Are You Looking for Real Mom Stress Relief?
Hey Mama! This article is for you and begins with a virtual hug.
No matter what stage of motherhood you are in – the early infant days, the toddler phase, the endless answering of questions elementary phase, the pre-teen coping phase or the “endless” teenage year phase – you probably need some help with how to reduce stress. Here are 7 easy stress management activities to take some of the stress off your shoulders and provide stress relief for Moms like you everywhere.
Stress Relief Strategy #1 – Work it Out
The first stress relief technique has to do with physically giving your body a break. You can pick from your favorite type of exercise – swimming, running, biking, hiking, etc.
You get bonus points if you can do the exercise in nature. Going for a walk also counts if you don’t typically work out.
If you are too frazzled and exhausted to even contemplate exercising, try some gentle stretching and yoga. Rodney Yee’s Gaiam “Beginner Yoga” is a good place to start.
This yoga program is so easy and makes you feel like you took a nap when you are done in a good kind of way. You can learn more about this at “How to Begin a Simple and Easy Yoga Practice for Stress Relief”.
Stress Relief at Home – Take Advantage of Nap Times
Speaking of naps, what if you were to schedule one every now and then until you start to feel less stressed? If you have really little kids, try napping when they do.
If you try to cram a lot of work in when your kids are sleeping and you are also tired from being up with them during the night (or very early morning), this is a great recipe for resentment and anger. Try instead to nap at least some of the time until you start to feel more human and like yourself again.
If you are trying to stay up late at night to get some “me” time in, that can also backfire on you. Because you know the little ones are going to be up at 6 a.m. regardless.
While this may mean giving up late night TV and binge watching for the short term, you can decrease your stress levels by going to bed earlier and getting more sleep. Remember – a well rested Mama is a happy and sane Mama.
Stress Reduction for Moms – Connection and Talking to Your Friends
You know how they say your real friends are the ones you can call at 3 a.m.? Well, your real friends are also those you can call when you just need to vent for 20 minutes.
15 to 20 minutes of uninterrupted venting about whatever is driving you crazy at the moment can take a lot of stress off your shoulders. Of course, you should always return the favor and listen to your friend vent as well. You can REALLY solve the world’s problems if you can actually get away for a drink or a lunch together.
One of the Best Ways to Relieve Stress – Find a Support Buddy
In addition to the friends you can call to vent, try to search for like minded Moms you can relate with and support each other during the various stages of raising kids. At the Baby to Preschool level, try Mommy and Me classes, library groups, and breastfeeding groups.
As your kids get older, you can connect with other Moms through church groups, activities – Scouts, Band, Drama, and sports – Cheerleading, Football, Swim Moms, etc. You can get to know the other Moms and get on carpool lists if you feel comfortable. Down the road sharing the weight of the extracurricular activities can save you time and stress later.
Almost Immediate Relief from Stress – Laugh When You Can
The more stressed you are, the more you want to find an outlet for laughs. Whether you like a good comedy show or TV (here are some ideas from “Funny TV Shows When You Need a Laugh”.
You can choose to laugh at a comedienne, a funny podcast, or hilarious books like the ones from Tina Fey or Mindy Kaling. Regardless of what you pick, just chose one and find a way to laugh your stress away. You really have to work at being stressed when you are laughing.
Reduce Stress by Getting Creative
One of the best ways to get out of your own head is to the engage in a creative activity. When you are stressed, do something of a creative nature to get your mind off of what you are worrying about and be productive at the same time.
You can choose from Baking, Writing, Drawing, Painting, Knitting, Playing Music, etc. There is a creative pursuit for everyone, just chose something you love to do.
A lot of hobbies can also be portable so you can do them while waiting in the car line too. (Painting and playing music are probably out. LOL) Check out our article “Bored? How to Find Your Next Hobby” with some great lists of fun hobbies to try.
Spend Time with the Ultimate Stress Relievers – Your Pets
In our family, we have had at least one dog (and sometimes two) to provide immediate stress relief. Dogs are naturally able to be in the present moment with you and all they really want to do is BE with you.
Animals don’t usually ask you for a whole lot either. If you give your animal love, attention, and food and water, they are usually content. In return, they will sit with you for hours and calm your nerves just by their presence.
Your pets can make you laugh from their antics and generally be the best friend you never knew you needed – until you had it. Dogs to me are miracles. (Cats maybe are too, I don’t know personally.)
7 Ways to Provide Stress Relief for Moms (Almost Instantly)
- Work out your stress through stress and exercise
- Rest yourself (and your stress as well)
- Talk through your stress
- Find a support buddy to cut your stress level
- Laugh off your stress
- Use creativity as a means to eliminate stress
- Appreciate your pets for the stress reduction they can bring
Hopefully, these stress relief tips and techniques will work for you and help you to get rid of some stress today. If you employ one of the 7 ways each day, even if only for 15 minutes, you can handle stress better going forward.
Please share these tips with your most stressed friend as we can all use some help. Also, if you feel guilty about the idea of taking care of yourself, please see “Self Love Isn’t Selfish, It’s Important”.
What are your favorite ways to relieve stress? Please share in the comments below.
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While you are here, make sure you grab your copy of the "Self-Care Mini-Guide" to help you figure out how to add self-care to your daily life. Just click the link Loveselfcare Self-Care Mini-Guide to download your guide!
