How To Manage Stress

Being an advocate and caregiver for my Levi is so much work, at a lot of times it is pure exhaustion! I deeply love being a Mother to each of my children. I am SO very grateful for the opportunity for me to be a Stay at Home Mom. I am busy with my own dreams and goals, as well as running the household. I am slammed when the kids arrive home from school. It is so important to me and Aaron that I have enough time to manage my stress. Raising as many kids as I have AND having a child with Special Needs, adds A LOT of stress to my life. I have created a list that works wonders for me.

This will make you smile.  :)

(Levi is eating his favorite snack- Raw Broccoli)

How To Manage Stress

• Exercise 

Exercise takes energy that is hard to get when you are drained. I add a little pre-workout caffeine to my body daily routine and I am able to get to the gym. I actually enjoy walking on the treadmill and lifting weights. I feel like a warrior once I complete my workout. I am always less stressed and if I had a headache, it is always gone. I am in a better mood and depression subsides when I workout. I strive to workout daily.  

• Deep Breaths

You can do deep breaths anywhere and it works! I have to breathe deep when someone cuts me off the road. I have to take deep breaths when I need to "bite my lip". It helps me process my emotions and thoughts more clearer. You cannot take back when you didn't mean to say, even if you are truly sorry.  Breathing Deeply helps improve digestion, De-stress and feel energized. These factors go on high alert when you are stressed. 

• Hot Baths/Showers

I LOVE taking hot baths and showers, although I prefer baths over showers. I always feel so relaxed and calm after I soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes. In my opinion, you have to set the mood just right so you will enjoy it too. I use Epsom Salt with Lavendar oil and turn the lights off. I fill the bath water as high as I can and have the temperature as hot as I can stand it and be comfortable. I sometimes listen to soothing music or a podcast I enjoy. I sometimes will read through a magazine or a book. You can light a good smelling candle. You can also add essential oils and bubbles.

• Sleep

I cannot stress this enough! Nap whenever you can. If you are like me, you will see me staying up late trying to catch up on my daily assignments I couldn't get through and tidying up the house before bed. I am a night owl, but I do take naps whenever I can.  It's almost like having a newborn...sleep when kids sleep. But for reals!

• Pray

I believe in God. I believe in the power of Prayer. I believe that Heavenly Father listens to me whether I am happy or sad. I believe he answers my prayers. I pray often. I usually am always praying for strength, safety and help. I do also pray in gratitude to my Heavenly Father for appreciation for staying at home with my children, being a mother and for the many blessings I have.

• Journal

I choose to journal my thoughts on this blog. It is very therapeutic to me. I also sometimes journal my inner most feelings that I don't share with anyone in a hardbound book I keep in my nightstand. Mostly, it is just a diary of my day as well as questions I am searching for myself and writing out to Heavenly Father. 

• Read

I am a big book reader, when I get a good book I am into. I love Non-fiction books, Mysteries, Trauma & Survival. I am learning to love the Book of Mormon. I listen to my personal scripture study online through my phone while I am multi-tasking at home. I comprehend the scriptures better. Regardless of you choice of book, it is nice to sit and read, feel calm and relaxed.