I met my friends last night for a cup of coffee amidst the bright lights and noisy traffic of Makati. When we asked how each one had been doing, everyone shrieked, "I'm soooo stressed!" Each one seemed very eager to tell the others how busy their schedules were.
One had an awful week at work with bosses dishing out tough deadlines. The other lost their household help and was drowning in laundry. Another friend was nearly in tears sharing her child's dismal report card while relaying how their only car broke down. Moms have a lot of responsibilities and they are stressed enough managing everything on a good day. The stress shoots up during the bad days when Murphy's Law seems to rule. How can moms relieve their stress in the comforts of their own homes?
1. Old Favorite: Doing a DVD marathon. New Favorite: Curling under the covers with a magazine
Reading is something we don't do often because it takes time to finish a book and time is a luxury most moms don't have. Try reading a magazine instead. There are also a lot of good online sites if you happen to have a handy laptop at home. Enrich your mind with short clips from www.ted.com or catch up with the latest news through online newspapers. Then when you're done, bury your head in the soft pillow and enter the world of pleasant dreams.
2. Old Favorite: Eating yummy desserts. New Favorite: Cooking up a storm
Stacking up on empty calories only brings another reason to be stressed about - becoming fat! Instead, cook tasty but nutritious meals for your family. A lot of moms swear that mindlessly chopping carrots and stirring the sauce until it thickens are actually quite relaxing. For moms who beg to disagree, they can find comfort in knowing that there are other ways to relax that don’t involve entering a kitchen.
3. Old Favorite: Taking a bubble bath. New Favorite: Taking a shower
Remember when we were kids and we always wanted to go out and play under the rain? Taking a shower is a great alternative! It eases the pressures from your body. Close your eyes and picture the water washing your worries away, water flowing down your back, drumming out the aches and pains. Make it even better with a sweet-smelling soap or shampoo so the fragrance adds soothing aromatherapy to help you relax even more.
4. Old Favorite: Watching the rain with a cup of coffee. New Favorite: Sipping orange juice while writing in your gratitude journal
Being aware of the many blessings that have come to our lives is a fantastic technique in banishing our self-pity and fears. Write down all the happy moments that you had and the people who have touched your life (while sipping your daily dose of vitamin C). Don't forget to include all the good things you have done for others. Helping other people always makes us feel good because we are able to share our worth and blessings. Slowly read what you have written and you'll realize your stress gradually disappearing.
5. Old Favorite: Exercising the blues away. New Favorite: Dancing the blues away
No one in the house? It's the perfect time then to turn up your stereo's volume just like you did back in high school. Then do the crazy moves you've always been wanting to do but were too embarrassed to do. Swing those arms, jump like crazy and wiggle those hips like there is no tomorrow. The feeling of freedom is exhilarating!
6. Old Favorite: Burning the phone lines with girl pals. New Favorite: Connect with friends through Facebook, Twitter and Email
A true friend knows how to listen, empathize or help analyze a problem. They share our joys and excitement and provide support during challenging times. But most of our friends are also moms who are busy or half a world away. We are blessed be living in a time where technology serves as bridges, connecting us with our friends no matter where they are.
7. Old Favorite: Getting a massage. New Favorite: Getting a massage
A back or foot massage is heaven and will always remain a favorite way to banish stress. It's very relaxing and soothing to feel the swishing motion that takes away the stubborn knots of your muscles. You will surely feel like a pampered princess afterward. There are many affordable spas offering home-service so you can get your massage without the inconvenience of battling traffic. After your indulgent massage, you can sleep your stress away.
8. Old Favorite: Meditating. New Favorite: Praying
I've never been a fan of yoga (sorry, my dear yoga-loving pals) and 7-day silent retreats, but praying has always been a source of comfort. It brings an inner peace that nothing else can bring. Prayer increases your faith and uplifts your spirit; it strengthens your belief that no matter what problem you face, it will all be alright at the end.
The old tried and tested favorites will always be effective but there are other simple things you can consider doing as well. But whatever you choose to do, the important thing to have is me time. Taking time out to do the things you like is what is important, so feel free to take out the paint brushes and create a canvass of beautiful colors, start knitting a comfy red sweater or play a minuet on the piano. Taking care of yourself, even just for half an hour each day, will make you a rejuvenated and happier mom, ready to tackle everything on your to-do list with renewed energy. Task # 1 - de-stress the stress. Check.
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