Rachel Swanson

#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

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook