#Momlife in and of itself is stressful. Add work, soccer activities, anything else in addition to this responsibility and stressed doesn’t even begin to justify how we feel. No matter what season of life you’re in, these 4 ways to immediately de-stress amidst #momlife while raising your brood will quickly take you, and your child’s heart, from chaos to calm.
4 Ways to Immediately De-Stress Amidst #Momlife
1. Therapeutic coloring with your child.
Honestly, coloring to de-stress always seemed like a waste of time. Lack of time was why I was often stressed. So why on earth would I waste time coloring to de-stress? Because, it works! Birthed out of my own struggle with anxiety and being a busy working mom of three littles under two, I created a book, Big and Little Coloring Devotional. It incorporates de-stressing and devotions for the adult, while providing spiritual growth and activity for the child. Within 5 minutes of coloring with my children, immediately my stress dissipates while reading the short devotions, nurturing my heart with just enough spiritual nourishment to soothe my frazzled soul. Yep, it really works.
Kids feed off of our emotions. If we’re stressed, they sense it, often reacting to the surrounding stress in ways we wish they hadn’t. Instead of praying only to yourself when you’re losing it, kneel and pray WITH your child(ren), out loud, together! By inviting your child into prayer, it will help them understand how to take their sad, mad, overwhelmed emotions to God—just like you’re teaching your own heart to do so—to experience the Peace which surpasses all understanding regardless of our circumstances.
3. Take a deep breath
Did your son just drop your phone in the toilet? TAKE A DEEP BREATH. Deep breathe to dissipate the rise of emotions ready to explode out from this #momlife situation. Deep breathing works to bring more oxygen to your brain, helping you think clearly, and react wisely. Reacting while emotions are boiling are rarely beneficial. Try to demonstrate deep breathing in front of your kids, teaching them by example, how to manage and control stressful situations in their own life by taking a moment to breathe.
4. Reassess priorities and let go of unhealthy expectations.
When my twin boys were born, I quickly became sleep deprived which lingered throughout the first year (or maybe three) of motherhood. I was also a clean-freak. My husband often found me on my knees scrubbing the baseboards of our home at midnight despite my fatigue because I couldn’t fathom having a dirty house. He gently encouraged me to reassess my priorities and let go of this unhealthy expectation I had put on myself (especially in this early season of motherhood) as it was affecting my health, sleep, and causing even more stress. Today, I have a better balance on my life because I’ve prioritized what’s most important and I’ve let go of unhealthy expectations as a busy working mom to three toddlers. Are you stressed out leaving one dirty dish in the sink? Did you sign your kids up for more activities than you can handle? Do you feel guilty for hiring help, but know you could really use it? Have a heart-to-heart with yourself right now. What needs to change? List out your priorities and write down all the tasks you feel responsible for. Ask yourself, are they realistic? Can they be changed ? Prioritize what’s most important. Then, give yourself permission to accept imperfection and let go of unnecessary things so you can focus on what’s most important. Because you will stress out and burn out trying to do it all. So, don’t!
You kids and your own heart will thank you as you take a moment to: de-stress through coloring, spend a few moments in prayer, take deep breaths, and reassess your list of expectations as you determine whether they’re realistic or not.
Life with kids is anything but peaceful. But how you react to the stress around you determines whether you will allow yourself to be frazzled or free from anxiety.
Rachel C. Swanson is a dental hygienist turned author, speaker, and life coach. She’s founder of the blog community RefineAndRestore.com where she pours out “R&R for the Heart and Soul.” Her book, *Big and Little Coloring Devotional* was created to help the “Big” connect with the “little” through Scripture and coloring. She’s been married ten years to her husband who loves her despite her love for coffee and often impulsive nature. They rear their tribe of identical twin boys and (nineteen months later) their baby girl … and a Weimaraner (dog) who thinks she’s human. They reside in a wannabe country town just on the outskirts of the big city Los Angeles, CA. www.RachelCSwanson.com
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What a great reminder of ways to Destress. I am a working mom and work in an early education school, on top of raising two boys of our own. Listening to Christian music on the way to and from work are wonderful, or even classical music on really noisy days helps. Going for walks and talks with the Lord are great. I enjoy coloring, always have, even in kids books, although I have a thing for “fresh” unbroken, crayons, maybe I should let go of that?
Yes, I love listening to Christian music. It helps calm my mind.
I love fresh, unbroken crayons too! Although, I’ve since switched to coloring pencils as that tends to be less messy 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
This is so helpful! I’m very stressed in this season we’re in. I de-stress by reading, going to the pool or getting in the shower, when I can do these things!
Hi Emmie!
Thanks for sharing! I’m so glad these tips helped.
Ah, yes, I’m a firm believer in dry shampoo! Who has time to wash it right?
Blessings,
Rachel
going on social media, taking walks with my headphones in, or laying in my room with my eyes closed
Yes! Love this!
I take a bubble bath.
One of my favorite things to do. 🙂
I like to take a nice hot bubble bath to de-stress.
Yes, I love that too! Thanks for sharing!
Prayer- lots of prayer
Amen! I pray A LOT!
My favorite way to de-stress is to watch my children play and laugh together.
Meghan,
This is adorable! Yes, laughter! Such a good way to relax from stress. Thanks for sharing!
I de-stress by walking, coloring & listening to the radio.
Yay! Coloring is so fun, isn’t it? I too love a good walk in the park or also enjoying listening to the radio.
I carve wood and walk on treadmill to destress
My husband LOVES to create things out of wood too! Although I’m sure if I tried, it would stress me out LOL! Thanks for sharing!