All moms have been through that. Coping with difficult times can be challenging, but there are various techniques you can try to help calm yourself. Keep in mind that different strategies work for different people, so you may want to experiment with a few to find what works best for you.
- Deep Breathing
I truly grasp the daily hustle moms experience. We often forget to slow down.
Practice deep, slow breathing to help activate your body's relaxation response.
How?
- Inhale deeply through your nose
- hold for a few seconds
- exhale slowly through your mouth
Repeat 3-5 times, until you experience a sense of relaxation.
- Be Kind
Give. Give to a total stranger.
Trust me, act of giving evokes a sense of warmth and coziness within us.
We never know what others are experiencing. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, will create a ripple effect and foster a culture of compassion within our community.
- Sit Aside
Find a spot in a coffeeshop or bustling street and immerse yourself in the surroundings. You don’t have to talk to anyone.
- Strengths
List down 20 of your strengths. No matter what aspect.
- Keep moving forward
Keep taking those small steps, no matter how little. Being stagnant will not help.
- Re-visit an old hobby
It helps rekindle fond memories, enhance relaxation. If you don’t have one, find one.
- Exercise
Physical activity can release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether it's a short walk, a workout or yoga, find a form of exercise that you enjoy.
- Journaling
Write down your thoughts and feelings. Journaling can be a therapeutic way to express yourself and gain clarity on your emotions.
- Connect with Others
Talk to a friend, family member or therapist. Sharing your concerns with someone you trust can provide emotional support and different perspectives.
- Listen to Music
Listen to calming or uplifting music. Music has the power to influence mood and can be a great way to shift your emotional state.
- Learn to Say NO
Set boundaries and prioritize your well-being by learning to say no when necessary. It's okay to decline additional responsibilities if you're feeling overwhelmed.
- Self-Care and Regular Routine
Take care of your basic needs, such as getting 7-8 hours sleep each night, eating nourishing meals and maintaining a regular routine. The repercussions are substantial when essential needs are thrown into disarray.
- Cry
Release all that emotion. It is not an act of weakness at all.
It’s a natural way for our body to cope with stress and promote emotional well-being.
- Life is a journey
What you are going through is temporary. It will pass. You will emerge stronger than before. Remember “what doesn’t kills you, makes you stronger”.
- Practice Gratitude
Focus on the positive aspects of your life by practicing gratitude. Consider keeping a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the good things, no matter how small. Eg: the reassurance that my family and close friends are safe fills me with profound gratitude.
A calm and composed demeanour enable mothers to make better decisions under stress. It also creates a harmonious and supportive atmosphere within the family, setting the stage for long-term emotional resilience in our children.