How to Slow Down and Savor Motherhood: 5 Ways to Simplify and Create Space for Joy

How to Slow Down and Savor Motherhood: 5 Ways to Simplify and Create Space for Joy.

Motherhood is a beautiful, chaotic journey. Some days, it feels like your to-do list never ends. Other days, you catch a fleeting moment of connection—your child’s laughter, a quiet bedtime snuggle—and suddenly, everything else fades away.

As a mom of four, I know the tension between chaos and connection all too well. My youngest is turning 4 next month, and while I’m soaking in every moment, I can’t help but feel the bittersweet ache of time passing too quickly.

But here’s what I’ve learned: slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. It means focusing on what truly matters and creating space for the magic that often hides in the little moments. In this post, I’ll share five realistic ways to simplify your life and savor motherhood, inspired by holistic wellness principles, Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne, and The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment.

1. Simplify Your Space and Systems to Reduce Overwhelm

A calm home is the foundation of a calm mind, but let’s be real—keeping a tidy house as a mom feels like climbing an uphill battle some days. I used to stay up late cleaning, thinking I had to do it all myself. But waking up exhausted and staring at another mess wasn’t sustainable.

When I started simplifying our space and systems, everything changed. Less stuff meant less to clean, and building rhythms for resets throughout the day made it manageable for everyone.

Denaye Barahona, author of Simple Families, explains:

“Less stuff means less cleaning, less organizing, and less stress.”

Here’s what worked for me:

 • Declutter: Start small by focusing on one area, like the kitchen counter or your child’s toy bin. Ask yourself, “Does this item serve my family?” Let go of what no longer fits.

 • Clean as You Go: Instead of letting messes pile up, encourage small resets throughout the day. For example, teach your kids to clear their plates after meals or put away toys before starting something new.

 • Family Effort: Make evening cleanups a shared routine. We set a timer, turn on music, and everyone pitches in. It’s quick, fun, and reduces my mental load.

 • Build in White Space: Create small pauses between transitions to reset your space and mind.

Kim John Payne adds:

“A cluttered home overwhelms the senses. Simplifying gives both children and parents room to breathe.”

2. Embrace Rhythms Over Rigid Schedules

For years, I thought the key to a smoother day was sticking to a strict schedule. But as any mom knows, life with kids rarely goes as planned. That’s when I discovered the beauty of rhythms—predictable routines that guide your day without the pressure of perfection.

What Are Rhythms?

Rhythms are flexible, natural patterns that flow with your family’s energy. They create a sense of security without the stress of being tied to the clock.

How to Apply:

 • Morning Grounding: Our mornings used to feel chaotic, but now we start with a grounding rhythm: breakfast together, quiet play, and a quick reset before diving into the day.

 • Anchor Your Day: Find small rituals to anchor your day, like a midday snack, a family walk, or storytime before bed. These touchpoints provide stability.

 • Buffer Time: Give yourself extra time between transitions to avoid feeling rushed.

Kim John Payne explains:

“Predictable rhythms create security for children, giving them a sense of what’s next without the anxiety of being rushed.” 

3. Involve Your Kids in the Process

As moms, we often feel like we have to do it all. But the truth is, involving your kids in daily tasks not only lightens your load but also teaches them responsibility and fosters connection.

Denaye Barahona writes:

“Children gain confidence when they feel capable. Including them in the family’s daily rhythms gives them a sense of belonging.”

Here’s how to start:

 • Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks: My youngest loves helping me unload the dishwasher (even if it’s not perfect), while my older kids take on tasks like folding laundry or clearing the table.

 • Use Positive Language: Instead of saying, “You have to clean up,” try, “Let’s make our space feel cozy together.”

 • Make It Fun: Turn on music, set a timer, or turn cleaning into a game.

Last week, my toddler eagerly wiped the table after dinner. Was it perfect? Nope. But her excitement to help reminded me that the process matters more than the result.

4. Prioritize Connection Over Perfection

Let’s be honest: some days, the mess will win. But when I think back on my most cherished moments with my kids, they weren’t the ones where everything was perfect. They were the ones where I chose connection—playing a game on the floor, laughing together, or simply listening.

Ainsley Arment, author of The Call of the Wild and Free, says: “The best memories aren’t planned or perfect. They’re made in the ordinary moments of love and laughter.”

How to Apply:

 Pause to Connect: Take 5 minutes during the day to sit with your kids, even if the laundry is still waiting.

 Make Daily Tasks Meaningful: Cuddle during storytime, chat while cooking, or laugh together while cleaning up.

 Let Go of Guilt: Not every day will feel magical, and that’s okay. Focus on creating small moments of joy.

5. Pause, Breathe, and Reflect

When the noise and chaos feel overwhelming, taking a moment to pause can be transformative. A simple breath or moment of stillness can reset your energy and help you approach motherhood with more intention.

“Mindfulness practices like deep breathing and reflection lower cortisol levels, helping reduce stress and improve clarity.”- IIN 

How to Apply:

 Step Outside: Fresh air can work wonders for grounding both moms and kids.

 Practice Deep Breathing: Use a simple technique like inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4, and exhaling for 6.

 Reflect on the Good: At the end of the day, write down one small moment of joy. This practice shifts your focus from what didn’t go right to what mattered most. 

Kim John Payne reminds us:

“A slower pace allows us to reflect, reset, and reconnect with what matters most.”

Savor the Journey of Motherhood

Motherhood isn’t about doing it all—it’s about focusing on what truly matters. When you simplify your home, embrace natural rhythms, involve your family, and prioritize connection, you create a life where calm and joy thrive—even in the midst of chaos.

Denaye Barahona says:

“Simplicity is not about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most.”

Take a deep breath, mama. Pause. Be present. These are the moments that matter.

💬 What’s one small way you’re savoring motherhood today? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear!

📌 Save this post as your reminder to slow down and cherish the beauty of motherhood.