Mom Stress: When Multi-Tasking Goes Awry

With the almost frantic pace that moms live their lives, increased stress levels are natural, impacting many areas of life such as work, family, and other relationships. Stress can cause one to experience irritability, impatience, and distractibility. For busy moms, stress management is a necessity. Here are seven suggestions to help you live a more stress free life:

1. Make time for you. Without the kids. Its very important to maintain your own sense of self and sometimes this can be difficult to do when you never actually have any 'you' time. This could be losing yourself in a great short story or wandering the shops at the mall or making time for a pedicure. Whatever you think of when you think of a treat is what you need to organize.

2. Practice deep abdominal breathing periodically throughout the day. Breath in deeply through the nose pulling the belly button toward the spine, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly release. Busy moms will be pleasantly surprised at how this simple technique can result in a more relaxed body and mind.

3. Take time to exercise. Exercise helps to decrease depression, increase concentration and energy, and the endorphins released gives one a greater sense of control. Hitting the local gym is not always necessary. Just taking a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood, taking the steps instead of an elevator, or parking farther away can help a busy mom squeeze in exercise during the day.

4. Eat Healthy. There are foods that promote calmness as well as foods that increase stress levels. Busy moms should ask themselves if they are consuming too much sugar or caffeine, and if they are getting enough protein. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and staying away from refined and processed foods also help. Healthy eating is very important for any busy mom. Taking a look at your eating habits and making the necessary changes can result in increased optimal health.

5. Seek out a buddy. It is always important to have at least one relationship where Mom can just vent and know that a listening ear and unconditional acceptance will be given.

6. Calm Your Thoughts. If you want to learn how to relax then start with the hubbub that goes on in your mind. Our thoughts create the lives we live so be aware of what you think about. Abraham said 'Worrying is using your imagination to create something you don't want'. What are you creating with your worries?

7. Don't Forget To Laugh. Laughing is good for you and with children around there are usually lots of things to laugh at -from the things they say to the things you find yourself saying back to them. Learning to laugh at yourself is a great thing to teach your children. Besides, studies have shown that you burn more calories laughing than jogging.

Busy moms can follow the above seven tips for a more stress free life!