So you have been dealing with a lot of stress since returning to work after a rather long maternity leave. Managing to stay on top of all your responsibilities and actually doing a good job can truly be challenging, and as much as you would want to avoid it, stress has probably become part o your daily life. Well, in order to continue being a good parent and a good employee, looking after yourself is essential, and obtaining a stress reduction is the only way you can improve things in all departments. Currently, your busy schedule might not exactly allow you to give this topic enough of your thought, but once you get a few pointers on the matter, you’ll find out how you could reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life in an effective manner. Here are a few tips you should consider the following:
Don’t neglect your friends
According to studies, by simply chatting with your loved ones, you can help combat stress problems. As a working mom, you might tend to forget about your social life, and this can affect your mood without you even realizing it. Get together with your group of friends more often, and you will see that your general level of relaxation will be boosted. You can organize play dates with other moms if you don’t have anyone to leave your kids with, simply try to prioritize communication with people with the same interests as you. Staying socially active is an essential part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Create a corner of relaxation at home – install a hot tub
While in the past, before becoming a parent you might have managed to make the time to hit the spa from time to time and pamper yourself, now, this isn’t something you are probably even considering. Well, managing to truly unwind, and relax your mind and body after a stressful week can be essential for your health, and if spa time is out of your reach, what you can however do is put together your own private corner of relaxation right at home. If you have a bit of money to invest, the installation of a hot tub can make your home appropriate for a life quality increase, this being the type of addition that will facilitate leisure. Soaking in hot water event for 30 minutes will relax your muscles and make you feel calmer in general. You can research the benefits of using a Jacuzzi, and you will conclude for yourself how much this element can actually help you. Spending some time in the hot tub before going to bed will allow you to sleep better and thus recharge your batteries for the busy day that lies ahead of you. Research the costs of a Jacuzzi installation, and make sure you get some pool safety covers as well, so the hot tub doesn’t present any risks to your children when you aren’t around.
Develop a hobby
Developing a hobby might be the last thing on your mind when you already have such a tiring and full schedule. Well, even if it’s just a couple of hours a week, engaging in an activity that you like can influence your mental health by a lot. Regardless if sewing, playing an instrument, karaoke, or drawing, find something you love doing and try to fit it in your schedule, at least during the weekends. Hobbies allow you to detach from your problems and give you a rewarding and pleasant sense of satisfaction. So if you haven’t developed a hobby by now, this is the time to do it.
Go for an evening jog
As busy as you might be, you probably have 30 free minutes in the evening, after you have managed to get our kids to bed. Exercising is recommended for any individual who wishes to pursue a healthy lifestyle, but this becomes an even more relevant thing for people who are experience increased levels of stress. However, in order for your workout to bring you most advantage, it should be done outdoors. An evening jog will be all it takes to boost your wellness and fight against anxiety feelings. Try it out for a couple of days, and you’ll see the results for yourself.
Reassess your diet
Having a disorganized eating schedule, indulging on fast food and sugary treats can easily happen when you are dealing with a hectic program. Well, you should know that not eating well will only affect your energy levels and make you feel that much tired. The right types of foods will help you sustain your energy during the day, as well as facilitate a more restful sleep at night. As much attention you give to what your children are eating should be directed towards your own dietary habits as well.
Reduce your coffee intake
Last but not least, while you might be tempted to cover your worries and stress with coffee, thinking this is what will keep you energized and productive throughout the day, specialists actually recommend people dealing with stress to avoid drinking this beverage altogether. While you might not be able to cut out coffee entirely, what you can do is reduce your intake, and switch to a healthier alternative like tea. When shopping for tea such as green or black tea take note of the ingredients and how much caffeine is in it. Also, make sure you stay hydrated at all times, and consume sufficient water. Bing dehydrated is said to heighten stress and affect your mental wellness in general. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and you will soon notice the improvements.
As a mother, dealing with stress is normal, regardless of the number of children you have in your household. When you are also working and dealing with other daily responsibilities, stress becomes an even bigger problem, and without properly handling this issues, you could be confronted with more serious repercussions, such as actual physical health effects. It’s up to you to prioritize relaxation and to take care of yourself, in order to maintain a suitable life quality. These tips will give you the chance notice a positive change.