Do you wake up to the sound of your baby crying and feel like your stuck in “Groundhog Day?” Maybe you’ve been so busy with your family and kids that motherhood has become somewhat monotonous. If so, it’s time to fill up your cup, girl. No, not with wine – with habits.

Carve out a few minutes for yourself each day to focus on recharging and renewing your soul. I promise it’ll be worth it.

1. Journal

If you haven’t cracked open a notebook since your “Dear Diary” days of high school, it’s time to give journaling another go. Even if you don’t think you write well or have nothing special to write about, this simple exercise of putting pen to paper can be incredibly therapeutic. Plus, no one ever has to see what you write if you don’t want them to.

Keep it simple and spend a few minutes each day writing down your feelings, frustrations and intentions for the day. Doing so will evoke mindfulness and help you look past your current situation and into a brighter future.

2. Practice Gratitude

You might also make a list of the tiny blessings you receive throughout the day. Begin by writing down three things you’re grateful for each day, whether it be your baby’s smile or the way the sun shines through your window.

Consciously practicing gratitude in this way will banish feelings of envy and regret and allow you to truly appreciate all that you have. Moreover, it opens your eyes to the beautiful side of life, giving you a breath of fresh air, even on the most difficult days.

3. Make Some Tea

At the end of a long, hard day, you may be tempted to reach for a bottle of wine. Maybe it’s the only way you’ve ever tried to cope with your anxiety and stress. Yet, this can create dangerous habits that may actually exacerbate your anxiety and make matters worse.

Instead, fill up your cup with some tea. There’s something incredibly comforting about snuggling up with a hot beverage. Soothe your worries by sipping your favorite flavor of tea and crack open a good book to truly recharge and destress.

4. Roll Out Your Mat

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be strong, flexible, young or thin to do yoga. Anyone – even you – can practice yoga and reap the benefits. So, roll out your mat and grab some pillows and blankets because restorative yoga is here to fill up your cup.

Restorative yoga is a yin-based yoga that helps you discover where you’re holding tension in your body. Then, you consciously relax those areas and truly allow yourself to decompress. This simple practice will leave you feeling restored, renewed and ready to face another day of crazy kids and a full to-do list.

5. Breathe Deep

When you’re stressed or anxious, your heart rate quickens, along with your breath. Instead of taking slow, full breaths, your body takes shallow breaths which limit the diaphragm’s range of motion. This only intensifies anxiety.

Break this vicious cycle by consciously invoking deep breathing. Taking slow and steady breaths in through your nose and releasing them out your mouth will aid in progressive muscle relaxation and allows you to disengage from distractions and stressors for a little bit. This will also help fill your cup and remind you to take deeper breaths to destress throughout the day.

6. Let Dad Entertain the Kids

Life as a mum is incredibly hectic and it may seem like you can never get even a moment to yourself – even when you’re in the bathroom. If you really can’t find time for yourself, ask your husband if he’d watch the kids for a while.

Even if it’s only for an hour, handing over your parenting responsibilities can come as a huge relief. It allows you to completely unwind and truly be you instead of mom for a bit. Use this time to take a bath, watch a movie, bake or take a nap. You could probably use one, after all.

7. Bring Sexy Back

Being a parent demands constant awareness, affection and creativity which can sap your energy completely. Aside from a random sloppy kiss from your dog every now and then, you may not receive much love in return. But mums need love and affection, too, even if everyone else seems to forget that.

Bring that loving spark back into your life by rekindling the fire between you and your spouse. Take a walk together, plan a night out on the town or turn up the heat after the kids nod off. This intimate time together can recharge your spirit and add some spice to your routine.

Living In the Now

When it comes down to it, the best way to fill up your cup is to be present in the here and now. That means accepting your life for what it is and choosing to see the good in each and every moment. The next time your two-year-old makes a mess at the dinner table, notice the joy in their laugh. When you go on a walk with your husband, focus on the feeling of your hand in his.

Noticing these small blessings will make your life – and motherhood – an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience, even if it is a busy one.

What things do you do to fill up your cup? Tell us in the comments below.