Go with Your Gut 

The life of a mom can often be defined as a run-on sentence with stress creeping up slowly behind us until we explode. But don’t explode. Instead, here are seven tips to help moms deal with the stress in their lives.  

 

Rise & Shine 

Take 15 and breathe 

Wake up 15 minutes before the kids do and take in some easy stress relievers such as doing a few yoga moves, reading pages from a spiritual book, or simply remaining in bed and breathing. Basic breathing exercises, such as Breathe2Relax, involve diaphragmatic breaths that are done to achieve the most calming effects and reduce daily anxiety levels. 

 

Set Boundaries 

Know how to say no 

Saying no is especially tough on working moms who feel they must be successful while juggling home, work and family. However, responsibilities that aren’t vital to your success or that of your family enables women to say yes to the things in life that are important. Setting boundaries is a must to avoid the stress of these unnecessary tasks. 

 

Visualize Outcomes 

Be the change you want to see 

Practicing guided imagery or visualization can help relieve stress. This technique encourages people to imagine pictures, sounds, smells and other sensations associated with reaching a goal. Working with a professional therapist or using downloadable recordings to get started can be helpful. 

 

Smell the Roses 

Aromatherapy is healing 

Certain scents in nature can help elevate mood, reduce anxiety and promote focus and better concentration. In addition, these scents can stimulate the limbic system to release chemicals that promote feelings of calmness, relaxation and tranquility. Popular oils for stress relief include cypress, lavender and rosemary. 

 

Hit the Sack 

Reap the benefits of pillow time 

Ample sleep can be difficult to come by for most parents, which is why a good nap can be a mom’s best friend. Whenever you’re able, take a 30 to 45 minute nap to get the refresher you need during a busy and stressful day. Put your phone on vibrate, make the room as dark as possible, and use ear plugs to muffle out most noises. 

 

Be Social 

Reach out and get connected 

Whether it’s to your mom or your cat, it’s healthy to vent. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), getting social support is essential to dealing with stress. Regardless of whether you call a friend or send an email, sharing concerns or feelings with another person can help relieve stress. 

 

Smile & Laugh 

Turn that frown upside down 

According to the APA, our brains are interconnected with our emotions and facial expressions. When people are stressed, they often hold a lot of the stress in their face. Fortunately, laughing or smiling can help relieve some of that tension. Plus, it’s another reason to own those permanent lines on our faces—all worth the laughter and smiles to last a lifetime. 

 By // Julia De Simone 

Sources: LetEmJealous.com, VeryWell.com, DailyNaturalRemedies.com, ParentsMagazine.com 

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