Lifestyle

9 Tips to Help Working Moms Survive a Stressful Week

Being a mom isn’t easy, but being a working mom requires extra energy and patience if you want to survive the week.

Working moms are super busy at work, but the unpredicted situations with the little ones can result in additional stress. Sometimes it takes only an otherwise trivial situation, like a meltdown in the local store, to throw you off balance.

Overstressed moms are less efficient both at home and in the workplace. Moreover, the stress moms feel is often passed to the kids, which increases the possibility of difficulties and conflicts during the day.

So, how to make it to the weekend safe and sound? Here is a list of 9 tips that’ll help busy moms manage their stress levels and survive an extra stressful week.

#1 Stay Organized

Planning ahead and being organized is a skill that can save you from lots of stress. For instance, if you’re able to predict that your little one might get dirty or wet before you reach daycare, pack an extra set of clothes and keep it in your car. Or, use a dressing gown to cover your work clothes so that your kids don’t get them dirty in the morning. This way, what seems like an utter disaster will be fixed within minutes or prevented altogether.

#2 Be Close to Your Kids

One of the biggest stress sources for working moms is the feeling they aren’t spending enough time with their kids. On the other hand, if the kids feel neglected, chances are they’ll act out more.

To avoid feeling guilty and stressed, make sure to find a little time in the day for your little ones. Choose an activity you also like so that you can relieve some stress while playing. Or simply lie on the bed together and talk about the kids’ day while resting. After all, there’s no better anti-stress therapy than getting lots of hugs and smiles from those you love the most.

#3 But Set Boundaries

However, spending time with your kids doesn’t mean letting them do whatever they want. Due to that guilt feeling mentioned before, many moms tend to be unable to say no.

But saying yes to everyone about everything is a shortcut to going nuts. Setting boundaries both at home and at the workplace is very important. By saying no to responsibilities that are not crucial for the family’s wellbeing or your own success, you’ll get more free time to spend on things that truly matter to you.

#4 Keep in Touch with Your Friends

Even though it might seem like there’s literally no free time in your busy schedule, you need to find a way to spend some time with your friends. If you spend all of your time at home and in the workplace, you might start feeling isolated. This can have a negative effect on your mental health.

So, call a friend for a cup of coffee, organize a night out, go to the local theater, or even book a weekend away. If you really can’t find time to do this, at least try to socialize with other moms while your little ones are at the playground.  

#5 Outsource

Many working moms are so stuck in their routine that they actually forget there are people who can help them. Make a list of all your weekly tasks and select the ones you don’t really need to do yourself.

Family members (especially grandmas and grandpas) are usually more than happy to assist, but you can also rely on trusted friends or neighbors.

Help can also be hired. Think about hiring a gardener or a house cleaner. They are often quite affordable and will the job quickly & efficiently.

Finally, consider the best ways to delegate tasks at work as well. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed and it’s OK to ask for help.

#6 Don’t Read the Newspapers/Watch TV

Reading the newspapers on a daily basis will expose you to additional bad news. You already have to worry about your kids being ill or having bad grades at school. There are also enough problems at work, so why make yourself feel even more stressed?

You should also consider reducing the time you spend in front of the TV to a minimum. And this doesn’t refer only to the news. Stop wasting your time watching stupid things that don’t really interest you. Instead, use that time to sleep or finish other tasks. Try limiting your TV time to one hour a day; for instance, watch only your favorite show or schedule a family movie night during the weekend.

#7 Have Some ‘Me’ Time

To be able to take care of your family and do your best at work, you must be in good shape, both physically and mentally.

Start your day half an hour earlier than the rest of your family to take a shower, meditate, and have your morning coffee in peace.  

At least once a month, pamper yourself at the beauty parlor, enjoy a massage, or try craniosacral therapy.

Being physically active is also a great idea. Exercising not only helps eliminate stress, but it also prevents it altogether. Not to mention that it has a very positive effect on your appearance. If you don’t have the time to go to the gym, download a workout app and exercise at least 15 minutes a day in the living room.

#8 Eat Anti-Stress Foods & Supplements

Smothering stress in sugar and cheese won’t help you feel any better. On the contrary, it’ll just make you feel sick and even more guilty than before.

Make sure your diet is comprised of healthy foods that give you all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and energy to get through the day. Don’t forget to include at least one of the following stress-reducing foods to your daily menu:

  • Asparagus
  • Avocado
  • Blueberries
  • Dark chocolate
  • Oats
  • Salmon
  • Pistachios
  • Leafy greens
  • Turkey breast
  • Red bell peppers

You can also consult your doctor about taking certain supplements known to help alleviate stress such as CBD oil, bacopa, St. John’s Wort, ashwagandha, Valerian root, vitamin B complex, magnesium, etc,

#9 Cook Smart

Make a weekly meal plan and buy all the groceries accordingly. Or, plan the meals depending on what you already have in the pantry or fridge. This will save you a lot of time and make the shopping faster.

Even better, instead of going to the supermarket with your children, consider shopping online or make use of delivery services.

In addition, cook meals in larger amounts so that you can eat them two days in a row or freeze the leftovers. When you feel too tired to cook, you can simply reheat it. Remember that you can always order in if you don’t feel like cooking.

In Conclusion

Always keep in mind that the stress you feel affects your loved ones too. Luckily, the above-listed tips can help you keep it under control. Start managing your stress today and move forward with a smile!

 

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