By Sonia Rahel-Ahmadzai, MA, MFT Q: I’m a stay-at-home mom with a two-year-old girl and four-year-old boy. I am grateful for all the time I get to spend with my kids, but some days I just need a break. I don’t have the option of a weekend getaway or a lot of time. Is there anything I can do—in a short time—to de-stress? A: As a mother of three, I empathize. When your entire day consists of disciplining, wiping hands and noses, fetching lunches, drinks and snacks, listening to complaints, setting up play dates, cleaning up messes, and putting away toys, you can easily burn through each day without a break… unless you make a point to take care of yourself. Here are some simple ways to make time for Mom: 1. Schedule breaks. Mark 20-minute breaks in your day planner or on a wall calendar. Seeing the breaks in front of you every day will help you make it happen. Enjoy a cup of tea outside, listen to music, journal, read, meditate… whatever helps you relax. The rest is up to you. Making just a few small changes will benefit you—and your family—in a big way. Sonia Rahel-Ahmadzai, M.A., MFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Rocklin and a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).
Quick fixes for stressed-out SAHMs.
2. Get active! Collaborate with friends to exchange kid duty while you go for a run, do an exercise video or take a tennis lesson. The endorphins from physical activity will lift your mood and recharge you for the rest of the day.
3. Declare “Mommy Time.” Whether it’s a night off each week or just a half-hour on the weekend, take some regularly scheduled time to focus on you and do something you really love.
4. Don’t Be a Hero. Save some errands for the weekend, so your partner can help lighten your load. Remember: you don’t have to do everything yourself—and asking for help is okay!
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