6 Healthy Habits for Happy Moms

There are so many things to be happy about as a mom. However, it's natural to want more ideas about new habits that can increase your cheer levels! At Pottery Barn Kids, we've put together a list of six healthy habits for happy moms. While you might not be ready to make all of these changes, even adding one to your daily routine can have a tremendous impact on your health and happiness. Whether it's eating better, sleeping more or laughing often, small changes can help you feel more joyful.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Many moms might see this tip and laugh - especially those moms with newborns and infants who aren't sleeping all the way through the night yet. However, sleep is important for your physical and mental health. Getting your child on a routine quickly ensures that you can carve out eight hours of sleep for yourself - even if they're not all at once. Turning off televisions, computers and smartphones early in the evening before bed helps everyone wind down for a more restful night's sleep, too.

Stay Active

Chasing a toddler around the house is definitely a workout! However, you might be looking for opportunities to get some dedicated exercise sessions in. You don't have to start training for a marathon, but setting aside 30 minutes each day to exercise is enough to keep your heart, body and brain healthy and happy.

Put the baby in the stroller or carrier. Head for a walk around the neighborhood. Or, check to see if the local gym has a drop-in day care and participate in a yoga class. Taking your baby out and about for fresh air and sunshine is a great way to get some bonding and exercise time.

Eat Breakfast Every Day

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While that may sound cliché, it's also true! That cup of coffee might provide the jolt you need to wake up first thing in the morning. But it's important to have something more substantial so you can think and feel your best.

Prepare breakfast while the baby is in their high chair or the kids are eating breakfast. Fruit, yogurt, granola and whole-grain cereal are all healthy options that take just a few minutes to prepare and eat. Breakfast gives your metabolism a boost so you have extra energy to conquer the day.

Prep Meals in Advance

As a busy mom, you know how important convenience is! Meal prepping is a healthy habit that many happy and healthy moms swear by. Plan out your week's menu ahead of time. Choose one or two days per week to prepare all the meals. Put the meals in the fridge or the freezer. Then, just heat and eat. While the idea of meal prepping might feel a bit overwhelming at first, it gets a lot easier with practice. Prepping meals and packing lunches rather than eating out makes sure your entire family is eating tasty and nutrient-rich food every day of the week.

Take Multivitamins

In order to feel 100 percent like your best self, it's important to get in all of your essential vitamins and minerals each day. Find a quality multivitamin and add it to your daily routine. Be sure to stay hydrated and drink water, too. If you're not a fan of plain water, try slicing up a few different fruits and adding them to your thermos. Strawberries, lemon and basil taste great together, as do oranges, blueberries and mint.

Laugh Often

Being happy includes laughing - a lot. Laughter produces serotonin in your brain, which makes you feel happier. Crack jokes with the kids, a spouse, friends or even people in the supermarket. Watch funny movies and TV shows with the family. Find the humor in a trying situation. It's good for kids to see their parents happy and smiling. And, it'll teach them an important life skill.

These healthy habits lead to a healthy home and a happy mom. Why not pick one to start trying today?