Are you a mom who is feeling stressed out and overwhelmed? Have you been on the search for stress relief techniques that work, but aren’t too time consuming or expensive? Let me help!
Why Moms Need Self-Care
Self-care isn’t something most of us prioritize, but did you know you can actually be a better mom by putting yourself first?
The typical self-care advice looks like this: make sure to eat well, find time for exercise, and get enough sleep. Wow! How enlightening. Why didn’t I think of that?
In reality, moms don’t have a ton of time for self-care – especially when the kids are young. However, the benefits of self-care speak for themselves, so it’s worth prioritizing.
If you prioritize yourself, you will feel less overwhelmed. Your children will notice, and they’ll experience benefits as well. Being less stressed means you have more patience for your kids, and your family can grow stronger because of it.
Spend Time With Your Friends
It’s important to make time for your friendships. Spend a day at the spa or in town shopping together, take a class on something that interests you both (e.g., pottery-making) or go out to dinner and catch up every few weeks! You’ll feel better knowing someone has your back when it comes to being mommy-no matter what life throws at you.
Plus, you can have playdates with the kids during the week. Playdates always help the time pass faster.
Take Time For A Bath
Baths are among my favorite pastimes. They’re so peaceful and also have the ability to make you feel far better, whatever your frame of mind is. Fill a bath tub of hot water with bubbles or essential oils and light some candles to create the perfect mood. Place some soft music and simply relax! Yes, you may need to wait till the little ones are in bed, however it’s a perfect time to grab a glass of wine and enjoy the moment.
Add To The Effects Of A Bath By Taking Deep Breaths
Put one hand on your chest where it meets your ribs and place the other hand on top of that first hand.
Breathe deeply into this area until you can’t take any more air. Hold for about five seconds before exhaling slowly through pursed lips like blowing out a candle. This allows oxygenated blood to go from your lungs all throughout your body.
Watch TV
Watching your favorite TV show can be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with work or the kids, just watch your favorite show and you’ll feel better! The next time you have a moment to spare, try zoning out on an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy”. You won’t regret it 🙂
Listen To music
Listening to music is another way you can soothe stress. Find a song that makes you feel good and take some time for yourself. Better yet, find a song that makes you get up and dance!
Benefits of listening to music to de-stress include:
- healthy alternative to other coping mechanisms
- helps improve mood
- improves focus
- the right music can be an effective distraction from stress
Some examples of relaxing music:
- classical or instrumental music
- meditative sounds (e.g., waves, rainfall)
- new age, ambient soundscapes (e.g., [Enya, Native American Shamanic Chants])
- inspirational songs
Read A book
There is nothing more relaxing than curling up in bed with an old friend who always makes us laugh: your favorite book. So grab one from the shelf, light some candles, pour yourself a glass of wine if needed, and dive in.
Benefits of reading a book to de-stress:
- helps you focus on something other than stress
- helps improve mood
- helps improve sleep
- helps improve relationships with others (e.g., reading to your kids)
Some great books that are useful for stress relief include:
- [The Alchemist] by Paulo Coelho
- [Plant Spirit Medicine] by Ross Heaven and Wendy Asquith-Smith
- [I am Malala, the Autobiography of Malala Yousafzai]
- [The Power of Now] by Eckhart Tolle
- [Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind] – Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
- [What Doesn’t Kill Us Makes Us Stronger] by Eric Greitens
Talk To Someone You Trust
Talking to another mom is one of the best ways to de-stress. It’s so nice to get a fresh perspective from someone who can commiserate with your stresses. When you’re talking with them, you automatically feel better because they are empathizing with your situation and cheering you up at the same time.
Plus, if they have children as well and there’s something they’ve dealt with before that you’re going to deal with too, they can give you some great advice.
Take A Break From The Kids
Easier said than done, right? But seriously, taking a break – or having the opportunity to – is extremely important whether you have newborns or teenagers.
Okay, especially if you have teenagers.
Let go of any guilt you may be harboring towards the idea of leaving your kids in your partner’s (or other support person’s) care. They are your support for a reason.
Get Some Fresh Air And Go Outside
A lot of times when moms are dealing with stress, we also feel like we’re trapped inside. Don’t forget about the power of nature!
Nature has a calming effect on people. Go by yourself or take your kids out into the wilderness, go camping, or spend an afternoon in a nearby park with your favorite iced tea. Being surrounded by trees and mountains will make it easier for everyone to breathe.
Benefits of walking in nature:
– Improves mood
– Improves sleep quality
– Exercise for your body and mind.
– Improves focus.
– Helps manage stress and anxiety.
Meditation And Yoga
There is nothing like de-stressing with a good meditation or yoga session.
Benefits of yoga for moms:
– Improves mood and sleep quality
– Reduces stress, anxiety, depression, anger
– Increases focus and brain function
– Helps relieve pain in the body and mind from chronic stress by releasing tension through stretching poses
– Releases neurotransmitters which produce feelings of happiness such as serotonin and dopamine
– Increases energy levels and reduces fatigue
– Helps you destress after a long day of parenting
We know as moms, we are often so busy that it can be hard to take care of ourselves. But self-care is important and it’s not selfish! As moms, we must make time for ourselves or we will burn out from the stress.
