People often think of ‘job stress‘ but stay at home moms can also experience burn out. We run after kids, chauffeur them from one activity to the other, run the household. But the adage, ‘If mom ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!’ is true. Here are some ways to relieve mommy stress.
Get an exercise DVD
People who exercise regularly benefit from a positive boost in mood and have lower rates of depression. Not only will you manage to tone and strengthen, the endorphins released while exercising are exactly what you need to remain upbeat. An exercise DVD will let you grab that workout early in the morning, late at night, or when your toddler sleeps/
Schedule a free afternoon a week
Fran Greene and her friends worked out a group playdate schedule so that each of them could take one afternoon off a week. ‘It’s time for me to get a haircut, sleep in or even just go out for coffee and have an hour of silence for myself,’ she says.
Get some air…and sun!
A little sunlight can make happy moms even happier. Studies say that lack of vitamin D, which the sun enables our skin cells to manufacture, may be related to depression. Going outside for 10 minutes a day will give you enough radiation to produce about 10,000 international units of vitamin D. This well exceeds the daily supplement of 2,000 IUS recommended.
Get some ‘girlfriend time’
Happy moms have girlfriends! Find like-minded women. Invest in your friendships. Start a breakfast club. Form a play group. Meet regularly for potluck gatherings. Share your parenting or life challenges, and find comfort in the support and understanding of other women free of judgment. There is truth to the saying ‘There is strength in numbers.’
Photo from paintermommy.com
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