Feeling stressed? You’re not alone.
Most mothers agree that parenting is incredibly stressful. When at its worst that stress can negatively affect personal relationships, mental well-being and your work life. Unchecked stress can also affect your relationship with your child, making you insensitive to their needs and less fun to be around in general.
To keep the lid on and the stress at a simmer, try these simple tips to get through the stresses of parenting.
Learn Your Stress Signs
The first thing to do is monitor yourself and learn what your major stress triggers are and how you react when you are over-stressed. A bit of self-awareness goes a long way.
You have to know yourself to be able to make changes and look after yourself. Do you yell and scream or close of and refuse to talk to anyone? Tune into your body and identify the warning signs.
Don’t be Afraid to Seek Help When You Need It
Everyone needs a break, and no one should have to tackle the stresses of parenthood alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help, whether it’s your mother, mother-in-law, siblings, doctor, next door neighbour, or an early childhood specialist.
Just like reading blogs and articles helps you gain an insight into hints and tips, talking to parents who have weathered to storm can be hugely beneficial. Some people might be more than a little cynical and make you feel anxious about the whole experience.
It’s best just to avoid them as much as possible, and approach parenthood in a positive light. So, see if a family member can help out or find a Nanny in Melbourne. Even just having a few nights off a week will make a world of difference.
Set Aside Time For Yourself
This is one of the simplest and enjoyable ways to keep your stress levels down as a parent, but also one of the most difficult to keep. When life gets busy, this seems like a part of your day or week that is expendable. But it shouldn’t be. Be sure to allocate some ‘me’ time each week, or even each day if possible. And protect that time.
Do your best to stop things getting in the way of that time to yourself. It isn’t expendable, it’s very important to your mental well-being. Take the time out to do something completely for yourself and by yourself. Set it aside and don’t let anything or anyone encroach upon it.
It’s important that you remain rigid in looking out for yourself and keeping your own sense of self. Use the time to get creative, enjoy a hobby, read a book, or to take yourself on a personal date to a gallery, movie or whatever else might strike your fancy.
Learn Deep Breathing and Meditation
There is so much information out there these days on the benefits of meditation, and the power of the breath. Start and end each day with 5-20 minutes of deep breathing or meditation. It’s not too much time to take out of your day but will make a world of difference.
Exercise
This one you most likely already know, and if you’re making excuses as to why you don’t have the time then stop making excuses and find the time. There are people who are busier than you that still find the time to exercise because it’s important. Take care of yourself.
Start Each Day with Gratitude and Intention
We are mortal and no-one knows how much time they have. Each day we get really is a special gift, that someone, somewhere in the world has missed out on and wishes they could have that little bit of extra time. Start each day with a sense of gratitude. Be grateful for the roof over your head, food in the cupboard and the beautiful child or children that you have.
Get Up Earlier Than Your Kids
Instead of sleeping as late as possible, set your alarm for 30-60 minutes earlier than your children get up. Take the time for yourself to meditate, breath, exercise, have a cup of tea, make yourself a nice breakfast, and practice gratitude. Getting up that little bit earlier will make you feel 100 times better!
There are so many simple tweaks you can make to your day to improve your outlook. Keep it simple and enjoy the time with your children.