Both Working and Stay-at-Home Moms are super busy all day - there is always something that needs to be done. From working a 9-5 job helping with school projects late into the night, or from attending soccer games to chaperoning a slumber party, Mom never seems to be in one place for too long.
This hectic schedule increases stress levels, and stress can impact many areas of life such as work, family, and other relationships. Stress can cause Mom to experience frustration, short fuse, and lack of focus. For busy moms, stress management is a fundamental need.
Here are eight tips to assist in living a more stress free life.
1. Determine, no matter what, to schedule time for yourself. For some busy moms, maybe it’s a soothing bubble bath at the end of the day, when Dad can watch the kids for a while. For others, it could be a quick trip to the local nail salon while the kids are in school. The activity really doesn’t matter as long as busy moms take some time for themselves.
2. Listen to calm, soothing music on the way to work, while at work, and while going to sleep. Music has a way of calming and soothing the mind body.
3. Practice deep abdominal breathing periodically throughout the day. Breath in deeply through the nose pulling the belly button toward the spine, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly release. Busy moms will be pleasantly surprised at how this simple technique can result in a more relaxed body and mind.
4. Take the time to exercise. Exercise — even something as simple as taking a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood, taking walks on lunch breaks, taking the steps instead of an elevator, or parking farther away when shopping — helps increase self-esteem, decrease depression, increase focus and stamina, and gives one a greater sense of control over stress.
5. Eat Healthy. There are foods that promote calmness as well as foods that increase stress levels. Busy moms should ask themselves if they are consuming too much sugar or caffeine, and if they are getting enough protein. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and staying away from refined and processed foods also help. Healthy eating is very important for any busy mom. Taking a look at your eating habits and making the necessary changes can result in increased optimal health.
6. Call a friend. It is always important to have at least one relationship where Mom can just vent and know that a listening ear and unconditional acceptance will be given.
7. Calm Your Thoughts. Our thoughts create the lives we live so be aware of what you think about. Abraham said ‘Worrying is using your imagination to create something you don’t want’. What are you creating with your worries?
8. Don’t Forget To Laugh. Laughing is good for you and with children around there are usually lots of things to laugh at -from the things they say to the things you find yourself saying back to them. Learning to laugh at yourself is a great thing to teach your children. Besides, studies have shown that you burn more calories laughing than jogging.
Busy moms can follow the above eight tips for a more stress free life!
Tags: Family, Marriage and Family
