If you’re a mom, chances are you’re dealing with some level of stress on a regular basis, and for moms in Houston, stress feels at an all-time high after living through a hurricane like Beryl. We’re nearing the end of summer, gearing up for back to school, and likely running on fumes most days. Below is a list of ways to help with stress relief, for mamas going through all the seasons of parenthood, from newborn to fully grown.
For mamas with newborn babies.
Those newborn days are a season of stress unlike any other time in life that we go through. Your body is healing, your hormones are all over the place, and you’re sleep-deprived. Feelings of stress and overwhelm happen. Make sure that you’re eating well-rounded meals, trying to rest when you can, and accepting help.
If you’re in a situation that’s making you feel overly stressed, like when you’re unable to get your baby to stop crying, it’s ok to leave the baby in a safe space where they can’t hurt themselves, like an empty crib, and walk away for a minute.
Find ways to get time to yourself.
One of the more challenging things about having kids is finding childcare so that you can still go do things on your own or as a couple. Try to find ways to get creative. Alternative waking up with the kids over the weekend so that you and your spouse can each have some downtime or hire a babysitter through a service like Bambino so that you can go have a date night.
Do some grounding exercises.
This is a tool I’ve been leveraging in my moments of stress after learning about it through my mental health coach. Grounding techniques help us stop the spiral of stressful thoughts and anxious feeling by focusing on our senses. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and notice how they feel, or put your hand on your stomach and breathe in and out while focusing on the movement. Look around the room and pick out five items that you can see. There are multiple grounding techniques you can find by searching online, pick one that works for you.
Do something that makes you fully disconnect.
These days we spend some much time connected and plugged in – to work calls, social media, zoom and more. Do something when you’re feeling stressed that makes you totally disconnect. Go for a walk, or take an exercise class, or do something with your hands like cooking a new recipe or trying a new craft. Journal and write down your feelings, connect with your emotions.
Explore your work or health insurance benefits.
Look into what mental health resources your employer might provide. My company offers mental health coaching sessions through Lyra, and my husband and I have both taken advantage of it and benefited greatly from it. I’ve heard of companies offering similar benefits through services like Calm or Headspace.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
If you’re an introvert, then you re-charge by spending time alone, and if you’re an extrovert, you re-charge by spending time in social settings. Spend some time meeting your needs based on your personality type.
Treat yourself to an at-home spa night.
I love a good at-home spa night. Fill the tub with some hot water and good bath salts, a luxurious face mask (I’ve heard these are all the rage), rest your eyes with this eye mask, pour your favorite drink and put on your favorite music. It’s one of the best ways to make a long day melt away.
Be clear with your partner about the invisible load, and your needs.
As moms we’re so used to keeping things afloat. We make all the doctor appointments, change out the kids clothes with each new season, maintain the grocery list, etc. Many times we do this while managing full-time jobs outside of the home. It’s all just too much.
Make a list of all the tasks you manage – the invisible tasks that keep your family functioning – and have a clear conversation with your partner about sharing the load. If it’s possible for you to do so, outsource or automize where you can. Set up grocery delivery and schedule Amazon Subscribe and Save for items you frequently use.
Declutter.
Seeing clutter, especially in our home environment can create feelings of stress and anxiety, and with kids there is always clutter! Pick an area to organize and declutter. It can be a small area like the kitchen island or random corner where the mail piles up. Just dealing with one area with make you feel like you accomplished a task, and will make you instantly feel better about your surroundings, lowering those feelings of stress.
Don’t feel bad about saying “no”.
If you’re anything like me, saying “no” to any invitation can create some serious FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) so I end up saying “yes” to every ask that comes my way, until I’m worn out and burnt out. Even if it’s just for a season, practice saying “no” more often. Removing just one event from your calendar will likely remove a few additional tasks as well, like buying a present or preparing a dish to take. You’ll create a little more margin in your calendar, and I can promise you that your friends and family won’t stop extending invitations in future.
As moms, we spend so much time being caretakers. We are constantly making sure that everyone in our world is safe, loved, and taken care of. The best way we can continue to care for those we love, is to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves too.
