Stress and balancing motherhood go hand in hand. I had to go to Urgent Care today with my son, and I saw a mother come in with her three sick children the ages of 3 and under. They were all sick, but she remained patient as possible in a stressful situation. Having one child who is sick is stressful enough, but having all three children sick is difficult.
Balancing the demands of motherhood with everyday stress can be challenging, but with a few mindful strategies, it’s possible to maintain a sense of balance and well-being. Here are some tips to help manage stress while being a mom: Knowing that each moment isn’t temporary. Soak in the joy (even the cuddles you get from a sick child) to realizing there is hope and tomorrow is a new day.
1. Prioritize Self-Care
- Make Time for Yourself: Set aside regular “me-time” to engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, exercising, or simply taking a relaxing bath. Just remember that me time doesn’t mean hours and hours. Ten to thirty minutes is fine to recharge. Just make sure that you stay grounded by balancing motherhood on the meaning of “me time “ and not “ignore your children time.”
- Sleep and Nutrition: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy diet. Proper rest and nutrition can significantly impact your energy levels and mood. Sleeping is impossible sometimes especially when your children are small. When my children were little, I had a hard time when they woke up at night because of medication I took to relax my muscles. I had to do what I had to do and get up. Now my problem is staying up late to hang out with him (or them when Laura was at home.) I enjoy soaking up all the time I can with them. I do know sleep is important even if I need to force myself to do so.
2. Stay Organized
- Create Routines: Establish daily routines for yourself and your children. Having a structured schedule can reduce chaos and help everyone know what to expect. I’m a routine person even prior to having children. I like a plan. My children grew up with routines of when different caregivers would come help me. A routine helps keep children calm and know what to expect next.
- Use Lists and Planners: Keep track of tasks and appointments with lists or planners. Breaking down tasks into manageable steps can make them feel less overwhelming. I admit I love calendars and lists. Checking off a to do list is a remarkable feeling. Try it. I know planners don’t work for everyone. There are several apps you can can use as well as I do since I can’t write. Balancing motherhood needs organizing to live.
3. Seek Support
- Connect with Others: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and feelings with others can provide comfort and practical advice. I have no idea what I would do without my friends and family. They’re there to listen to me, support me, love me and love my children.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed. Whether it’s from a partner, family member, or a babysitter, delegating tasks can lighten your load. Friends are there to help us and want to assist you. Reach out because you know that you would help others in a second if they asked.
4. Practice Prayer and Calm
- Meditation and Prayer Exercises: Incorporate prayer constantly in everyday life. I ask God to give me patience, strength and wisdom. Please remember to pray for your children for God to remain close to them, protect them and guide them. Remember mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to help calm your mind and reduce stress.
- Stay Present: Focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the past or future. Mindfulness can help you appreciate the small joys of motherhood. Children constantly change and transform. Stay in the moment with them. Enjoy each second of every age because time goes quickly. Put down your phone or any distractions and spend time with your children.
5. Set Realistic Expectations for Balancing Motherhood
- Avoid Perfectionism: Understand that it’s okay not to be perfect. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your children, and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Your children will never be perfect. Guide them to make the right choices, but please don’t lose your mind if something doesn’t go as planned. Breathe and know you’ll be okay.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements, both for yourself and your children. Recognizing progress can boost your morale and motivation. Your children are amazing beautiful people. Love them daily and forgive them instantly. Every small victory is awesome. Smile, be positive and proud of yourself and kids.
6. Engage in Physical Activity
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever. Find ways to incorporate exercise into your routine, whether it’s a daily walk, a workout session, or a dance party with your kids. I absolutely love dancing in or out of my wheelchair. Dancing with my children feels terrific and wonderful way for everyone to exercise.
- Family Activities: Engage in physical activities with your children, such as playing in the park, biking, or hiking. It’s a great way to bond and stay active together. During Covid lock down, I took my children on walks. I don’t miss the lock down, but I miss simply walking and spending time together. I also loved taking Jason on bike rides as I followed behind him. These physical activities can make the best memories.
7. Stay Positive
- Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities. Start your day with a positive mindset and focus on the good. Use compliments to your children too. Remember to begin your day with prayer and gratitude. A positive beginning will not guarantee a positive day, but it might help. Balancing motherhood means positivity.
- Gratitude: Practice gratitude by reflecting on the things you’re thankful for each day. Gratitude can shift your focus from stress to appreciation. Keep a gratitude journal about your accomplishments but also gratitude for your children and accomplishments.
8. Seek Professional Help if Needed
- Therapist or Counselor: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. Professional support can provide valuable coping strategies and emotional relief. I saw a therapist this year when Laura left and it kept my sanity.
Managing stress while being a mom is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, support, and a balance of self-care and family care. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can create a more harmonious and fulfilling experience for both yourself and your children. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential to being the best mom you can be.
Feel free to share this blog post with other moms who might find these tips helpful! 💖👩👧👦
