Being a stay at home mom (SAHM) is one of the most rewarding roles I have. However, it can also be one of the loneliest ones. Which sounds like an oxymoron because I’m literally never alone… like not even in the bathroom (iykyk). These are some things I’ve found that have helped me out while being a SAHM. I hope they help you out too, mama, because you deserve to feel less lonely!

Listen to Podcasts

This one was a game changer for me. Especially once I started listening to podcasts with Bluetooth headphones. Partly because of always being on the go around the house, but also sometimes for language purposes. I really didn’t get into Podcasts until I became a SAHM. I’ve found so many good ones of different genres. Some of them are connected with tv shows I watch (I’m guilty of watching every season of The Bachelor) so it feels like I’m listening to friends talk about shows I watch. I also listen to other podcasts where they talk about current events, pop news, mom advice, and mental health. Here are the podcasts I listen to a lot; most of these I listen to every week…

Chatty Broads

The Lo Life

Off The Vine

Your Favorite Thing

Unlocking Us With Brene Brown

The Motherly Podcast

Armchair Expert

Click Bait

Bachelor Happy Hour

Go On A Walk Around The Neighborhood

For two reasons. Just getting outside in general is good for your mental health. If you can/want to go around the same time each day, there’s a good chance you’ll pass by the same people. Those people will then become familiar faces and maybe a conversation will spark from there. Even if it’s a simple “Goodmorning”. That one interaction could change your whole day around.

Join A Mom & Baby/Toddler Class

Obviously COVID put a damper on this one for the past year and a half. I was lucky enough to join a mom and baby class at my local library when Charlie was 2 months old, only a few months before the pandemic started. I am now best of friends with three of the mamas from that group. Not only do I have mama friends, but Charlie has friends around his age too! It seems like these types of classes are starting to come back, so don’t be hesitant to sign up. Even if you don’t know anyone else in the class beforehand. I suggest looking into your local library, YMCA, gymnastics clubs, etc. for some classes. Or a simple Google search works too!

Plan Playdates

This plays off the last tip if you don’t already have friends with kids. I feel like play dates may be even more beneficial to parents than they are for kids. Which is saying a lot because playdates are so important for kids! Playdates don’t necessarily have to be at someone’s house. They can be at a park, on a walk around the neighborhood, or a COVID friendly option… a zoom playdate!

Join Mom Facebook Groups

I learned the importance of Facebook Groups starting from when I was pregnant with my first. It’s so nice to have a community online to ask questions, vent, or share stories. Becoming a mom, talking about your kid’s poop and other bodily functions becomes a norm. Can’t necessarily say this for all of your Facebook friends which is why I think it’s important to join mama or parent specific groups.

I’m obviously no expert at this, but I wanted to share what works for me most of the time. I have struggled the most in the winter because I sometimes don’t have the energy to get out of the house. So if anyone else has any tips for surviving through brutal winters as a SAHM let me know!