Parental Stress: How to Handle Succesfully
Parents don’t have much time to think of themselves when raising kids. Parenting can be very stressful and it is extremely important that parents manage their stress carefully so they can remain calm in times of chaos.
A parent who has less stress in their life equals a happier family overall. Parents have to take care of themselves to be able to take care of their little ones and there are numerous ways to relieve stress and find a sense of calm during the roller coaster ride of parenting.
Work it Out
One of the best ways to get rid of stress is to work it off in the gym or outdoors. Burn your stress by taking a jog, ing an aerobic class or getting involved in an exercise group. Being outdoors can also relieve stress. You can enjoy the fresh air and inhale long deep breaths, which can calm you in times of stress. Exercise of any kind is excellent for reducing stress and it gives parents some much needed alone time to do something for themselves.
Make Time for Romance
Married couples don’t have to leave romance at the door when they have children. Get a babysitter and make sure you make a date with your spouse every week or every two weeks. Couples need to keep their relationship fresh and strong so that they can feel fulfilled in all areas of their lives. Kids who see their parents placing importance on their relationship will feel more secure within their family unit.
Connect with Friends
It is important to reach out and be in touch with your friends. Many parents forget all about their own need to connect and be among friends when they have children. It is important to keep friendships going, whether your friends are single, married, or married with children. Having friends and being social is important for well being and parents should always make it a priority to see old friends and make new ones along the way.
Stop and Take 15
15 minutes a day can do wonders for you in times of stress. Whatever you choose to do in that 15 minutes of alone time, make sure you are in a peaceful quiet environment. Step away from your children and spend 15 minutes alone. Go for a walk, listen to music, do yoga, meditate, read a book or just simply lie on your bed and relax.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing techniques have helped many people in times of stress. When we have tension or when we feel stressed, we tend to breathe quickly and shallow which robs us of oxygen that helps purify our body and keeps us feeling calm. Practice placing your hand on your abdomen just below your ribs and begin breathing slowly and deeply. If you are breathing properly, you will feel your abdomen expand first. Try to spend 5 to 10 minutes every day to practice this and you will immediately feel the benefits.
We love our children, but there will always be stressful moments to deal with as we raise them. Save yourself extra worry and stress by taking some action in your life and putting your needs on your priority list. Parents need to take good care of themselves to be able to be the best type of parents they can be.
