Ask any parents-to-be, and they’d tell you they have read up on parenting, and they are confident that they are prepared for any parenting challenges that may arise. Ask any parents, and they’d tell you from experience that nothing would have prepared them for the stress that they have to go through on a daily basis.
Getting kids to school, to finish their homework, to eat their vegetables, and keeping an eye on their Internet time and what they see on TV and online are just some of the many triggers for parenting stress. While it is important not to let such stress affect your child, it is pivotal to recognize when you are stressed and how to relieve it.
Signs of Stress
- Headaches, lightheadedness, racing heart, digestive issues
- Difficulty remembering things and concentrating
- Constantly feeling irritable, overwhelmed, and worrying
- Difficulty sleeping or socializing
Stress Relief Activities
- Avoid exposing yourself to negative thoughts or media. Stay away from hostile people and other stress triggers.
- Look out for pleasant interactions with other people. Think of happy memories.
- Avoid time pressure by allowing yourself more time to get things done.
- When things don’t go your way, reassess the situation from a new perspective and focus on the positive side of things.
- Accept the fact that your sleep is going to be disrupted every now and then.
- Spend time in nature if possible.
- Exercise!
For the sake of mental health and wellbeing -- yours and your child’s -- learn how to cope with parenting stress and … relax!
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