Choosing to give up your job and stay-at-home to go full-time with the kids may seem like a walk in the park. After all, it’s every mother’s dream to see their child’s milestones. However, most mothers who choose to become a stay-at-home mom experience a different level of stress and anxiety every single day for a variety of reasons. Because of this, many stay-at-home moms suffer a bout of depression.
If you think your stress-meter is nearing the red zone, you need to take action and combat it as soon as you can. Here are some tips to handle stress, according to P&G Everyday.
1. Find a hobby.
Although this may seem impossible with your jampacked schedule, finding a hobby you enjoy will definitely reduce your stress. Look for a go-to activity like scrapbooking, baking, gardening or even biking to switch your mind from stressed mode to chill-out mode. It will also be helpful if you get your kids involved.
2. Pinpoint your most stressful time.
For most moms, the morning-rush is the most stressful time of their day. Others find themselves completely worn out just before dinner tome. Once you have identified the most stressful time of your day, try to prevent this by inserting an activity that will reduce your stress. Perhaps having a quick nap just before dinner time or doing breathing exercises shortly after waking up may reduce your stress.
3. Get the kids involved.
Aside from playing, you can do tons of activities with your kids. This also includes having them to help around the house. Identify which type of housework is suitable to your kid and see to it that he will also enjoy the task. In this way, you can teach your child to be responsible and take a bit off your overflowing plate.
4. Set a daily routine.
Most mothers experience stress because of the lack of structure of their day. Believe it or not, lacking a schedule to follow can actually contribute to stress. By knowing what is going to happen for at least each part of the day allows you to take control of the flow of your day.
5. Breathe.
Most people take for granted the importance of proper breathing. Breathing actually changes or even worsens frayed emotions when one is stressed. There are various breathing techniques to combat stress available in the Internet.