I’ve been super stressed lately.
It’s been about seven or more weeks of us constantly coming down with something as a family.
The domino effect. Daughter gets it then I get it then my husband gets it. On repeat.
I’m exhausted by it all. It’s never been this bad.
You know how one moment you feel you’re on top of the mountain (no washing in your linen basket!) then suddenly you’ve fallen to bottom of it, staring up at what feels like a now impossible climb?
Yeah that’s where I’m at right now.
Stress surely is a natural by product of motherhood?
This month (April) is stress awareness month as shared by Stress Management Society so I wanted to write a blog about this lovely topic which I’m still figuring out.
I hope if you’re in any way stressed, this will help you power through.
Reduce Stress by…
- Prioritising your health and wellbeing
It’s easy to not tune into your body but it’s important to take time to listen closely. If you’re not feeling yourself, head to the doctors to get checked out. I recently was feeling tired a lot and turns out that my Vitamin D levels were depleted. It’s good to do a body MOT even if it’s something as “silly” as you may see it as constant fatigue.
Also, it’s easy to worry about things we can’t control so going to the doctors can help put your worry and stress at ease by doing something about it.
2. Get a good night’s sleep
That thing called sleep, do you know it? Sleep changes when you have a child and it plays a major role in how we feel and approach our day. I personally am not good on a lack of sleep. I can be pretty groggy and irritable. Try to head to bed a little earlier or simply put, prioritising as much as you can so you can tackle the day. That includes getting those naps in (especially if you’re on maternity leave) to make it through the day.
3. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool to focus our racing thoughts. This act in itself can help you feel a real sense of calm and focus, alleviating any stress you may feel. There are many types of mindfulness practices you can do. I particularly love the body scan as this helps me take my mind away from the 101 things I need to do and focus on relaxing every part of me.
4. Drink lots of water
We all know this but it can be hard to incorporate it when we’re busy and yet, water is crucial to enabling our body to function properly as well as hydrating our skin. I try to be intentional at work by having one of my sports bottle on my desk always topped up so I can sip as I work. If I don’t I’m guilty of going a whole morning with just tea and not a sip of water.
5. Eat well
You are what you eat is how the saying go and it’s true. If you eat a ton of fast-food and sweets, you’re not going to feel energised and ready to go get it! Well you might for a few hours before a big slump. What we consume can make us feel good, so, that apple a day keeps the doctor away is true! Incorporate lots of fruit and veggies in your diet to feel more energised.
6. Do some physical excercise
Movement is a brilliant way to reduce stress whether that’s going for a long walk or doing some cardio. I’ve recently started to get back on this wagon as I only did walks (all be it up a crazy hill near my house) but I still felt that my body wasn’t as strong as I wanted it to be. I’m still in the early days but I’m enjoying the Nike work-outs on Netflix as short exercises that I can incorporate into my daily routine – and I’m feeling stronger for it, and it’s only been a week!
7. Manage your time better
Ever feel that pang in your stomach when you’ve got so much to do and you don’t have enough time? It’s stressful. I know as I’ve been there so many time. Managing your time can help alleviate stress because you no longer have that sudden urgency and pressure that poor time management can cause.
8. Practice a digital detox every now and then
On average we receive 364 emails a week. Being on top of your inbox is a full-time job, and with that, a lot of stress. There’s this need to be ‘always-on’, always available and always ready to respond. I mean imagine you not responding to that message for 2 days?
It can feel quite suffocating at times so a digital detox is helpful to take that stress away. It allows you to focus better and when you return, manage the way you use technology.
Related blog: Why a digital detox is great for busy mums
9. Ensure you have boundaries
It’s hard to say no but setting boundaries is pretty liberating. It also can avoid stressful situations which you create by not having any boundaries in place. Boundaries are healthy things that allow those closest to you to understand what you will and won’t do. If you don’t, you could find yourself burning the candle at both ends and burning out quickly.
10. Be positive
This sounds fluffy but hope and having a positive outlook can be helpful. Why? Simply because when we think positively, that energy can be picked up by others. Ever been around a negative person? How did it feel? Draining. Depressing. Frustrating. Try to flip situations around by focusing on the good things. That’s why practising gratitude or journaling is an effective way to practise positivity as when everything is going to pot, you still have something to at least be thankful for.
If you’re ready to try some easy-to-implement self-care ideas that will support this, then sign up today to the self-care challenge.
Why not try the Stress Management Society’s 30 day stress challenge ‘From Distress to De-stress’.