Stress seems to find us at all points in our lives. Between work, traffic, bills and family stresses, finding ways to manage these stressors and relax can be difficult. Learning to manage your stress can give you new-found energy to create lasting memories for you and your family. Here are five tips to manage and reduce stress as you navigate parenthood.
1. Focus on the Good
Positive interactions can boost your mood. Socializing with friends at lunch, reflecting on positive memories with your family, finding moments to embrace your children or performing a random act of kindness can help spark happiness and alleviate stress. By focusing on the good parts of your life, you can shift your perspective from a stressed state to a calm one.
2. Tap Into Nature
Research shows that spending time outdoors can reduce tension, anger and depression. Spending even fifteen minutes in nature can lower cortisol levels. Experiments show that looking out windows or at nature scene pictures can have a calming effect if you’re unable to spend time outside.
3. Move Your Body
Exercise can help protect your body from physical and emotional stress, but it doesn’t have to look like going to the gym and hopping on the treadmill. Intentional and voluntary exercise increases your mood, whereas involuntary exercise may decrease your mood. There are fun ways to get active, such as having a dance party or walking around a local trail. Find what exercise activity works for you and your family to help reduce stress levels.
4. Seek Out Fun
Find activities that both you and your family enjoy. This can include attending a sporting event, watching movies or having an arts and crafts night. Participating in things that make you happy leads to decreased stress and the ability to enjoy family time more. Don’t be afraid to have hobbies of your own. Solo activities give you space to do something outside of your parenting role. Taking this time to decompress helps recharge you in all aspects of life.
5. Lean on Your Support System
Sometimes it’s all too much to handle by yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for backup when you need it. Asking your loved ones and people you trust for help can lead to better decision-making for your family. Reaching out to other parents serves as a reminder that you’re not alone. They may be able to offer advice from an outside perspective and share similar stresses and remedies with you.
Kansas Children’s Service League has resources that can help. Join one of our parent support groups or take a look at our parent tip cards to help guide you through your parenting journey.
