Mindfulness meditation for mums

Kids are miracles and being given the opportunity to raise them is nothing short of a blessing.

Any parent will tell you that's the straight-up truth.

What they may not be quite so willing to share is that bringing up children is also a challenge and one that, at times anyway, can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed, or worse. If that sounds like you then we have good news.

A regular meditation practice can help. I know, I know. Like you have the time for that? But honestly - this snappy little routine whipped up by life coach Simonne Lee takes just five minutes a day. And despite its brevity, Simonne is adamant it will completely revolutionise your life. Promise.

Just five minutes a day and you'll be clear-thinking and happy as a clam, says Simonne Lee. It's clearly working for her. Image: Instagram/@Simonneleeofficial

Ready?

All you need to do is connect with your breath. Yes. It's that simple.

And, you can do this anywhere and at any time.

"Try in the shower, lying in bed or even sitting in the car - but make sure you’ve pulled over first," says Simonne.

And by connecting to your breath we mean simply this;

Breathe in to a count of four. Hold for a count of four and then exhale for a count of four. And that's it. You, my sweet friend, are meditating.

"Mindfulness is just a focused state of awareness that you can do anywhere, anytime," explains Simonne.

Do this several times a day and gradually build up to sessions of 10, 15 and even 30 minutes. Doing so will ease the pressure and in a multitude of ways, says Simonne.

Here, a list of benefits you're likely to experience and instantly too.

Parenting is a rewarding yet challenging gig. Hear how other mums make it work via our parenting podcast Honey Mums by clicking the link below.

You'll gain time

Your practice will see you begin to become aware of each moment, what you're thinking, what you’re feeling. This means you you’ll be able to pause and experience what is occurring within and around you. Your perception of time will slow down leaving you feel as though you have extra time in your day.

You'll connect

Regular meditation can help you to connect to your child/children. You'll be in the moment which will allow you to really 'be' with your little ones.

You'll promote calm

Children respond to their parent’s energy states. A little bit of calmness on the home front can go along way.

You'll be more aware

If you have a toddler, you need eyes in the front and the back of your head. When you meditate regularly, your peripheral vision and sixth sense increases and you’re able to sense your little one in whole different way.

Less outbursts

By lowering your cortisol and adrenalin levels, you make it more difficult to ride that emotional rollercoaster. The ups and downs lessen and you find your own even keel. Calm and steady days ahead - good for you and the babies.

Meditation is a daily habit for model and fashion designer Jodhi Meares, founder of The Upside. Watch how she goes in the video below.

You are the FUN mum

Having more energy for you, your family and friends means you’re a joy to be around. Fun seems to follow you!

You'll be healthier

Meditation helps boost your immune system and strengthen your heart. A strong immune system is just as infectious energetically as a belly laugh and we all know how good a laugh is for our immune system.

Less blues

Being more grounded in your body stops that pattern of highs and lows. Having a high is great, however impossible to maintain and there is only one-way down. Finding your centre, your own rhythm gives you, your own internal barometer of how to measure yourself emotionally and mentally daily.

You'll have energy to burn

Your energy levels will be more consistent. So when the kids do go to bed you'll have the energy to connect with your partner/friends instead of just falling into bed.