Parenting is a lovely experience, but it wears you down at times. There’s no rule book, and in many cases, you must go with what your gut’s telling you. The truth of the matter is that it’ll always be busy and challenging.
The key is coming up with ways for you to manage it all without stressing yourself out. Being hard on yourself isn’t going to lighten the load, or make your job any less demanding. Be smart about what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. Focus on what you can change and improve to make it easier on you.
Make Lists
Stop trying to memorise all your to-dos in your head. Write them down and check them off as you go. Keep a tally and organise your tasks in priority order. Doing this will help you feel less overwhelmed and more like you have it all under control. This way you’re more likely not to forget to do an important chore too. Being organised is half the battle when you’re managing a household. Have your lists on you at all times, and always be managing them.
Take Care of yourself
You’re going to be crabby and hard to be around if you’re in pain. Causes of joint pain vary, so take a look online and figure out what yours may be due to. Education is the first step in getting closer to a resolution. Take the initiative to figure out why you’re hurting and what options you have for getting better. The healthier you are, the more seamless it’ll be to parent and deal with the stressors of everyday life. Never put yourself last because the entire family suffers when you do.
Delegate
Use your kids and spouse to your advantage and include them in the household chores. Make sure everyone has responsibilities and understands what to do and when. This will not only help you, but teach your kids about what it’s like to be held accountable for their actions and how to run a home. It’s your job to speak up and ask for assistance when you need it. Don’t feel like you have to carry all the weight on your shoulders. Spread it to others by dishing out tasks.
Stop Stressing the Small Stuff
At the end of the day, ask yourself what truly matters. Write it down and read your list over daily. This will keep gratitude top of mind for you and help you not stress when challenges arise. You only have so much capacity to be a parent, work and take care of yourself. Remind yourself that sweating the small stuff is only going to make matters worse. Implement breathing techniques or go for a short walk when you’re faced with worry.
Conclusion
If you’ve been feeling stressed out lately, now’s a good time to step back and evaluate the situation. Try using these techniques to give yourself a break. It’s not about cutting corners, but working more efficiently and smarter.
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