10 Stress Relief Ideas for Busy Moms
10 Stress Relief Ideas for Busy Moms
Take steps to build healthy habits that reduce stress
Being a mom can be stressful. Working moms and even stay at home moms often need ways to reduce stress.
“Moms become expert jugglers. “They may take care of everything — including housecleaning, feeding the baby, working, carpooling and managing the household. Wearing all these hats can make everyday life hectic.”
There are a number of ways to maintain your mental and physical health while dealing with daily caretaker duties. Many moms carry the tasks of doingbe everything from cooking and cleaning to making sure the kids get to school, and many carry the extra task of juggling all of this with a full time job too. Here are some stress relieving tips that may help.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
Mild dehydration can affect your body before you realize you are thirsty. Lack of water can cause headaches, fatigue and lack of energy. To help stay feeling your best always energize yourself by drinking plenty of water everyday.
- Leave the sweets
When you’re tired and hungry, it’s easy to reach for unhealthy, pre-packaged snacks. Sugar gives you an immediate high but soon brings you down so that you feel worse than because. Sometimes sugary snacks on an empty stomach can lead to mild stomach aches later. It’s especially important to maintain a healthy diet when you have a busy schedule. As a general rule, try to eat something every two to four hours, and select low-calorie healthy snacks, such as string cheese, fruit and cut-up veggies. Nutritious foods will give you more energy and help you feel better throughout the day.
- Go for a walk
Make sure you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Even if you are exhausted, go outside for a rejuvenating walk because fresh air and exercise can help calm your mind, give you more energy and improve your mood.
- Get creative
Creating something beautiful will definitely lift your mood, make you happier and will create a since of pride. Take just a few minutes each day to work on a craft, doodle in your favorite journal.
- Read
Spend several minutes a day reading your favorite book. Even a few minutes each day to stop and read a few pages or short chapter in your favorite book can do wonders for your psyche and bring a sense of calm and peace to your mind.
- Burn a candle and meditate
What could be more calming than taking a few minutes to sit alone in a quiet room with the lovely sent of your favorite candle wafting across your senses. I find this very calming and love to do this for just a few minutes every night after dinner. For me this seems to create a wonderful sense of peace for my inner soul.
- Laugh everyday
Whether it’s a little giggling or a hearty belly laugh, laughter is good for you and your family. Laughter reduces your stress by increasing the endorphins to your brain and relaxing your muscles. When things seem overly stressful, take a minute to watch the antics of your little ones as they play or spend some time with the family pet. They’re sure to make you smile.
- Be grateful
Just taking a minute to think about all of the good and wonderful things in your life and being grateful for each and everyone can do wonders for the soul. Having an attitude of being thankful and gratitude provides perspective and brings you to the present.
- Take time for yourself
Understand that you most likely won’t finish everything on your “To Do” list — ever. So take time each day to do whatever you like. Some moms wake up before the family to read and enjoy a cup of uninterrupted coffee or tea. You may choose to carve out some time to meditate, take a bath or simply listen to music.
- Play with your kids
When life gets busy, you can forget to take time to just play. Have some stress relievers you can do with your children, such as drawing, blowing bubbles, dancing and playing with pets. You’ll be creating memories together and helping each other feel more relaxed.
- Ask for support
Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for support, even if that is as simple as calling a friend or checking out a blog. Arrange for a babysitting swap with friends, or ask a trusted family member to watch the little ones while you exercise or get some sleep.
Learning to relax and giving up the idea of perfection will let you and your children enjoy the ride — bumps and all.”
