Here’s another post from my friend Jenna for the Parenting section, also known by some as Corrupting Our Youth, although I prefer something along the lines of Influencing Free Range Children. She’s kind of become the resident mom-author here at apocalypse central.
If you think life is stressful now, think about what it’ll be like with zombies, aliens, or nuclear winter to make things worse. Try these tips now so you’ll make them a habit before a giant solar flare wipes out electronics all over the globe.
I hope you enjoy this short post by Jenna Sherman of Parent-Leaders. You can find her bio at the end.
Dr. Redbeard
Top 5 Stress-Busters for Moms of Boys
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
You’re a mom of boys. You know the meaning of testosterone — and you are a champion of listening to them and providing emotional guidance and validation. But while your boys (and husband) need guidance and support, so do you. You need to take a step back sometimes and make sure you are keeping your own stress in check.
So let’s take a look at some tried-and-true stress busters to use to keep from pulling your hair out around all that testosterone!
Stress buster #1: Communicate
Raising boys can be a challenge, but you know that they need emotional validation from their parents. You, in turn, need to be vulnerable with them, as well. You need to make sure you are communicating to them and your husband your need for space. If you’re too stressed out, you might find it difficult to be tolerant with your partner or to maintain a positive outlook.
When your stress levels rise, communication may be the last thing on your mind. But you should make sure you’re communicating clearly and concisely exactly what you need. You should also consider reaching out to family members for help.
Stress buster #2: Get the husband involved
Don’t forget that the main source of testosterone in your household can be put to work sometimes, too. Enlist your husband in running interference so you can have some self-care time. Devoting enough time to taking care of yourself will give you the energy you need to care for them, so they should support this.
It’s all about the branding — your husband can host a “guys’ night” where he and the boys cook their favorite foods and watch movies while you take a bath and get some much-needed “me time.” Not only does this help you unwind — but it can work wonders on their relationships, as well, which in turn can improve your outlook.
Stress buster #3: Declutter and destress
Clutter has been shown to increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol. If you’re having an increase in anxiety thanks to the long months of being cooped up in this house full of testosterone, try taking one room at a time and doing a deep clean — everything from the floors to the abundance of unused objects lying around. It’s not spring yet, but that shouldn’t keep you from cleaning. Clear bad energy and give yourself a boost to the psyche by letting in that fresh, clean air.
Stress-buster #4: Social hour isn’t just for them
As social animals, humans need deep connections, and that doesn’t just mean with their partner and children. Loneliness has been linked to a variety of real, physical health issues, and forging intimate relationships with friends and family members can help stave off these kinds of feelings.
Even virtual hangouts can give a much-needed boost to your mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of how we interact, but seeing and hearing your friends still gives you that serotonin bump you crave. Schedule a Netflix party, send Marco Polo video chat messages, or simply host a Zoom happy hour with your social circle.
Stress-buster #5: Seek help if you need it
Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help if you are struggling — whether physically or mentally. Especially at this moment in history, expressing the need for mental space and time for self-care has become integral. Seeking out online therapeutic practices can be beneficial in stress management, help ease negative feelings, and give you a chance to step outside your own situation and look at yourself objectively.
For more information about how to live bigger and get more out of life, including resources on leadership, family management, financial and physical wellness, and homeschooling, contact motivational speaker and Marine Corps veteran Dr. David Powers today.
Jenna Sherman created Parent-Leaders to be all about what parents can do to make sure their children grow up to be strong, independent, successful adults. By providing a collection of valuable, up-to-date, authoritative resources, she hopes to help other parents acquire the skills they need to raise future leaders. Jenna is mom to three children — two girls and a boy.