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Stress/Anxiety
Ok ladies - I've been whining and moaning and b!tching for months. Life sucks. It hasn't been kind to us lately. But I need to get over it. I can't function like this any longer - it's not good for me, my husband, or my kids. Or any of you ;-)
So - I need quick, easy tension-relievers. I don't have time to sign up for classes, I can't promise to dedicate 3 days a week to even an exercise video at home, my life just doesn't work like that right now. But I need some tension relievers that I can do when I just can't take the screaming kids or the annoying roommate anymore.
Ideas? I have been trying to do a round of deep belly breathing at least once a day and that helps. I downloaded some guided meditations to do when I actually get the chance at night, but that hasn't happened all week. Any other suggestions? Anyone have any great, easy stretches to recommend? Other quick stress-fighters that don't involve destruction of my house?? ;-)
I'm also dedicating at least 10 minutes of "me" time each day - whether it's to sit with a cup of coffee or just to paint my toes at the end of the day - I need 10 minutes to just breathe and focus on me instead of the kids, the house, work, etc.
"It's not a sprint, it's a marathon." - Alex & Ani bracelet
My blog: Dodging Acorns
Re: Stress/Anxiety
Thanks ladies. The video was awesome -I need to get back to doing things like that a few times a day. the problem with working at home is my "breaks" tend to be laundry and such. grrr.
I do have a double stroller but my dear, lovely, wonderful children are currently on opposite schedules, so by the time breakfast is done we have an endless nap cycle from about 10:00-4:00 or later. Yep, it's fun. But walks are on my agenda when I can actually get the weather and their schedules to work together!
"It's not a sprint, it's a marathon." - Alex & Ani bracelet
My blog: Dodging Acorns
"It's not a sprint, it's a marathon." - Alex & Ani bracelet
My blog: Dodging Acorns
ditto laughing and just taking a few breaks that are not laundry, kid-related
also, when you can, try some yoga-like stretching. it should help to reduce the tension in your muscles a bit. i haven't taken yoga in forever but i try to do the simpler poses before working out and it definitely helps me relax/focus a little.
what about one of those aromatherapy rollerballs from bath & body works? they have fragrances for stress/relaxation, sleep, etc... a cheapish little treat to help.
*hugs*
"It's not a sprint, it's a marathon." - Alex & Ani bracelet
My blog: Dodging Acorns
Also...
Music is huge - relaxing to calm you down, peppy to dance around the house to while you clean (seriously, peppy music and dancing while cleaning/cooking have made a huge difference to me)
Gardening is key for me - even just caring for a flowerpot outside the door and deadheading the flowers or removing a weed or two.
DH and I walk around the neighborhood after dinner - doesn't take long, we have time tor reconnect, helps us digest - so walks when you can snatch them.
And a big thing for me was choosing to get up and do the things that were good - it was so tiring to think "ugh, I have to just get up and turn on the music, and I don't feel like it" - but every time you reach that point you have a choice, and I've gotten in the habit of saying yes and doing it.
i hold all my tension in my muscles and have trouble sleeping, so yoga before bedtime is so relaxing.... almost knocks me out.
You can get free pm yoga videos on on-demand.
"It's not a sprint, it's a marathon." - Alex & Ani bracelet
My blog: Dodging Acorns
Michele I am glad that you are asking for help in managing your stress. That is huge. You need to examine your schedule and your husband's schedule and find time/make the time to give yourself at least 30 minutes of "I am going to do whatever the hell I want."
Working from home and being a full time care giver is huge stress. I know that I am not cut out to be a SAHM. I am a better mom when I am working and miss my kids. You need to make YOU time a priority because failing to do this is resulting in way too much stress for the entire family. The motto a happy wife is a happy life is so true! Can you wake up 30 minutes earlier to do some on demand yoga? When DH comes home from work can he take the kids for 30 minutes so you can leave and go for a walk? The time is there...you just need to take it. When Gianna is taking a nap in the afternoons, I tell Christian to play by himself and I do on demand yoga or pilates. I tell him that if I can have my show that he can have his show when I am done. Use the TV to your advantage.
I teach stress management and counsel on fitness, etc. so if you want to call me just shoot me an email and I'll give you my cell. We can chat ;-)