Stress Relief for Busy Moms
March Madness for Moms is an attempt to help you and me to take a deep breath, close our eyes, and relax…just for a moment. The hectic springtime schedule can be overwhelming.
Grab a cup of coffee, sink into a comfy chair, and read through the list of stress reducers printed below. Find one or two ideas you can put into practice today to find calm in the chaos.
xo Becky
1. Take a deep breath. Realize this too shall pass. The stress of today will be gone and replaced by another pressing issue tomorrow. You’ll soon forget what was causing angst today.
2. Give yourself permission to say no to volunteer requests. Saying no allows someone else an opportunity to serve and creates margin for you. (See last week’s post!)
3. Be selective in activities for your child. Children do not have to experience every extra curricular activity before kindergarten. Hectic schedules can be the result of peer pressure to enroll kids in too many activities.
4. Rest. Get enough sleep to feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.
5. Eat well. Skip the quick pick-me-ups like caffeine and sugar. Opt for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
6. Stay hydrated to avoid a whole host of health problems including headaches. Nothing is worse than a stress and dehydration headache.
7. Take time to be with your spouse, alone. Time without kids to focus on the two of you builds a strong relationship. Keep in mind the kids joined your marriage.
8. Keep up with your own interests. Having a hobby helps to relieve stress and gives you personal time to enjoy your own interests.
9. Join forces with other parents. Organize carpools, homework helps, and babysitting. Find a friend, preferably one who is a good cook, and offer to share meals once a week, each making double to provide dinner for one another.
10. Pray! Reliance on God will take the pressure off you. As the old adage goes, “Give it to God, He’s going to be up all night anyway.” Quiet time to discuss the problems of the day is balm for the soul. Pray before bedtime to share your joys and release your angst.
Start your day with prayer as well. My favorite time to pray is early morning, before anyone is out of bed…even me. I cuddle under the covers, whisper, “Good morning God,” and have a chat with the One who will guide my day.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29
Previously posted on May 22, 2013.
© 2014 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
Making double portions and swapping meals with a friend. What a great idea! I can picture the last one. .makes me smile (and of course it makes God smile)
Absolutely! It’s a great way to get out of the rut and try new recipes too.