Do you ever have those days when you just want to curl up in your bed, watch a sappy movie and not even attempt the super Momma (or Dada) role?
I do. In fact, I did for about 3 days straight last week.
The planets must have been colliding or something because my oh-so-sweet baby turned into an oh-so-whiny toddler. My 3 sweet dogs turned into barky, high energy, needy dogs because it’s been yucky & rainy the past week and I haven’t been able to give them the exercise they need. Food was flying. Cups dumped out. I was about to pull my hair out. I was going insane… I needed to stepaway to resume composure but how could I when I had an extra clingy toddler at my feet?
Here’s a few ways I fend off stress:
1. Ask for help: For me, stress builds up and BAM! I hit the wall quickly. I need to be alone for at least a few minutesand remind my brain everything is just fine because stress is a choice and I just need to slow down and chose to relax and not aggravate the situation. I sent hubby a quick text mid-day Friday and told him that this evening was an up in the bedroom, glass of wine, alone kind of night for me and he got the jist.. He offered a free day Saturday for Mommy! Asleep in, nap, no breakfast, lunch or dinner making kind of day.
2. Forget about the clean house: There’s no harm in a few dishes in the sink, clothes in the hamper, tiny fingerprints on the fridge & in my case dog hair collecting in along the baseboards!
3. Find new places to go during the day (especially SAHMs): Find a new walking path,park or playground. Just the change of scenery can make a huge difference in spicing up the inevitable mundane schedule.
4. Call a friend & catch up: Distract yourself with chit chat or vent it out! I always feel better after I talk to my best friends on the phone. Perhaps it’s just that reminded sense of closeness I know is available when I need it.
5. Zone out: I know my brain needs a rest to keep it working optimally. I don’t feel bad zoning out in front of the TV for a little bit during naptime or at night. I even still sneak in a nap during naptime.
6. Get a massage: I turn into a baby who wants her back rubbed as I go to sleep. It distracts me from the scores of thoughts zooming through my brain. I zonk out in about 5 minutes.
7. Dress up: If you’re anything like me you wear the comfiest clothes you can get away with when you’re at home. I try to spice it up and dress up a bit on a regular day home. Make up & hair too! Woo! Even a pair of jeans and shirt is a step up for me on a home day. Leggings and t-shirts are my norm. You’ll be amazed the difference it can make.
Most of all don’t feel bad when you need a break. We’re all human and it happens to the best of us. Do remember that stress is a choice. We have the choice to react to situations one way or the other. Be aware of your triggers and work at staying at peace with yourself.
What are your stress triggers? How do you handle stress?
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Seriously perfect timing for this post! I really needed it. Thank you so much and I know I said it before, but I LOVE your blog. I read everything over and over again haha
Couldn't agree more! It's always reassuring to know I'm not the only one trying to count to 10 when my daughter is pulling on my pants leg so viciously that they're practically falling off! I love the “stress is a choice” reminder too, sometimes you get so caught up in it that you forget
Thanks! I really appreciate it! Keeps to motivated!
It's true. It's so easy to forget that we don't HAVE to be stressed. Easier said than done, of course but it always helps being reminded of that. I feel like this post was a reminder to myself!
I love your blog:) This post helped me today, boy do I need a break. 7 months pregnant, 19 month old ACTIVE toddler that can run circles around me, working from home full time, launching my blog and expanding my home business. I would kill for just a nap. I think tomorrow I will dress up, the sweats are making me feel like a frumpy mama.
Thanks for this.
Ugh, Jenivieve… I feel for ya! Sounds like you don't have a free minute ever! Try to take a few minutes for yourself:)
Sometimes when I work on the blog in the evening or during nap time I bring the computer up to my bed and get cozy. It feels more enjoyable than sitting at the desk for a long period of time. I never want it to feel like work. Do that if you can get away with it!