When Some Days Are Darker than Others: Handling Personal Stress as a Parent
Whether you have one child or six, being a parent can be very stressful at times and handling your own personal matters outside of taking care of the kids can make it even more challenging. How do you juggle your own stress when you are raising your kids? How do you make your needs a priority when you need to take care of your kids needs? Nowadays, parents need to take care of themselves better than ever - mentally, physically and spiritually. So, how do we do this? Here are a few tips on how to handle personal stress as a parent.
Ask for Help
It is essential that parents ask other family or friends for help when they are having a tough time. There is no use in burning yourself out and carrying on when you are extremely upset and stressed. Everyone needs a break now and then and parents tend to forget about themselves along the great adventure of parenting. Ask friends and family to watch the kids for a few hours or day and spend the time paying attention to your mental, physical, and spiritual needs.
Twenty Minutes a Day to Breathe
Sometimes we forget to take a moment to relax. When we are having a bad day or low moment, stopping what you are doing and taking twenty minutes to breathe deeply can do wonders. Drop everything and go to a quiet place in your home. Inhale and exhale repeatedly, taking deep breathes each time. You will definitely feel more relaxed than before and may even feel a little happier.
Talk to a Professional
If you find that stress is affecting your relationships and daily schedule, it might be a good idea to talk to a counsellor or someone who understands how to deal with what you are experiencing. Everyone has stress, which usually goes away. If you feel stressed all the time, there may be something you need to get off your chest. Parenting is very challenging and if you have stress on top of the regular parental stress, it could ruin your quality of life.
Make Sure You Sleep
Sleep deprivation can increase stress levels and make a happy person depressed. Sleep is an essential factor when it comes to being at your best and being an alert parent. Not only does it keep your stress levels down, it also gives you more energy.
How do you deal with stress? We would love to hear your tips for stress-free living!
