Let’s face it — being a mum is tough sometimes. You’re busy keeping the house running, looking after the kids, staying on top of the extended family, and maybe even a pet or three. There are days when mums just feel a bit overwhelmed, tired, or down.
So here are 10 simple ways to spark joy in a mum’s life, in the hope they give you a little extra lift.
#1. Read “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying”
If you haven’t read Marie Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying, it’s well worth picking up. Marie does a great job explaining why we hold onto things, and she offers practical ideas for letting go. It’s also worth searching online for her folding videos — they’re a simple way to create more space and see exactly what you own, clothes-wise.
#2. Think about what sparks joy
William Morris, the English designer famous for his floral prints, once said:
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Marie Kondo works from the same idea — keep only what you need because it’s useful, or what genuinely makes you feel good when you look at it. Everything else can go. Try viewing your belongings through that simple lens:
Do I need this? Is it useful? Is it beautiful? Does it spark joy?
#3. Make the little things count
Make space in your day to enjoy the small stuff. Life is busy, so it’s worth pausing now and then — pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and actually enjoy it (even if the kids interrupt and you end up reheating it three times).
Step into the garden and look at a flower. Smell your child’s hair after bathtime and enjoy the cuddle. Think about the good things you already have. Joy doesn’t only come from big moments — the little things count too.
#4. Do some serious decluttering
- Nothing weighs us down quite like clutter and things we no longer need.
- When was the last time you actually wore that top or those trousers?
- How many beauty products does one person really need?
- Are you holding onto things you should really be donating or recycling?
Recommended reading: 10 Simple Ways to Declutter Your Home
#5. Treat yourself to something small but nice
Once you’ve cleared a bit of space, bring some joy back in — a scented candle, a nice hand cream, a bunch of flowers, a new book. It doesn’t need to be big. Just something small that makes you feel good.
#6. Hug your kids
We all hug our kids, but next time they come home from school, crèche, or a visit to grandparents, give them an extra squeeze. Purely for the joy it brings you.
#7. Get your kids to help organise
Get the kids involved in tidying their rooms, or tackle the playroom together — often the messiest spot in the house.
- Turn it into a race to make it fun.
- Add storage boxes or buckets so everything has a place.
- Do a little at a time — pick one category, like books, and sort it together.
- Make three piles: keep, not sure, and donate.
Recommended reading: 10 Quick Ways to Tidy Up the Playroom
#8. Connect with a friend
Social media keeps us in touch, but remember the days of sitting down for a proper chat with a friend, with nothing else pulling your attention? Make room in your week to talk to a friend properly, or meet them for a coffee in person.
#9. Learn to let go
We often hold onto things — and people — for too long, even when they don’t bring us any joy. Practise letting go of what’s annoying you and serves no purpose, and of relationships that leave you feeling worse rather than better. Surround yourself with the things and people that make you feel good.
#10. Make time for date night
If you’re in a relationship, put a date night in the diary. It’s easy, as a parent, to focus so much on the kids that you forget the person you’re sharing the parenting journey with. Time together, just the two of you, really does help a relationship. And if you’re not currently in a relationship, think about how you can make time to meet new people and build that connection for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to “spark joy”?
It’s the idea, popularised by Marie Kondo, of keeping only what’s genuinely useful to you or that makes you feel good to look at — and letting go of the rest.
How can a busy mum find time for herself?
Start small. Even five minutes with a cup of tea, a quiet moment in the garden, or a proper hug from your child can make a real difference to how you feel.
Do I need to declutter my whole house at once?
Not at all. Tackling one small area or category at a time — a drawer, a shelf, one type of item — is much more manageable and still brings a real sense of relief.
How often should couples have a date night?
There’s no fixed rule — what matters is making time together a regular habit, even if it’s just occasionally, so you stay connected as a couple.
Related Articles You Might Like
- 10 Simple Ways to Declutter Your Home
- 10 Quick Ways to Tidy Up the Playroom
- Self-Care Ideas for Busy Parents
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