If you are a mom, I’m sure the word stress is not a new concept. There are likely days you feel like you have it all together and days when it all falls apart. As moms, we tend to try and take it all on and feel guilty if we don’t. Here are 7 quick tips to help yourself de-stress.
Plan Ahead!
This is definitely my number one recommendation. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I find if I do not plan ahead I am setting myself up for disaster. I know if I have an early appointment or meeting for work, I make sure I’m prepped and ready to go the night before. I make sure I have picked out what I am wearing, have the coffee ready to go and have all of my daughters necessities prepared. You never know what your day is going to have in store for you. Of course, you can plan and plan until you can’t possibly plan anymore and something will happen in the day to derail you. If this happens, guess what?! That’s OKAY! Be gracious with yourself and move on.
Make Time For Yourself!
For many of us mamas, I know it’s hard to find time for ourselves…but this is a MUST! If you do not take care of yourself, it is very difficult to show up for others the way you want to. I remember how difficult it was, especially when my daughter was a newborn, to place any of my focus anywhere else but on her. I didn’t ask for help and I definitely didn’t take time for myself. I thought I could handle it all and felt guilty if I wasn’t supermom all the time. Why is it that as mamas we feel guilty for taking any sort of time for ourselves?! We absolutely NEED to take the time to focus on our needs to ensure we are showing up as our best selves for our loved ones. Read a book, take a drive on a nice day and blast the music with the windows down, go for a walk. Prioritize you!
Have That One Special Person On Call
The older we get, the less friends we tend to hold on to. Honestly, I don’t see this as a bad thing. Those few that you hold on to are the people who know the absolute most about your fears, doubts, downfalls, highlights and what means the most to you. It’s so incredibly important to identify someone you can reach out to in a time of need. Someone who will not judge you when you tell them you fed your toddler a cupcake for breakfast because you were simply too tired to fight. Or when you plan an overnight trip away from your kids and couldn’t be more excited. Or when you call bawling your eyes out because 2020 was going to be your year, but then the world is hit with a pandemic and your whole life is turned upside down. Don’t EVER let go of that person and don’t ever be afraid to reach out to them.
Find Your Release
Everyone needs to have an outlet. We all get stressed or overwhelmed at some point and need to find a way to let this go. And no, I do not mean opening a bottle of wine! Personally, I journal or get my sweat on. My father passed away when I was a teenager and I was forced into therapy. I am not great at verbalizing my emotions, but put a pen and paper in front of me and I will let it all out! Now that I am an adult, I am a huge advocate for therapy and partake in it monthly along with frequent journaling. Working out has also been a huge destress tactic for me. I always feel better when I’m finished no matter if it was a short walk or an intense cycling class. There are so many ways to release stress: yoga, meditation, walking, hiking, reading a book you enjoy, talking with family or friends, walking the dog, watching a funny movie, playing a game with your kids. The list goes on and on. Make sure to find something YOU love and do it as frequently as you need.
Find A Reason To Smile
This may sound much easier said than done. That may be true, but it’s not impossible. When I’m having a really rough day, I try and look for things that make me happy. It’s easy to sit and wallow in your sadness, but that is not beneficial. Seek out happiness and joy. I actually start every day with a simple gratitude practice. This allows me to set a positive intention for my day. It also encourages me to look for things to be grateful for throughout my day. When you are feeling down, stressed, angry or hopeless, take a minute to find one thing that makes you smile.
Take Care Of Yourself
You MUST make yourself a priority and take care of yourself. It is important to try and get an adequate amount of sleep every night. I know….sleep…what’s that?! But this is very important to your overall health. If you struggle with getting adequate sleep you can check out this article. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Water is so important for our bodies. I’ve provided some helpful ways to increase your water intake here. Eat healthy meals whenever you can. Obviously, there are days that are busy and hectic. We can’t always make a home cooked, healthy meal. But try and make this a habit and find healthy foods you truly enjoy. MOVE! Yes, we all need some sort of physical activity to keep us healthy. Find an activity you love and incorporate it into your day.
Ask For Help
This is something so many of us struggle with. This relates to everyone, not only moms, but I believe it is especially important for moms. When I had my daughter, I was struggling…BAD! So many of my amazing family and friends offered to help us, yet I almost always declined. I didn’t want to seem like a failure as a new mom. This was a HUGE mistake! I found myself overwhelmed, exhausted and very depressed. I am begging you…ask for help! Accept the help! Never feel guilty for asking for or accepting it because ya know what…this whole motherhood thing is insanely difficult. It really does take a village. And if you are lucky enough to be surrounded by that village, please take advantage. Asking for help does not make you a inadequate mom, it makes you a strong, happy and healthy role model for your babies.
Being a mom is freaking hard! You deserve a break and should never feel guilty about taking time for yourself. I’m sure you have heard the saying, “you cannot pour from an empty cup”. That is so incredibly true, especially for parents. If you are exhausted, stressed, anxious and overwhelmed, you will have a much harder time giving your best to your kiddos. Please give yourself grace and realize you are going to have stressful days. But, I’m hoping these tips will help you during those days. In case no one has told you lately…you are one strong mama!