As parents, we often times feel that it is our job to take care of everything. Our children, our spouse, our home, our jobs—it can become very overwhelming. It is important to take time out of your busy schedule and devote time to yourself to regroup. Do not expect too much of yourself or of anyone else, because this will only lead to you becoming frustrated or disappointed.
Sometimes you just have to say “no” to extra projects or activities because you can not fit it into your schedule. It is more important to spend time with your children and family than it is to make every social engagement you receive an invitation to. Also leave time everyday to do something you really enjoy, whether it is watching your favorite show with your kids, talking to your best friend or going for a bike ride. Not only will this give you something to look forward to each day, but it will make your day seem less worrisome. Leaving time for yourself to relax and think will help keep you sane during a hectic day. Disconnecting the phone or letting the answering machine field your calls can let you relax without interruption, whether you are reading, sleeping or taking a long bath.
Use your weekend as a change of pace. If your work during the week is usually slow, use the weekend to put the plans you’ve had into action and really get things done. If you have a busy, fast-paced workweek, use the weekend to unwind and relax.
To stay relaxed during the workweek, make sure you are getting enough sleep, even if this means going to bed a little earlier than you would like. Throughout your day, get up and stretch periodically to maintain an active blood flow. If you are feeling tense, relax your muscles and take a few slow, deep breaths. Sometimes being stressed about a job actually keeps you from getting the job done, so it is important to step away from your work every now and then. This will ensure that you are more productive at the times when you are at work. No matter how much work you have to do, always take a lunch break. A healthy lunch will give you the energy that you need for both your body and your mind.
Children may need to unwind at the end of the day, too. Practice this technique with your children at bedtime. Take an empty glass jar and label it “worries.” Keep it next to your child’s bed and have them whisper their worries and fears from the day into the jar right before they go to sleep at night, putting the lid on tight so that the worries can’t escape. Come up with a way to get rid of the worries like dumping them out the window or down the drain. This will not only comfort your child but allow them to drift off to sleep more easily as well.
