How to Embrace SOFT LIFE as a Busy Mom
Motherhood was hard enough before social media and Pinterest, but now that we are constantly seeing examples of how other people parent, it can feel downright overwhelming. And that doesn't even include the constant responsibilities, schedules, and to-do lists. Having a soft life, while being a mom, may seem impossible, but embracing a softer lifestyle can bring more peace and presence to your days. Soft living is not about doing less but about focusing on what truly matters. It allows you to create intentional routines, simplify your home, and spend more quality time with your children.
As you read through the following suggestions, try not to focus on having to completely change your lifestyle. Think about the small adjustments in daily habits, mindset, and priorities that can help you shift toward a calmer, more fulfilling way of life.
Prioritize What Truly Matters in Your Daily Life
It is easy to fill your days with tasks that feel urgent but are not truly important. Soft living starts with identifying what matters most and letting go of the rest. Focus on the things that bring joy, connection, and peace to your family. Instead of rushing through the day, be intentional with your time.
Choose quality over quantity when it comes to commitments, activities, and even possessions. Take a step back and ask yourself what truly adds value to your life. Prioritizing what matters helps you create space for the things that bring meaning and fulfillment.
Creating Simple and Realistic Routines
A structured routine can help reduce stress, but it does not need to be complicated. Soft living encourages simple, flexible routines that support a calm and balanced lifestyle. Focus on creating predictable rhythms for your day instead of a strict schedule. Your routines should feel like a security blanket, not an anchor weighing you down.
Small habits like morning check-ins, quiet time in the afternoon, or consistent mealtimes can bring a sense of stability. Keep routines simple enough that they feel natural and not overwhelming. The goal is to create a flow that makes life easier while still allowing room for spontaneity and rest.
Learning to Say No and Setting Boundaries
Years ago, as I was pregnant with baby number 4, a mom friend of mine said, it's not the kids you have to worry about, it's the other moms. With younger kids, I didn't really understand what she meant, but I can tell you that there was definitely some truth to her statement.
As a mom, it is easy to feel pressured to say yes to everything. Whether it's your kids reminding you of how the other mom said yes or it's the other mom telling you how sad your kid will feel if you don't. From social events to extracurricular activities, there is always something begging you to overcommit which leads to stress and exhaustion.
Set clear boundaries around your schedule, your home, and your personal well-being. Let go of the need to please everyone and focus on what aligns with your values. Learning to say no with confidence allows you to make space for a softer, more intentional way of living.
Reducing Clutter and Simplifying Your Home Environment
What does clutter have to do with softness? LOTS. A cluttered home can create mental overwhelm and unnecessary stress. Simplifying your space makes daily life feel more peaceful and manageable. You do not need to get rid of everything, but decluttering small areas at a time can make a big difference. Start by removing items that no longer serve a purpose. Prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to toys, clothes, and household items. A clean and organized space helps create a sense of calm, making it easier to embrace soft living.
When my two youngest were little, they shared a room and it was tight. We didn't have room for all of their toys so we created a toybox in the attached garage. They could play with anything they wanted to in their room, but they needed to take something out of their room and 'swap' it out in the toybox so that their room was never overrun with toys. This eliminated the chaos of their room being overrun with toys which also allowed me to not have to be the "mean mom" barking at them to clean up.
Finding Small Pockets of Rest and Self-Care
As you're reading this, I'm willing to bet that your kids are up to date on their shots, they have had their annual exam and you've got their 6 month cleaning at the dentist prominently on the calendar already. The question is, are you taking care of yourself in the same way?
Taking care of yourself is an important part of soft living. Even with a busy schedule, you can find small moments to pause and recharge. A few deep breaths, a quiet cup of tea, or stepping outside for fresh air can help you reset. Self-care does not have to be elaborate. The key is to prioritize small acts that help you feel refreshed and supported. When you take care of yourself, you have more energy and patience for your family. An influencer that I love following online talks about how her husband regularly sends her for a staycation at a local hotel so that she has some time to herself. I can admit I would have never done that as a young mom. But I know it would have made for a softer life for all of us, if I had.
Make Peace with Your Season
Motherhood often comes with unrealistic expectations. You do not have to do everything perfectly or keep up with unrealistic standards. Soft living means embracing imperfection and letting go of unnecessary stress. Maybe you're in a season of store bought cupcakes for the party while you're working on the hardest case of your life.
Focus on what truly matters and release the pressure to meet every demand. Allow yourself to move at a pace that feels natural for you and your family. When you stop trying to do it all, you create space for a more peaceful, fulfilling life.
Are you still looking for ways to bring more softness into your life? Check out the Soft Girl Living episode of the Love You to Life Podcast or call us at 317-471-8996 to schedule a session with one of our coaches or counselors to help you get back on track.