Working mothers juggle many responsibilities and play many roles to maintain the stability and happiness of their families. From the basics such as groceries, paying bills, maintaining a home, to of course dedicating time to raising strong, healthy, children, to having a successful career, can be demanding and stressful.
The following are some strategies to manage the stress that one might experience juggling the many roles of a working mother, parent, or caregiver:
Learning to say NO can help working mothers be open to maintaining their utmost priorities and finding time for self-care. This is easier when you remember that saying NO to one thing also means saying yes to something else that you really need or want.
Learning from your mistakes- Sometimes mothers feel they can “do it all” and then something falls behind or as the saying goes “dropped the ball”. Take 15 minutes weekly to review your schedule and see where you can delegate, cut back, or do less to have room for what really needs to get done.
Morning routines are the trend now. Getting up just 15 minutes earlier than the rest of the household can contribute tremendously to starting the day stress-free. Use this time to wake up peacefully, stretch, go over your to-do list for the day calmly, and enjoy that cup of coffee or tea.
Having an effective, but calming, skincare routine for the morning and evening using one or two products, and taking time to gently massage onto the face and neck can be a very relaxing way to start your day, and to unwind in the evening. So is wearing your favorite fragrance on a daily basis, even to bed.
Take your lunch hour and really savor each bite while you reflect back on what has gone well so far during the day. Even if you are not having a great day at work, understand that you are more than your job and even your role as a caregiver. Reflect on happy memories and what makes you happy overall in life. Work will always be there but a moment to de-stress will pass by if you do not intentionally enjoy it.
Stay hydrated- it is easy to drink cup after cup of coffee or soda during a busy, stressful day, but make it a point to also drink at least 6 to 8 cups of water (more if you exercise) to keep yourself hydrated, and your energy level up. Staying properly hydrated also contributes to an overall good mood.
Make the most of the hidden 15-30 minutes or even an hour that you get here and there during your day. Some ideas of activities during those moments are going for a walk, following a short yoga session on youtube, reading five pages from an interesting book, or calling someone who is positive and encouraging.
Have a bedtime routine- Just like having a morning routine and just as we make sure our children have a bedtime routine- it is as important for you to take time to have a bedtime routine that is relaxing and calming. The power of good sleep cannot be underestimated.
Do not take things personally- last but not least, do not take things personally whether it’s an abrupt response from your employer, a moody partner, or angry kids. Everyone sees the world through their own cognitive filters, based on their life experiences and current mood. It is important to remember you are the most important person in your life and, maintaining your mental wellness and managing stress in a healthy way is the best way to live the life you love.
It’s also important to seek support as the role of a working mother is difficult. Click here for further support beyond these excellent ideas.