Are you stressed out? You are in the company of millions.

According to a 2018 study conducted by the Mental Health Organization, approximately 74 percent of those who participated in the study stated that they have been so inundated with stress that they have been unable to cope with their stressors at least once within the last year. As a mother, you understandably are no stranger to feeling stressed out and frazzled. In fact, if you feel intense stress almost daily as a mother, you are not alone.

Stress is your body’s natural reaction to different external stimuli, so it is reasonable to expect to feel some stress level regularly. However, when you constantly feel stressed out and struggle to cope, you need to find realistic ways to relieve stress. Keep in mind that excessive stress can take a toll on your body. Physical effects of stress include fatigue, headaches, chest pain, reduced sex drive, indigestion, irritability, anxiety, depression, and more.

Here are some techniques for all the stressed out moms to relieve the tension:

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Meditate

Whether you feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things that you have to get done soon or one of your children is having a major temper tantrum, one of the best things that you can do is to close your eyes, take deep breaths and focus on the sensations of your breath for a few minutes. This is an introductory way to meditate, and it can provide you with considerable relief from a stressful situation. You may also want to read a book or download an app to your smartphone that can help you to learn how to take full advantage of the benefits of meditation. Some mothers find that meditating first thing in the morning helps them to feel more centered and better able to cope.

Laugh Freely

Another excellent idea is to laugh. It can seem impossible to laugh when you are severely stressed out, but this simple step may profoundly and positively impact your mood. Try to find something funny about the current situation, or head to a quiet area to watch a few short and funny video clips on your phone. This may only take a minute or two, and it can substantially settle your emotions and relieve stress.

Hug Your Children

Many causes of motherhood stress are linked to your children in some way. When they are acting up or have misbehaved in some way, you may be inclined to send them to their room. Clearly, you need to punish children in some situations. However, you may be able to diffuse the situation by simply reaching out and hugging your children. This also works well even when they do not cause your stress. Physical contact with those you love unconditionally can help you feel more grounded and immediately remind you about the most essential things in life.

Exercise

Some people eat when they are stressed, but this habit can hurt their health. A healthier way to cope with stress is to get moving. You may be able to slide into your running shoes and pound the pavement for a while after your husband gets home. Another idea is to learn a few yoga poses and to practice your poses when you are facing a difficult situation. While you can exercise after feeling stressed, exercising daily can also help you manage stressful situations more easily.

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Read Motivational Quotes and Books

Another excellent idea is to read positive books or quotes regularly. Some mothers download a few affirmations apps on their phones. Others enjoy reading a few pages in a book about positivity to start their day. Find what works for you, and tap into this source of positive energy regularly to improve your mood.

Improve Your Environment

Your environment can dramatically affect your mood and ability to cope with stress. If you commonly feel stressed out, you may find that a few environmental changes can have a great impact on your life. For example, open the blinds to let natural sunlight into your space. Playing music that you find relaxing at a low level. Burn scented candles or incense. For the best results, take these steps before you begin feeling stressed out.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Stressed Out; Try These Techniques Instead!

Your ability to adequately manage stress well as a mother is essential to your health. It can also can have a positive impact on your children in different ways. If you regularly feel overwhelmed by stress, consider adopting a few of these tips into your life. You will better cope regardless of the challenges each new day brings.

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