Motherhood has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives, but itโs not easy! The kids are still in elementary school and are always on the go with their hobbies and activities. As much as we love seeing them pursue their passions, the constant running around, never-ending laundry piles, and overwhelming responsibilities can be draining!
One of the biggest challenges weโve faced is trying to balance everything. We want to be there for our kids and support them as much as they need, but we also want to make sure that weโre taken care of us, so we donโt crack. Itโs a delicate balance, and not always easy to get right!
Here are a few important strategies learned that help me de-stress and take care of myself.
Yoga & Meditation
Source: articleonfitness.com
Yoga and meditation have been lifesavers for me. Theyโre great ways to take a break from the constant noise and anxieties of life and focus on personal wellness.
Yoga has helped to improve breathing and flexibility. Itโs a form of self-care that allows me to tune out the world and train my attention on inner calm. The best part about it is that itโs always there when I need itโyou can perform yoga poses just about anywhere!
Stretching, on the other hand, energizes me, and the focus on breathing helps me to release any tension I hold in my body. Itโs a practice that Iโve come to rely on, and it is also a way to connect with myself and feel firmly grounded in reality!
Reading
Reading is another wonderful way to unwind and put behind the stresses of the day. Iโll grab a novel, a magazine, or a self-help book, and lose myself in the writing.
Reading is a perfect opportunity to relax and transport me to another place and time. Itโs also a surefire way to learn all kinds of new things. In the end, reading is a form of escapism that allows me to forget about the demands of motherhood and immerse myself in knowledge.
I always feel calmer and more centered after reading a good book!
Having a Circle
Source: baby-chick.com
I have a group of friends who are also moms. I love getting together with them on a regular basis, whether it be going out for coffee, grabbing lunch, having drinks, or just chatting and catching up. Having a reliable cohort of friends is a great way to get the support you need!
Itโs a real treat to have a friend who understand what Iโm going through as a mom, and their advice is invaluable. I find that talking things through with them always makes me feel better and more competent. Thereโs a lot to be said for being part of a supportive communityโit allows you to laugh, vent, and feel so much less alone.
I wouldnโt be as good of a mom if I didnโt have such a strong group of friends!
Facial Rejuvenation
Facial rejuvenation has not only helped me de-stress but taken care of myself as a mom. Itโs a form of self-care that allows me to focus on my appearance and feel better about myself.
Whether it be a simple facial or a specialized chemical peel at a spa, I find beauty treatments to be super rejuvenating. They improve the texture and complexion of my skin and make me feel refreshed. Iโve also noticed that, when my skin looks good, I feel more confident and energized.
The next step Iโm considering is getting a facelift to help me look and feel my best. It is a big investment, but it will go a long way. I canโt wait to look ten years younger than I really amโfacial rejuvenation has made such a huge difference in my life!
Setting Boundaries and Priorities
Source: adoptionchoicesofnewyork.org
Setting boundaries and priorities is a critical step for moms looking to manage stress. Taking the time to evaluate your commitments, values, and goals allows you to prioritize what matters most in order to achieve balance and contentment.
When setting boundaries, itโs important to communicate your needs clearly while also being understanding of other peopleโs limits. It can also be helpful to practice self-compassion when evaluating which tasks must take priority in your life: donโt pressure yourself into doing more than you are both physically and emotionally capable of.
Prioritizing is another essential component of stress management, especially for moms who find themselves feeling overwhelmed all too often. Ask yourself where you can cut back or delegate responsibilities to free up more energy and time for the things that truly matter. Determine what must be done, what should be done, and what could wait until later.
It may take some trial and error before you reach a place of true balance in managing stress as a mom, but with patience and perseverance, it is possible to set effective boundaries and prioritize wisely so that everyone involved ends up feeling supported, respected, and fulfilled.
Being a mom is hard work, but itโs rewarding, and we wouldnโt trade it for anything. At the same time, Weโve learned the importance of prioritizing ourselves when we need to, because it helps us be the absolute best mom that we can be. By taking the time to pamper ourselves, we are better equipped to handle the challenges of parenthood and enjoy everything that comes along with it.
