Ten Ways on How to Destress

I am a stay-at-home mom for seven years. I do the household chores, take care of all my family's needs at the same time maintaining a home-based business. We don't have a helper. I chose not to hire one because I am not comfortable of having one. Since I was young I was trained to do things on my own. I also want my kids to be independent like me.

It is very natural and usual on my part that sometimes I feel stressed especially when my job as a mom and mompreneur become so demanding. I don't even notice that I become so engrossed with my duties that I forget to give myself time. I experience becoming so irritable.  To be very honest, there are times that I feel so ugly, haggard, and sad with unknown reason. There was also a time when I had displacement of anger.

The last time I felt so stressed, I made it a point to list down the things that I should do just to give "LOVE" to myself. As the saying goes, we give something that we have. How I can I show love to my family & friends if I don't even love myself? How I can my loved-ones be happy if I am unhappy, right?

These are the ten diversionary activities that I do in order to destress.

1. ME TIME

A 20 minute bath, applying make-up to try a new look, drinking coffee alone, and going to the supermarket on my own when the kids are asleep are my usual Me Time activities. 

2. READ

There was a time when I felt guilty when I opened and started to read a book!  This should not be the case!

 When I started reading again, it made me feel empowered knowing that I had something new to discover and learn aside from the routines that I do everyday.

3. WRITE

Writing my thoughts on a journal and blogging helps me relax whenever I feel angry, tired, or sad after a long day especially when the kids are so demanding and naughty! Reading my journal entries makes me laugh and realize that my life is so colorful and blessed after all the trials, aches, and pains of being a mom, wife, and mompreneur! 

4. INDULGE

I indulge in eating my comfort foods or give myself a small token in times of stress or whenever I accomplish something. It makes me happy, rewarded and satisfied!

5. REFLECT

Counting my blessings takes away my negative thoughts. Seeing all the goodness in everything and accepting the Lord's will make me a whole person again.

6.   GO OUT ALONE

I cancelled a lot of invitations from friends because of my very busy schedule.  When I accept invitations, my kids and hubby come along. It should not be that way always. I give myself time to go out with my close friends ALONE once in a while. I do this on a weekend when my husband can look after our kids. I am so blessed that he is the one encouraging me to do this.

There are topics which you can talk about that is between you and your friend only. There are no kids to tug you and keep on telling you that they want to go to the toy store or go home already. In short, no distractions!

7. CALL, SEND AN E-MAIL OR A TEXT MESSAGE

When I can't see my friends in person, sending them e-mail or text message or giving them a call makes me rejuvinated! It feels good to know that they are okay and they make me feel better.

8. WATCH A MOVIE

I don't have time watching movies, but when I do I make sure that I do it with my family at home. Popcorn + nice movie = quieting, relaxing, and resting time. HAPPINESS!

9. ORGANIZE

Organizing my stuff makes me feel that I accomplish something new and  big!

10. PRAY

The Lord will not give me trials that I can't handle.

When I pray and offer all my pains, joys, activities, sacrifices as I start the day, all things go smoothly.

I am not a super woman but I am doing my best to become the best mom, wife, and mompreneur! 

Experiencing frustrations and pains is a part of life! All I can do is to accept challenges but not forgetting to love myself more so that I can really be the best that I can be and give love in return! :)