I’m doing the best I can with what I have.”
How to start:
Try reflecting on your reactions: What’s driving this response? Is it a fear, a past experience, or a desire to protect or improve? Identifying these patterns can help you respond differently next time.
Recognize these parts as carrying valuable information, often rooted in the desire to protect or improve.
Use these moments to learn, grow, and extend kindness to yourself.
3. Rushing through life and missing the little moments
Between drop-offs, deadlines, and errands, life can feel like a never-ending to-do list. When we rush through, we miss the simple joys—the way your child’s face lights up when they see you or the calm of a bedtime snuggle.
What to try instead: Slow down and ground yourself, even in the middle of a busy day.
How to start:
Begin transitions earlier to reduce stress.
Schedule fewer activities each day to create breathing room.
Release the guilt of being late—it’s okay to give yourself grace. For instance, if you’re running behind for an appointment, remind yourself that showing up, even late, matters more than being perfect.
Build small rituals to connect, like sharing one thing you’re grateful for at dinner or taking a mindful breath together.
4. Letting work—or the mental load—take over your time with your kids
Switching from work mode—or the endless mental list—to being fully present with your kids can feel impossible. That unfinished email or overflowing laundry pile is always lurking in the background.
What to try instead: Set clear boundaries between work and family time. Even 15 minutes of uninterrupted connection can make a difference for both you and your kids.
How to start:
Identify which tasks can be grouped together and which require focus.
Release the pressure to do everything at once.
Embrace imperfect moments, knowing connection doesn’t require perfection. For example, if your kids want your attention while the laundry isn’t done, let yourself pause and enjoy the moment—it’s okay if the laundry waits.
A Fresh Start in 2025
Leaving these habits behind isn’t about being perfect; it’s about giving yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and connect with what really matters. As moms, we’re often so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget to care for ourselves. But when you take small steps toward peace and presence, you show your kids—and yourself—that you’re worth it.
Need Extra Support?
If you’re an anxious, overwhelmed mama feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Balancing the weight of motherhood with your emotional well-being is no small task.
As a therapist and fellow mom, I specialize in helping moms like you navigate the overwhelming responsibilities of motherhood, process anxiety and past traumas, and rediscover your sense of self. Together, we’ll work toward creating a life where you feel calmer, more connected, and more you.
Here’s how I can support you:
Virtual therapy for moms across California
Drop in to The Mama Lunch Break, my free support group for moms. (new dates and times still being determined)
Let’s work together to help you reconnect with yourself and your family. I have immediate openings and would love to chat. Send me a message today to get started!
Ellie Messinger-Adams, MA, SCL, LPCC #14196
Citations:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201094745.htm
