A few days ago we kicked off this series Stress Management Techniques for Moms (check out tips 1 and 2 if you haven’t already). Here are 2 more tips for you busy, stressed out moms!!
Stress Management Techniques for Moms #3: You Must Learn to Say No
Lots of us moms are notorious for being people pleasers. We might be asked to volunteer at our child’s school, and we do it without question or thought. If one of our neighbors needs a favor, we do it. On top of that, we’re often running around for our kids and spouses and putting our own needs in last place.
But in the end this doesn’t work or even make sense. We teach our children to think for themselves, to do what’s right for them, but yet we don’t do it for ourselves. Let’s start modeling this behavior for our kids and don’t forget we have to “put on our oxygen mask 1st”, this way we can better take care of those we love.
When people asking you to help out and do things you know you don’t have time for, think about the following tips before simply saying yes like you might normally do.
- Don’t say yes right away. Let the person know you’ll get back to them. Give yourself time to consider because there’s nothing worse than saying yes right away and regretting it five minutes later.
- Don’t let flattery influence you. You just might be a great organizer or cook, but there are lots of other people out there with these same skills who can do that job. It doesn’t always need to be you.
- Drop the guilt. There can be lot of people demanding your time and some will make you feel guilty because you are giving them less of it (especially if you were giving a lot and they now expect it). You do need to make sure that you are not truly neglecting responsibilities, but in most cases you will find that there are plenty of people who are ready and willing to volunteer.
Ok, now that you are ready to say no more often, let’s take a little peak at that overcrowded schedule.
Stress Management Techniques for Moms #4: Modify Your Schedule and Shorten Your To-Do List
“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” ― William Penn
If you are feeling tired and worn out it’s time to make some serious changes to your current schedule. Stress is almost inevitable when you over commit and are doing too much. Here is the time to reduce those commitments and ask for help from those around you.
If you like to make to-do lists and feel satisfied when you cross an item off that list, you’d feel even better when almost your entire list is crossed off, correct? In the end it is just that is easy. Just make a shorter to-do list. Most of the things we put on our to-do lists are nice but aren’t critical.
Really, it’s okay to let things go some. If the floor isn’t shining, the kids will still survive. If the dishes don’t get done, the sun still comes up tomorrow. So give yourself a break and schedule less in your day. Other options are to delegate more of those tasks to your kids or husband.. or even go as far as hire a maid once a week if you can afford it (Groupon has lots of housecleaning deals much of the time).
In the end you will feel better, more rested and have more time to savor all those great moments that come from living and enjoying your amazing life.
Stress Management Techniques
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