Being a mother is probably the most stressful job in the world, yet moms everywhere tend to harbor this stress instead of relieving it. However, even if your schedule doesn’t allow you to spend quality time by yourself, there are still plenty of ways you can reduce stress. After all, carrying too much stress can have significantly negative impacts on your health, and the last thing you need is to be rundown because you can’t find ways to relax. If you’re a mom, here are six ways you can reduce your stress.
- Take a small break.
You may not have the time to go to the gym to work off your stress, but you can likely find a couple minutes a day to take a small break and rejuvenate yourself. For instance, make yourself a cup of tea and sit down for 10 minutes to unwind. Head out to your garden and do some menial tasks for a little bit. Throw on a pair of headphones and just tune out from the rest of the world. If you can create the time to take a small break, you’ll notice your stress levels will start to decline.
- De-clutter.
It may sound strange but having a cluttered home can raise your anxiety levels which can also raise your stress. If you’re looking for an efficient way to reduce stress while also checking something off your to-do list, consider de-cluttering. For instance, you can find organizations in your area you can donate unused items to, whether it be clothes or toys. Those in Arizona can also locate a junk yard in Phoenix that will take old automobiles or parts, and you may even be able to make a little bit of extra cash that way too.
- Ask for help.
Asking for help will not make you a bad mother, it will make you a smart mother. While you are super at everything you do, it’s impossible for you to do everything without it taking a toll on you. Instead of waiting for it to take over, don’t be afraid to ask people for help. Maybe your neighbor can get your kid from school a few days a week so you can have a little time to yourself. Maybe you and your spouse can alternate who drives the kids to and from their activities. There are plenty of ways you can find help when you need it, so don’t let your pride get in the way.
- Change schedules.
Sometimes it’s a crazy schedule that can wreak havoc on a mom, and if that’s the case with you, then see how you can change your schedule. Will your work let you move your hours to make it more convenient for your work-life balance? If so, then do that. If not, change your schedule in other ways. Maybe you can have the family dinner after practice to give you more wiggle room, or maybe you can move your personal appointment to another day of the week to ease things up. If you can make adjustments to your schedule that let you calm things down, you’ll find yourself in less stress.
- Use lists.
With so much to do, it’s possible your stress comes through when you’re not prepared. Instead of putting yourself at risk, you should always make a list to keep you on point. For instance, you should make to-do lists for yourself every day so you don’t forget about something you wanted to accomplish. In addition, you should also use lists at work and even encourage your family members to use lists too so everyone is always organized.
- Schedule me time.
If it’s possible, you should work some me time into your calendar at least once a week. If this means you physically have to put it on your calendar, then do so. During this time, do what makes you happy. Maybe you want to exercise, nap, pick up a hobby, cook, or just sit in silence, it’s totally fine. You need to do things for yourself every now and then, and scheduling me time is a great way to do just that.
Being a mother is tough, and stress is inevitable with the job. However, you don’t have to let stress get the best of you, even if you have a very busy life. Instead, use these tips to reduce stress and you’ll find yourself being a better person all around.