Photo by loli Clement on Unsplash
When we talk about skills pertaining to homemaking, we probably think of cleaning, planning meals, cooking, budgeting, interior designing, and other abilities necessary to manage a home. Aside from mastering these housework, wouldn’t you like to learn the skills that could make you a happy homemaker?
According to Happify , a website that provides evidence-based solutions for better emotional health and well-being, there are five skills that help make a person happy: Savor, Thank, Aspire, Give, and Empathize or S.T.A.G.E. for short. Let’s see how we can apply these skills in our situations so we can be happy homemakers.
Savor
According to the website, “Savoring is a quick and easy way to boost optimism and reduce stress and negative emotions. It’s the practice of being mindful and noticing the good stuff around you.” In short, enjoy a pleasurable moment.
Savor your accomplishments at home. When your kids appear very pleased because of the meal you prepared, enjoy the moment. When your spouse throws a glance at you across the living room and comments on how comfy the room is, go ahead, be tickled pink. I especially like counting the number of garments I’ve washed and hung at the clothesline. For others, they might savor the sight of their well-maintained garden or take pride in renovating. Whatever it is, relax and enjoy the fruit of your labor. You can also savor past family activities like vacations by looking at photos and sharing stories.
Thank
Expressing gratitude is an effective way to drive away a homemaker’s negative thoughts and stress. It’s also the antidote to sadness, so start making it a habit to count your blessings. At the end of each day, intentionally recall three (or four or five) specific things that made you happy or things that turned out well that day. For instance, thank God for healing your child. Thank Him for providing your family with meals. Appreciate your husband for washing the dishes. Send a card or text message to your parents and thank them for being there with when you needed help. And don’t forget to thank your household helper for assisting you in managing your home. According to Bob Emmons, leading researcher in the field of gratitude, “The practice of gratitude can increase happiness levels by around 25%.”
Aspire
People become happier when they have a sense of purpose, are optimistic, and feel hopeful. Housewives and househusbands can sometimes feel frustrated when housework and child-rearing become too tiring. Or when budgeting the family income is already causing a headache. When taking care of the children becomes too challenging, bear in mind that they are God’s gifts to us to be nurtured. There are seasons in child-rearing and every stage has its own challenges as well as rewards. When we realize that we are doing a noble task—that is, raising up children, providing for their needs, and guiding them—we become happier. Live each day with a purpose, remembering that God called you and enabled you to be a loving and supportive parent to your child. Aside from aspiring to do your best at parenting, consider even every daily task as something relevant. For instance, each time you prepare a healthy meal, remember that you are taking care of your family’s well-being.
Give
The saying, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive” is true. As parents and homemakers, we are always giving our time and resources to our children and other family members. Giving makes both the receiver and the giver happy. Increase your happiness level by coming up with creative ways to show kindness at home. You may also extend your generosity to people outside your family. Involving family members to donate pre-loved items and organize a birthday dinner for a single or elderly person can multiply joy. You will not only experience the joy of giving, but you can also reap the health benefits of helping others. A study by Allan Luks and Peggy Payne suggests a positive link between helping others and the helper’s emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Empathize
Empathy is the ability to care about others. Each time we withhold our judgment and listen to our kid explain why he came home late, we are empathizing. When we listen to our kids as they tell us what happened to school, we show them that we care. The emotional bond with our spouse and children grow stronger when we listen and show that we care. And the more we develop our relationship with them, the happier we become. When we also empathize with others, we become less angry, frustrated, or disappointed. This creates a ripple effect at home, producing a positive atmosphere and openness.
Savor. Find good things to think about.
Thank. Be grateful always.
Aspire. Keep believing for the best.
Give. Share with others.
Empathize. Show that you care.
Let’s practice these skills each day and increase our level of happiness. Start by leaving a comment below. What did you enjoy most today? What are you grateful for? Show that you care by sharing. Happy homemaking!
Marlene Legaspi-Munar writes about marriage, family, personal development, and travel. She and her husband Anthony co-authored How to Keep Your Misis Happy, which is a perfect partner to her other book How to Keep Your Hubby Happy. Learn more about her other books from her author page facebook.com/AuthorMarleneLegaspiMunar.
