Being stressed-out as a mom is almost always expected. You’re definitely not alone, and parenting can seem stressful all the time. The list of triggers is basically never ending. Finances, insecurities caused by comparing ourselves to other parents, relationships, careers and body image are just a few. Not including the environment we’re raising our kids in and trying to protect them from everything around us. It’s incredibly important to note our mental health is visible to our kids and our whole family. Stress may not always be preventable, but it is absolutely manageable. Here are some tips to de-stress and create a positive environment for your family!
Listen to Your Body
It’s not always easy to pay attention to, but our bodies are great at letting us know when we’re on the verge of mental or physical distress. Learning how to identify how your body reacts to stressful situations will help minimize feeling stressed-out and anxious, and can even help prevent it! Common physical signs include elevated blood pressure or heart rates, and feeling dizzy or having difficulty breathing. If you start to yell or feel your irritability is worse than normal, it’s time to slow down. Not only can this cause tension throughout your home, you deserve to be happy and feel calm. Try to start listening to your body when it’s trying to tell you something, and figure out some solutions that will help curb your distress.
Establish Solutions
Stress is super unpredictable and rarely shows compassion. Whether it’s the morning of your big presentation, or a phone call from school when you have the flu. Try to narrow down situations which make you feel helpless or overwhelmed, and find a simple way to help you calm down during those times. For example, if getting dressed in the mornings is particularly stressful, set out clothes the night before. If finding your keys seems to always be a problem, get a spare key and put it in one place, where you can always find it! Every situation may not be easy to solve, but coming up with solutions where you can makes a big difference.
Take 10
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with giving yourself permission to take a stress break, no matter how overwhelmed you might feel. Even 5 or 10 minutes away allows you to have a fresh perspective and ease your mind. Try implementing a family rule like a note on the door, or designating a room to go to when you need space. Try listening to some soothing music and just closing your eyes and going to your happy place. Take at least 10 minutes to decompress and let yourself calm down. This goes for you, your kiddos, and your significant other. No matter how hectic the situation may be, let everyone know it’s okay to walk away for a minute. It’s always better to come back to the situation level-headed than to make matters worse!
Incorporate Meditation
If you don’t meditate, you won’t believe what you’re missing. Proven by science, deep meditation and breathing patterns can help the body relax immediately. Try incorporating this as a family activity! There are two top meditation techniques your whole family can try. The first method is slow, deep breaths. Inhale through your nose to a count of eight, pause for five seconds, then slowly breathe out through your mouth to another count of eight. Repeat as many times as necessary! Another method is elevator breathing. Close your eyes and try to relax. Slowly breathe out 5 times, then imagine you’re in an elevator of a very tall building. Imagine pressing the ground floor button, and watch the buttons light up as you are descending. Your stress will melt away!
Don’t Forget to Laugh
Believe it or not, there’s a huge amount of stress that you hold in your face. Maybe that’s where wrinkles come from! A simple smile or giggle can really alleviate all that stress. Yes, a laugh, smile or giggle! When’s the last time you had a huge fit of laughter with your kiddos and hubby? Don’t ever think you’re too busy to have fun and try to include that joy every day. It can be as simple as taking Christmas pictures of your dogs in sweaters, eating breakfast for dinner, or letting your kids do your makeup in the evening. You don’t need to feel stressed-out all the time, or even ever. Remember to have fun and enjoy yourself!
Date Nights
Being happy and having a healthy relationship is important when trying to minimize stress. A typical date may be pricey but forget the normal rules. A date doesn’t have to cost you a dime! Pack a picnic for the park, rent a movie at home, or even taking the dog for a walk. Just try to spend time together, any way you can!
There’s no doubt that we can’t take care of our families, without first taking care of ourselves. And if we’re all being honest, when do we ever put ourselves first? Remember to take time for yourself, learn what stresses you out, and take a time out when necessary. After all, happy wife, happy life, right? What are some of your favorite techniques to de-stress? Leave your comments below!
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