A Girlfriend’s Guide to Managing Mom Stress

You’ve been cooped up all winter, juggling kids, your household, maybe even work. . . You are definitely antsy and undoubtedly irritable. What’s a girl to do with all that angst? Consider making a fresh start for spring and easing some of your anxiety with a few tips from my Girlfriend’s Guide to Managing Mom Stress.

Get out of the house! The birds are chirping, the sun is making an appearance and you are looking pasty. Don’t worry if you didn’t shower. Throw on a beanie, dab on some lip gloss and grab only the essentials from home, the rest you can figure out later. Meet a mom friend at the park, pick-up matching matcha lattes for you and some snacks for the kids, and let them entertain themselves for a change while you bring back those rosy cheeks and enjoy some girlfriend time.

Do something just for you. Get a refreshing new haircut or pretty pedicure, go to a yoga class and breathe deeply, or take a long walk with a friend and try not to talk about your kids for at least ten minutes. If a babysitter is a stretch, plan for your partner or a family member to watch the kids while you are gone. Get reacquainted with yourself so you don’t lose sight of who you were before being “Mom.”

Reassess your eating habits. Drinking five cups of coffee and nibbling on calorie-laden snacks will definitely keep you going throughout the day, but you know that this is a vicious cycle and makes you more jittery. Try some awesome coffee alternatives to give you a natural, caffeine-free kick, like Yerba Mate or Dandy Blend. A green smoothie is a great snack that can also get you through the afternoon slump. Have lots of fresh fruit and veggies cut up in the fridge so they are easy to grab when you need a quick bite. A couple of squares of quality dark chocolate can definitely help when hormones are wreaking havoc on your mood, so treat yourself when you need it.

Create you own at-home spa. Stock up on a few soothing bath essentials like lavender oil and chamomile, scented candles and even a facial mask. When you need an urgent de-stress session, lock the bathroom door to keep wayward children out, turn off all electronic devices and have a long bath or steamy shower to calm your frayed nerves. Ahhhh.

Practice self-care. Self-care is especially important for moms as we are always caring for others and letting our own needs suffer. When we practise the basics of self-care, our mood improves, stress levels go down, we are more positive and have a better work-life balance. It also helps us to feel more connected to ourselves and the world around us. Self-care is taking the time to do things that nurture you. It’s about taking proper care of yourself and treating yourself as kindly as you treat others.

See more stress-management tips for stay-at-home moms and 5 easy ways to find more time for mom. And don’t forget to hug your kids.

By Kristen Wint