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As a busy mom, it feels like there’s never enough time to get what you need. However, there are some secret stress busters you may not have thought of or at least have yet to try. From getting enough sleep to staying social with friends and family, here are some relieving suggestions.
How About a Quick Game?
Stress relief is something we can all do with, but as a mom, managing stress is vital. With higher stress levels comes the chance of irritability, poor self-care, and even child neglect. This alone makes the case for taking better care of yourself. Of course, it’s not that easy for everyone, and no one is saying you are a bad parent. FYI, though, just something like a quick Freecell gaming session can be enough to inject a bit of fun into your routine and get you back on track.
Stress-Busters for Moms Include Sleep
One of the biggest secrets no one mentions is sleep. Not getting enough sleep can severely negatively impact your stress and energy. Despite this, 88% of moms feel like they don’t get enough sleep. So, before you pass out on the couch, consider giving these a try for some rest:
- Keep a consistent schedule with timings, a relaxing routine, and a pleasing bedroom.
- Seek support by sharing duties, asking for help, and sleeping when the baby does.
- Practice good self-care by making time for activities, saying no, and investing in comfort.
A Little Bit of Relaxation
This one may not be a secret, but it’s one of the most underused choices you can make. You are only human, and as a bust parent, you probably try to do everything. However, you must make time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Even if it’s a soak in the tub while your partner takes the kids, some rest can be best for you and work miracles for your life as a mom. Or perhaps it’s time to go outside! Whatever it is, find some time and give yourself some salvation.
Food-Based Stress-Busters for Moms
You may already be paying the price as a mom! Rest is best, but diet also plays a critical role. Poor diet can affect the baby, and globally, over 20 million newborns are born with a low birth weight because of a mother’s malnutrition. It helps to vary your diet, but here are some hacks:
- Plan ahead with a weekly food and recipe menu to avoid last-minute cooking stress.
- Cook food in batches for use in multiple recipes or ready to be heated up later on.
- Choose healthy snacks such as fruit and nuts instead of sugary candy bars and drinks.
Exercising and Staying Fit
Who has the time as a mom to stay fit and active? Well, come on, it’s time to go upstairs and give yourself some TLC. In the timeless search for happiness and lower stress, resting is great. However, exercise and fitness activities boost serotonin and dopamine, actively counteracting cortisol that causes depressive feelings. Of course, you can always take a brisk walk outside, go jogging, or even get a gym membership that allows you to get outside of the house.
Social Stress-Busters for Moms
Parenting isn’t easy, and it can get on top of you. In fact, parenting stress is getting so bad that 70% of Millennial moms are hiding it. However, there are quite a few ways you can battle your parenting demons and bust the stress for good. One of the most powerful is being social:
- Spend time with others, such as friends and family, or even online support groups.
- Talk about your feelings with someone you trust, such as your partner and/or a therapist.
- Set aside boundaries between personal time and time set for other responsibilities.
Planning Ahead, Of Course
When there are so many things to do, you can feel the pressure. In the timeless search for peace, there are so many ways you can get lost. However, a secret trick that you may not have thought of is planning ahead! Sounds simple, right? And that’s because it is. When you don’t have a plan, your mind becomes cluttered, causing lost sleep and anxiety. Simple plans, such as listing the next day’s tasks, will put your mind at ease because it knows what must be done.
Summary
Something as simple as playing a quick game on your phone is one of the best stress-busters for moms with a hectic life! Of course, you can dramatically change how you feel with healthy food and meals prepared in advance, and planning is a major advantage when you are busy.