Hello, lovely readers. I know I’ve been absent for some time but I hope you’ve been enjoying the giggles and updates over at Mum That’s Me on Facebook.
It’s been what I refer to as a ‘season of stress’. I see a season of stress as any period that causes additional stress or pressure in your day to day life. Whether that may be a major project deadline at work, a sick child or any other stressful thing.
And lockdown and home schooling has been stressful at times. We started off full of positivity and we got so much done, the novelty soon wore off. The kids just wanted to play so home learning had to fit in around what they wanted to do. The house didn’t get much attention, every time i cleaned it would get trashed with toys everywhere, drinks left lying around and i would hear bickering and moaning at times.
To say the least its been stressful, especially with not being able to go anywhere. I am thankful we have a garden and that the weather has been good.
I’m nearly out of the season of stress, the children are at school a few days a week and i am slowly getting on top of things. But in the meantime, here are some tips to help keep you calmer, and get you through your own season of stress.
Learn to say no
This is the magic tip that will change everything. When you’re already overwhelmed, you have to say no to save your remaining scraps of sanity. The school work becomes overwhelming i just say no, we are not going to get everything done. As the children are constantly asking for snacks, i suspect due to boredom, i have started to say no. When i have too many work demands i have started to say no. I need some time to myself and taking the pressure off helps.
Self care
However you look after yourself, book in the time. Go to bed early, catch up with friends, do some exercise and so something that makes you laugh. I personally find catching up with friends is a great way of relaxing, particularly if it is child free.
Hydrate!
Remember to drink water and if you can, swap coffee and tea for other caffeine free drinks. I am not saying give up tea or coffee completely – some people need this, early mornings …
Eat well
As hard as it can be when you’re stressed and overwhelmed, try to eat as well as you can. Devouring a large bag of crisps seems like a good idea at the time, but trust me, you’re going to feel crap afterwards. I try to do some healthy meals, with picky children that can sometimes be challenging but i do try. Don’t worry about ‘recipes’, breakfast for dinner never hurt anyone! My kid love what they call lunch tea, or pick a mix where i put a selection of food items on the table and they choose what they want.
If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed, remember to reach out and ask for help. Talk to a friend, family member, doctor, or someone else you trust.
I hope these tips help you survive your season of stress; I can’t wait until mine is finished! In the meantime, you’ll find me chugging water, munching on fruit, reading a good book and going to bed early.
I am blocking out the prospect of the summer holidays.. being that we can’t go anywhere or do many things. but i refused to get stressed. After all there will be no home learning.
