The life of a mom is often busy. 

Kids who need your attention, a husband who sometimes acts like a child, a home that needs cleaning…and the list of things to attend to only grow longer.

And if you’re a working mom, then workplace stress is another thing to worry about.

With so many things to juggle, busy moms are feeling the stress. And it can get out of control when left unchecked.

Worry not though.

This guide will give you calming tips for busy moms. Tips that will make the hurly-burly of motherhood much more manageable and fulfilling.

Before we get to the tips, however, let’s take a closer look at stress – from what it is to the triggers you need to watch out for,

The insight will give a better understanding of how to deal with stress.

Stress 101

Stress refers to the psychological perception of pressure and the body’s response/s to it. 

These responses may involve multiple systems such as metabolism, muscles, memory, and more. 

An event like being yelled at by your boss is a notable example of what can trigger stress.  

Knowing that you might lose your job because of what happened, your body sets off an automatic response system through hormonal signaling. 

This response system is also known as fight-or-flight which is naturally occurring in both humans and animals.

After this, hormones including adrenaline and cortisol surge through the body. 

The result? 

Your heartbeat and blood circulation speed up. Your body mobilizes fat and sugar to provide energy. Your focus sharpens, while your muscles become tense

Not everything about stress is bad. However, too much of anything is bad.

Repeated arousal of the stress response can lead to harmful physical and psychological effects including heart disease and depression.

What causes stress for busy moms?

A survey of Today on 7,000 moms in the US revealed that the average mom rates her stress level an 8.5 out of 10. 

Interesting bit: 

The research found that 46 percent of moms consider their husbands as a more significant source of stress than their kids.

But other factors contribute to stress, too. Let’s take a look at the major ones.

Running after time

Not only busy moms, but everyone feels they simply do not enough time for everything. 

For moms, taking care of the kids already take so much of their time. Not to mention have to make sure that the house is clean and tidy. They also have to make time to do their jobs if they’re working.

These are only some of the things that are in a mom’s to-do list day in and out. Not much else is left to do the things they want. 

Relationships

Not only shortage of time but relationships, too, may lead to high levels of stress. 

Moms also need to make sure that they maintain warm and strong relationships with people who matter to them. 

The kids, husband, in-laws, relatives, friends, and colleagues all play a big role here.

Maintaining these relationships can be extremely difficult due to motherhood. 

Sex, for instance, is an essential part of the relationship with hubby. Finding the time to get cozy and intimate is far from easy.

Finances

Moms are also ‘accountants’ in the sense that they have to take care of the family’s finances. 

Families who are earning just enough may find it tough to make ends meet. Single moms, in particular, are potentially at greater risk of suffering from stress due to finances.

But even those that seem to be ‘well-off’ are not out of the woods. Not to mention it’s one of the most common sources of friction between partners.

Additional stress factors

The three things above are the major and most common causes of stress in moms. Also, things such as the ones below are also a potential trigger.

  • Mood swings
  • Lack of sleep
  • Sickness
  • Menstrual period
  • Getting stuck in traffic
  • Deadlines
  • And a whole lot more

How to deal with stress – Tips For Busy Moms

Unfortunately, getting stressed is inevitable. On the brighter side, stress is manageable. And the following tips will show you how to do just that.

Exercise

Mommies may be the ‘best jugglers’ in the world but staying fit is probably not included on your to-do list. 

After all, how will you even find the time to exercise with your plate already full?

BUT, did you know that exercise can help ease depression and anxiety? When you exercise, the brain signals the body to release endorphins. 

Not to mention you tend to forget about all your worries when you’re fully immersed in a workout routine.

Indeed, exercise is a great and healthy way to cope up with the everyday stress that life throws at you. 

Even better, working out helps you gain confidence and gives you a chance to meet new friends. You can even make it a point to exercise with your family!

Mindfulness meditation

This practice is not new. 

In fact, meditation has been around for thousands of years already with roots. 

Research shows that mindfulness-based meditation can greatly reduce and manage stress. This can apply not just to mommies but everyone else.

In fact, the art of mindfulness combined with meditation has many benefits. The goal is for you to learn to be present at the moment and be able to quiet your mind. Below are the steps if you want to try this technique to manage your stress.

  • Pay close attention to your breathing, especially when you’re feeling intense emotions.
  • Notice what you’re sensing at a given moment such as the sights, sounds, and smells that ordinarily slip by without reaching your conscious awareness.
  • Recognize that your thoughts and emotions are fleeting and do not define you, an insight that can free you from negative thought patterns.
  • Tune into your body’s physical sensations, from the water hitting your skin in the shower to the way your body rests in your office chair.

Laughter is the best medicine

Similar to exercise, laughing also releases endorphins which promotes an overall sense of well-being. Similarly, when you smile, the brain releases dopamine which prolongs the feeling of happiness.

These feel-good hormones that your brain releases when you smile or laugh are the ones responsible for lessening the stress hormones. 

This is not to say that you should laugh over almost anything. The key is to stay positive and find little ways to smile regardless of what you’re going through.

Seek help

Whether it’s from a professional or through your friends, finding someone to talk to will significantly ease the stress that you’re feeling. 

It’s okay to try dealing with things on your own but, it’s also okay to ask for help.

Support groups and girlfriends are also great to ease the stress.

Finding and talking to people who are more or less, experiencing the same dilemma as you, can help make you feel understood.

They can also share their ideas with you on how they deal with stress which you may find helpful.

Give yourself a breather

Sometimes, all you need is a little break from all the things that trouble you. 

Go on vacation with your family. Going to the beach or having a simple picnic at the park is a fantastic way for you to ‘loosen up.’ 

Finding the time to go on a date with your husband will also help a lot.

On the other hand…

A breather doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go on vacation. It could be as simple as spending a few minutes alone in your room, listening to soothing music. 

Let everyone in the family know when you need a break because you need it.