Most mothers will agree that motherhood can be quite rewarding. However, they would also agree that it can be very stressful at times. A mother’s job is never done. As soon as a mother completes one task, she has to start another. Fortunately, there are several things that mothers can do to reduce stress. Below are eight lifehacks for mothers who are stressed out:
Get Some Exercise
When you are a mother, taking care of yourself often falls to the bottom of your priority list. However, if you do not take care of yourself, then you will find yourself getting more stressed out. That is why you should try to get some time to yourself each day. Exercising is one way that you can de-stress. Exercises like running, dancing and kickboxing will help relieve physical and mental stress.
Try Giving Up Caffeine
Many sleep-deprived moms depend on caffeine to help them get through the day. However, caffeine can actually exacerbate feelings of stress. That is why you may want to consider giving up caffeine. If it is difficult for you to quit caffeine altogether, then you can cut your intake of it.
Ask For Help
Many mothers simply have too much on their plates and are reluctant to ask for help. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed, then there is nothing wrong with reaching out for help. Your family members and friends can give you a well-deserved break.
Listen To Music
Listening to music can be very soothing. It helps take your mind off of your stressors. Listening to music can also help release endorphins, which are nature’s stress fighters and pain relievers.
Laugh
Laughter is a very powerful stress reliever. It helps soothe tension and gives you a relaxed feeling. Additionally, laughter can also help lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that the body releases in excess when you are stressed. It not only causes you to feel stressed out, but it can also lead to other health problems, such as heart disease.
Take Some Deep Breaths
One way that you can instantly reduce your stress is by taking some deep breaths. You slow down your breathing and heart rate when you take deep breaths. Deep breathing also allows you to clear your mind and temporarily forget about the things that are causing you to feel stressed out.
Journaling
Motherhood and life in general can cause you to experience a whirlwind of emotions. It is not healthy to keep your emotions bottled up inside of you. If you do not feel comfortable talking to someone about the way that you feel, then you may want to consider writing down your feelings in a journal.
Time Management
Mothers often have to cram several activities into one day. It is a lot easier for you to keep your stress under control if you improve your time management skills. You can improve your time management skills by making a to-do list. You may also want to consider planning ahead of time.
Although motherhood is a great thing, it can be difficult and stressful. Fortunately, your life will be a lot easier if you can get your stress under control. Managing your time well, writing in a journal, laughing, breathing deeply, exercising and listening to music are some of the ways you can alleviate your stress. You may also want to cut down on your caffeine intake and ask for help.