As a mother your stress levels are probably too high to be healthy. It is true that some stress is good for you, but with your to-do list, laundry, kids to pick up, house to clean, meals to fix, and more your stress might be higher than is good. So, what are some things you can do to bring those stress levels down? Try the following tried and true stress busters for busy moms:
Breathe, and breathe deep. You know how they say if you are frustrated with your kid take some deep breaths before talking to them? Well, that is because it calms you down and helps you to relax. So, if you want to reduce stress, do the same thing. Breathe slowly and deeply. This is going to help you get stress out of your body. Take five minutes each day to sit still, close your eyes and just breathe.
Pump up the music. There is probably a song out there that will help you reduce stress, whether it is a great country ballad or a hard rock song, music can help ease tension and eliminate stress. So, find a theme song, and let it change as your moods do, but when you feel the burden of stress creeping up on you, pop in your earbuds, turn on a CD, or flip on the radio and let the music take you away.
Think about now, not later. Now and later seem to go together, but the fact is that if you are constantly thinking about all the stuff that you have to do at the end of the week, or the end of the month, or the end of the year, you are never going to reduce your stress. Live in the present some, so that you can forget all the stuff you have to do, at least for a few moments. So, when you start to feel stressed out, ask yourself if the thing you are stressed about is going to matter in a week. Will that load of laundry that is causing you to hyperventilate really be worth the stress a month from now? If it will make a difference a month from now, then go ahead and take the time and energy to do it right away. If not, let it happen when the time is right. Your kitchen will get clean sooner or later, so don’t let yourself get in a tizzy if you can’t do it right after dinner.
Vent. This is probably the most tried of stress busters. It is true, once you talk about it, it is easier to let it go, at least for females it would seem. So, if something is stressing you out, or totally bothering you, then call up a girlfriend and let loose for a few minutes. Vent it all out, and then apologize for dumping on them, and get back to your life. Trust me you will return the favor, and it is a good thing.
Walk outside. Being in a different location can put things in a new perspective. And, outside is always great because fresh air is magical when it comes to melting away stress and healing tension. So, open a window on a nice day to let the fresh air in, and when you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, take a second to walk outside and enjoy it.
Do something mindless. It is amazing what a huge stress reliever doing something mindless can be. It gives your brain a break. So, do something repetitive, fold laundry, wash a dish, whatever. Give your mind a break to wander away and dream and imagine for a few moments. Your stress will wander off with your mind.
Get some sleep. Every now and then go to bed when you put your kids to bed. I know it is nice to stay up and have time to yourself, but your body needs rest, so help reduce your stress by once a week going to bed at the same time as the kids.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to