Mums, I know some of the difficulties you have juggling and getting a work-life balance as I am a mum, although my children are now grown up, and I have always worked.
Being a mum is rewarding as you see your child develop; however, some mums can struggle with sleepless nights, financial difficulties, and endless demands on their time.
If you are like me, you must start organising the day before. This was particularly important when my children were still at school. I know other mums have similar timetables, juggling home and work.
For example, you might have been making packed lunches for youngsters or getting school clothes ready the previous evening. As most kids are untidy, you might have to look for a gym kit or find that screwed-up jumper at the bottom of a school bag.
You also need to get ready for work. As a registered nurse, I washed my nurse’s uniform daily, so there was always washing and ironing to do. Perhaps you need to sort out work clothes as well.
And then there is the housework. Don’t we mums love a clean and tidy house? But when you have kids, mums feel like they are on a never-ending task of clearing up. There is always something to do, and partners are not always as helpful as you would like. You feel that it’s your responsibility to do everything.
I want to tell you a secret!
I used to clean daily, but then one day, I didn’t, and no one noticed! That gave me the idea that I could clean every other day or less as long as the kitchen and bathroom were clean; nothing else seemed so important.
Relationships are also important when you lead a hectic life. If you have a partner, they need your attention, and you must still do enjoyable things together.
Good friends and family are invaluable. They are supportive, and they help you out in a crisis.
There are also some helpful chat rooms and online support for mums. See Mumsnet
But the demands on you are relentless. What can you do to feel less stressed and anxious? The answer is to take responsibility for yourself and maintain a work-life balance.
If you are a mum who feels stressed and anxious and wants to balance your life, here are six ways to do so that will help.
Practice deep breathing
Relaxation is important; it can be easy to fit into a busy life for mums.
The easiest way to relax is to do deep breathing. This is easy because you can do it anywhere.
So, firstly, learn to identify when you are becoming stressed and anxious. Try not to please everyone all the time. If you feel stressed, stop what you are doing briefly and practice some deep breathing.
There are lots of different ways of doing deep breathing to aid relaxation.
One way is to sit upright in a comfortable chair, breathe in through your nose for the count of seven, and then slowly breathe out through your mouth for the count of eleven. Do this two or three times. If there is any discomfort or dizziness, stop.
Create a relaxing space for mums.
Your environment will contribute a lot to how you feel.
A comfortable environment will help you relax.
If you feel stressed, sit in the garden if you have one or go for a walk. Pushing your child in a stroller is also a good way to get little ones to sleep. Connecting with nature and getting fresh air are other stress-relieving benefits. Some mums like to jog rather than walk.
Alternatively, find a room in your house where you feel more relaxed and spend some time there to help you unwind.
Read a book.
Watch a comedy on the TV.
Bring enjoyment into your life.
Go and see friends.
Also, if you work at a desk, ensure it’s not cluttered and feels comfortable. When at work, take a walk during your lunch break.
Engage in mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness is about noticing the here and now.
Mindfully have a cup of tea. Start by noticing where you place your hands on the cup. How does the cup feel? Is it heavy, hot, smooth, or do you notice something else?
As you bring your hand holding the cup to your mouth, notice the muscles in your arm and the journey of your movement.
How does that feel when you touch the cup with your lips? Can you smell the drink? Notice if there is any heat rising. Can you hear yourself sip the drink?
When the liquid enters your mouth, notice the taste and where the tea flows around your mouth. Feel it go down your throat. Can you notice it going down to your stomach?
Doing a simple mindful exercise will help you to focus and relax.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Your body won’t work well if you don’t eat the correct foods. Most people know a healthy diet contains protein from fish, meat, and beans, carbohydrates from rice, pasta, and potatoes, vitamins and minerals from vegetables, and plant-based fats such as olive oil.
Yet, taking the time to eat healthily may seem just another chore.
Today, shopping for food online is possible to save time in the shops.
You can also cook in bulk and freeze extras to use another day.
Why not treat yourself to a cookbook using the minimum ingredients on a budget?
Incorporate physical activity
Physical activity doesn’t need to be difficult or involve going to the gym daily unless you want to.
You could dance with the kids and have fun.
You can go out for a walk.
You could listen to an online fitness programme.
You could also do yoga at home, alone, or with friends.
The benefits of hypnotherapy
You may not have considered hypnotherapy before, but it can help you develop a positive mindset for change and relax no matter your situation.
Hypnotherapy can help with many things, including low confidence and self-esteem, reducing stress and anxiety, career changes and relaxation.
An added bonus is that hypnotherapy is now easily available online.
Finally, if you are feeling stressed and anxious, take action. Treasure the time you have as a mum.
For more information about hypnotherapy visit www.awakenthechange.com and book a free initial consultation online.
