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Here are tips how to manage the many small stressful events in
your daily routine:
·
Plan ahead for the morning crunch. Set the
breakfast table and make packed lunches the night before.
·
Plan what you will wear. Check clothing for
tears, runs, or missing buttons.
·
If a child needs help deciding on clothing or
gathering papers for school, get this organized the night before.
·
Get up before the rest of the family in order to
have some time to yourself. Read the newspaper or do a crossword puzzle.
·
Store plenty of microwave meals for your family
that can easily be put on the table at a moment’s notice.
·
Too many errands and chores to do? Enlist your
children’s help, or hire a trusted neighbourhood teenager to do some of these
tasks.
·
You can use a standard kitchen timer to help
manage your schedule. If you do not want a telephone conversation to get too
lengthy, set the timer for 15 or 20 minutes. Also use it ot time exercising or
housecleaning (‘I’ll do this for just 20 minutes”)
·
Get an aquarium. They come in all sizes, for any
size room or budget. Watching colourful fish swim gracefully through the water
will distress you in no time.
·
Spend time with your children. Flying a kite of
playing a favourite board game is relaxing and makes the whole family feel
closer.
·
Spend time away from your children as well.
Occasionally hiring a babysitter can make a big difference to your stress
level. To save money, consider sharing a babysitter with other parents.
·
Take time out for a hobby you truly enjoy,
whether it is knitting playing the piano or pottering around the garden.
·
Listen to music. Start with lively music that
matches the way you feel, and work into slower pieces. On the other hand, do
the opposite - start with soothing melodies and end with energizing music.
·
Get enough sleep. Most adults need at least
eight to eight and a half hours a night. Your efficiency the next day will more
than make up for the extra time lost to sleep. Go to bed at the same time every
night and wake at the same time every morning - even on weekends - if possible.
This way you will not tamper with your body’s rhythms.
·
Try volunteer work. Nothing will take your mind
off your own troubles and give you a greater sense of accomplishment than
volunteering your time and energy to a good
cause
·
Buy cards and gifts throughout the year for.
Then you will not have to rush around before birthdays and holidays.
·
Keep a record of the things that make you feel
stressed. This will help you to become aware of the real stressors in your life.
·
Give yourself permission to be imperfect. Let
the dishes go unwashed one night.
·
Getting a pet is another excellent way to reduce
stress. Not only will a pet give you warmth and unconditional affection, but
also merely petting a friendly animal can help lower blood pressure.
