Stress Busters to Ensure Your Family's Well-Being
You know how the saying goes: "If moms not happy, then nobody's happy."
As moms, we've got a million things going on at once. It seems that everyone in the family is always relying on us to pull through so that they can get what they need. As a mom, I do my best not to allow my funk to get in the way of having a happy household. I found this useful article about the top six ways to beat stress, which will ultimately keep you and your family well-balanced.
Do you often wonder where the day has gone? In the mad rush to take care of the kids, the hours all blur together. Try to set aside even just a few minutes of meditation or quiet time in your own little corner of your home at the beginning and end of each day. Light an energizing citrus-scented candle in the morning, and a calming lavender-scented candle at night. (Just remember to blow them out!)" One mom says: "Take a few minutes to take some deep breaths, enjoy looking out the window or at a peaceful photo, and focus on something positive at the beginning of the day. I am a mother of six children, and I can tell this works because when I forget to do it, I find myself stopping more often during the day to refocus and get back on a positive track."
Another mom, who swears by taking "five minutes of peace" a day, notes: "By the way, new moms, babies are safe in their cribs. If you need time to 'chill out,' putting your baby in her crib crying for five minutes is much safer than losing your temper with her."
Go For a Walk
Exercise is a major stress-buster and mood-lifter, but moms are too busy to hit the gym when the kids are around. If you work outside the home, use your lunch break to fit in a workout or a brisk walk with a colleague. If you're a stay-at-home mom, take your little one out for fresh air in the stroller or baby jogger, or do an exercise video when your tot is napping (tip: check YouTube for some free yoga and workout videos).
One mom says: "You don't have to join a gym or feel like it's another chore. All you have to do is to take a walk. Look at the sky, feel the sun on your face, and smell the grass. It may be tough getting yourself started, but once you do, you won't want to give it up." Take a Beauty Break
Who has the time and money for an entire spa day? Busy moms deserve at least a little treat, such as a monthly manicure or a 15-minute chair massage.
One working mother says: "Working moms have a tendency to feel guilty because they either have to or want to work outside of the home. They feel guilty spending time away from their children and therefore have a more difficult time taking time for themselves during nights and weekends. This is where the lunch-hour of beauty comes in: Get yourself down to your favorite salon during lunchtime for whatever treatments you can fit in and afford from time to time."
Go to Lunch with Friends
Evenings get eaten up by dinnertime, bath time, and bedtime. Make the most of your lunch hour at work by getting together with friends in the area. If you stay at home with the kids, make lunch dates with other moms so that you can chat and vent while the kids nap or play.
One mom says: "When was the last time you had lunch with your best friend? Or better yet, did some serious shopping together? Life is busy for moms, but it's important for you and your girlfriends (both with and without kids) to still make time for girl talk."
Take a Day Off
Whether you stay at home or work outside the home, when is the last time you took a mental health day? Leave the kids with a relative or sitter for the day or take a personal day from work – you never get time to yourself. Scout out a shoe sale, see a chick flick alone, buy yourself fresh flowers, or even take a nap – make your day off really count!
One mom says: "Sometimes it's just plain OK to put the kids in daycare or have the sitter come so you can spend the day in the bookstore or shopping. It certainly won't harm the kids. It really helps you be a better parent when you get some alone time. You don't feel resentful. DON'T FEEL GUILTY!!!"
Find a Local Moms Group
Other moms can relate to your madness! Look for opportunities to meet other parents, such as "Mommy and Me" classes at the YMCA, story time at the library, or support groups in your area if you're a single mom or have a child with special needs. Online message boards are also a good resource.
One single mother says: "Attention single moms! It's no good for you or your children to sit at home and feel sorry for yourself that you're stuck doing this parenting thing alone. Get out there and find yourself a good support group. Your insurance company may offer a variety of self-improvement programs at no cost to you. Your local library, church, or community message board may also help you find a group that would be the right fit. Getting out there is half the battle."
Another mom says: "In our small community, the recreation center offers a two-hour open gym time for babies, toddlers, and their parents twice a week. It's a good break from the house, and the kids can run, climb, jump and be 'wild' in a safe place. The kids have a chance to play with other children. I visit with other moms and we share our struggles, ideas, and joys. It's good for the kids and good for me!"
