As beautiful as it is, life as parents can be pretty challenging. There are all these different demands like family, household, work and what not. We are being pulled in all sorts of directions and that can be pretty tough. And it’s even double as tough when we have a sick child at home, like I had the last couple of days.
Are you sitting at home with a sick child and try to meet deadlines or tidy the place and get nothing done?
Do you have to take your well-deserved annual leave from work to take care of your little one/s? Are there any days left for relaxation?
Are you maybe even starting to get sick yourself? It’s the season after all…
These and many more situations can leave us pretty exhausted and stressed.
Where and how do YOU feel it when you are stressed, or even anxious?
Stress is a natural response that our bodies have to any kind of demand or threat. It’s often described as the body’s way of reacting to a challenge or pressure. When we perceive a situation as stressful, we instinctively resort to the “fight or flight” response. This response can be helpful in certain situations, as it prepares us to take action and protect ourselves. However, when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have negative effects on our physical and mental health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function.
Therefore, addressing stress holistically involves looking at all aspects of our lives and finding ways to promote balance, resilience, and well-being.
Here are 5 tips to deal better with stressful and challenging times:
- Pause for a moment and take a deep breath
When we are stressed and anxious we often breath in a shallow way, getting hardly any oxygen into our body. To slow down we first of all have to pull the breaks: Stop! Even if it is just for a moment and start long deep breathing. Breathe all the way into the belly and expand the belly, the chest and your throat. And feel the air flowing through your body.
- Ground yourself
Because of all of those demands we tend to be too much in our head. That’s why grounding is so important. What is it? Grounding is feeling our feet connected to the ground, which helps us feel more stable, connected and stronger. One grounding exercise is to imagine how roots are coming out of the soles of your feet, anchoring you strongly to the earth. Like a big old tree – no matter how windy it gets, the tree stands strong and firm.
- Be as easy on yourself as possible
Ask yourself: What needs doing now, what can be postponed? Are there any friends or family members who can help out? Can you delegate some tasks to someone else? Does it all need to be done today? Be gentle with yourself and make life easier for you. Also, set boundaries. You are allowed to say NO!
- How can you nurture yourself?
So much depends on us, but we often tend to neglect ourselves when it gets busy, especially when looking after a sick kid. I have just realised myself, we better get around to thinking about putting the air mask on us first, so that we can look after the others. Do some gentle exercise like stretching, herbal teas, vitamins, rest when the kids do, meditate, go out for a walk, have a bath. You name it!
- Not to forget: Sleep!!
Quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. And especially in challenging times, it’s even more crucial. I know, easier said than done. But hey, we can try!
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and support when you need it. We’re all in this together, and by supporting each other, we can navigate the ups and downs of parenthood with grace and resilience.
Wishing you all peace, love, and wellness on your journey.
Let me know how you get on. I love to hear from you!
Love and light,
Pia
