I had a headache for 2 years straight. I’m not kidding. Nothing I did made the pain go away. It took a while but I finally realized that the problem was stress.  Now I know the signs. For me, not sleeping, not eating, tummy aches, and headaches are all signs that I need to start looking for ways to relieve stress ASAP.

I imagine that if you are a mom you can relate. I bet if you are a single mom like me this sounds all too familiar. Here’s the thing: we have to learn to manage our stress levels if we are going to be able to parent the way we want to. Stress can make you sick, short-tempered, and could even cost you your life if it gets bad enough.

So what are we to do when stress threatens to take over and take us out?

5 Ways to Relieve Stress for Moms

Stay positive

I know this can be easier said than done but it is important to keep a positive and hopeful perspective on life. When we are able to stay positive then we aren’t focusing on all the bad and stressful things in our lives. This doesn’t mean that we stick our head in the sand and deny the reality of the world but it does mean that we learn to focus more on where our help comes from (God) instead of all the bad stuff. Learning to focus on God is the main way I have learned to be joyful through those hard times and trials.

Stay healthy

Moms, we must take care of ourselves! We hear it all the time but it bears repeating. You need to eat, exercise, take your medicine, etc. I recently did something that I’d been putting off for years: I went for a physical, a dental check-up, and an eye exam.

Sleep

I know sleep and motherhood don’t always go hand in hand but you should try to get as much rest as you can. Just getting enough sleep alone can really help reduce the effects of stress. I usually struggle with insomnia when I’m stressed but I do have some go-to remedies that help me get some rest when I need it.

Community

We are not meant to go through life alone. God created us for fellowship with Him and each other. Isolation magnifies your struggles. It makes you feel more hopeless than you need to be because there isn’t anyone in your corner.

Take Care of YOU

I learned that if I don’t add myself to the schedule, I will be forgotten. Make the effort to make yourself a priority so you can take care of yourself. Everyone needs time to refresh and renew. Moms should not be an exception.

In order to relieve stress, it’s important we seriously consider what’s necessary in order to do so. Sometimes we simply need to slow down and reevaluate our priorities. Stress does all kinds of things to our bodies and minds. Make it a priority to keep stress levels low by taking the steps needed to relieve high stress, not only for yourself but for those around you, too.

In Him,

LaToya Edwards

100 Words of Affirmation Your Son/Daughter Needs to Hear

Matt and Lisa Jacobson want you to discover the powerful ways you can build your children up in love with the beautiful words you choose to say every day–words that every son and daughter needs to hear.

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