Managing Motherhood Stress

We've all heard the phrase "saying it doesn't make it so."  If you don't act, your words are without meaning.

When we agree to become mothers we are not making a one-time decision. Its an agreement we must confirm every day, every moment. With each night-waking, we reestablish our commitment to motherhood. With each cheerful sacrifice you make to be the best mother you can be you are saying, "I will it" again. We are given so many opportunities to reaffirm our faith and our commitment to our families.

Staying strong and healthy is one of the best ways we can show our lasting agreement to shepherd our children and carry the keys to our homes. But I believe most mothers don't realize that integrating rest,  quiet, and respite into their lives is more important than including a fitness regimen. When we allow stress to command our positions of mothers and wives, we are failing in our mission. To allow stress to rule you is a great injustice and cause of much injury to yourself and thus to your family.

We often feel as though the pace of our lives is so fast that we can't catch a breath. Consider these tips.

Mother, put yourself on a sleep schedule. Be just as disciplined about sleep as you are about your daily exercise. Create a bedtime routine for yourself by turning off the electronics, showering, praying or deep breathing. Go to sleep at the same time every night and rise at the same time in the morning. Even on the weekends.

Mother, be quiet. God speaks in silence. I know that silence is almost a joke when you've got little ones running around sounding cacophonies of train whistles, banshees, or big guns of WWII. Don't use the din as an excuse or a reason to complain. Discipline yourself to rise earlier and spend 10 minutes in wakeful silence. Meditate, pray, breath, go outside and listen.

Mother, laugh. Laughter releases muscular and psychological tension. Watch a comedy. Phone a funny friend. Honestly, sit down and play with your kids. Kids are hilarious!

Mother, hop into the sack. You heard me. Sex can do wonders for building your self-confidence, re-connecting with your spouse, and can adjust your focus back onto the things that really matter, your people.

Mother, clean your space. You know what I'm talking about. Cleaning your space can feel like cleaning your mind. You are removing stress from your brain. I've experienced this phenomenon even with a small space, like my desk. Throw stuff away. Donate stuff. Even burn stuff if it helps. Get rid of all the extra junk that you don't need. Start with a small space like the top of the fridge, or your kitchen pantry.  It works.

Mothers, plan to succeed. If you know something is coming that will cause you to alter your usual behaviors and cause you stress (visitors, family road trip, holidays, a move to a new house etc.) plan on how you will deal with it. Know yourself and find what helps you to decompress.

From the moment we bow our heads in surrender to become mothers we are committing to a lifetime of sorrow and joy, pain and elation. The burden of carrying our children doesn't stop after we bring them into the world. Its an agreement to carry them forever. You have to decide every day to give yourself to someone else. That is why we nourish our bodies properly, we stay active, and we manage our stress levels; because we know that is what is best for our families. You have to reaffirm your commitment to them daily by giving them your best.