Stress Relief
Author: Stef Daniel
It is very easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of raising children and forget to nurture yourself. Eventually there comes a point when parents become stressed, frustrated, and so overwhelmed that they forget how to enjoy themselves. They lose sight of the fact that as adults they have the power to do something about it. Routines and responsibilities are certainly necessary when raising children, but laughter, time to yourself, relaxation, and following your personal passions can be just the thing to recharge your parental batteries.
If it has been a while since you took some time for yourself you may not even know where to start anymore. It can seem like just a few short years ago you had numerous interests outside of your family and now, given the opportunity, you can't think of one single thing aside from sleep that you want to do. This is one of the ways you know it's time to make a change and find something to reduce your stress.
Stress relief for a parent will not come naturally. It may take a little work. Start with little things like a massage, a walk in a park, a day at the mall or on the golf course, and more simply just time alone at home. It can be a lifesaver. One block of time that is not filled with the expectations to do anything for anybody aside from you. Use this time to do something that you really love or really need to do. If you have wanted to clean out your closets for months on end - use this alone time to get the task done. Often marking a chore off of our to-do list is a stress reliever in itself.
Read a book or watch that rated R movie that has been collecting dust in the entertainment center, waiting for the kids to go to bed early. Mowing grass or doing yard work in general, exercising or anything you want to do without interruption or worry about keeping up with a toddler can be a physical stress reliever. For many, shopping can be very uplifting while other parents may just want to go out to dinner without the hassles of children in tow. The point is that there are tons of activities that can be done to relieve parental stress - you just have to recognize when you need a break and take the initiative to follow through on planning one for yourself. Enrolling in yoga, knitting, aerobics, writing, or any other type of class that sparks your interest will not only give you something to look forward to each week, but will also serve as a stress reliever.
Lots of kids describe their parents as grumpy, moody, or no fun to play with. More than likely this is not how you want your child to see you. Sometimes as parents we don't realize what a stick in the mud we can be, especially when we are caught up in the constant doing of life. After your break, you will find that not only do you feel better, but your kids will like you more as well. Who wants to hang around a drip all day? Relieving your stress is also healthier for you and will help to boost your immunity and improve your overall health.
Another thing to think about is that although your children need and want you around, they do need to realize and respect that mom and dad are people too with wants and needs just like them. If you are constantly putting yourself 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th, your children will become complacent toward all you do. Another stress reliever that should not be underestimated is time with your spouse or partner. Take time for sex and to enjoy each other's company without the constant needs of children. This can go miles toward helping you maintain the relationship and continue to build upon your lives together.
Stress is absolutely a fact of life but it should not be so encompassing that you forget to live. Relieving your stress can actually help you become a better, more patient parent and help you to regain the passions in your life that have made you the wonderful person that you are.
