Single parents have so many responsibilities, it is easy to become overburdened and overly stressed. Some definitions of stress indicate that not all stress is a bad thing. Positive stress can help people increase creativity and productivity. I do not like stress in any form and do not function at my optimal levels when feeling a lot of stress. Here are some suggested tips for managing stress:
Get enough sleep-For adults eight hours of rest a night is the recommended amount. Try going to bed and waking at the same time each day in order to let your body become accustomed to a natural sleep/wake pattern.
Let go of negative feelings and forgive-Let go of past hurts and do not let them haunt you in the present. Try to think about positive things in your life instead of dwelling on the negative things. Make a decision not to worry about everything that is problematic in your life.
Eat wisely-Studies confirm that eating 5-6 small meals per day throughout the day is healthier than eating three large meals. People tend to feel more full when eating more frequently during the day and will be better able to resist overeating or snacking on unhealthy foods in between meals. Avoid comfort foods as much as possible. This is difficult for me as I love my mashed potatoes and gravy and other yummy carb filled foods when I am stressed. For some great recipes, visit the Families.com Food Blog.
Exercise-This is a great way to reduce stress. Doctors recommend one 30 minute cardio intensive workout a day. Setting aside enough time to get two workouts per day when feeling high amounts of stress can drastically reduce your stress level. Making time for exercise is not easy, but try to create innovative ways to work this into your schedule. Take a 30 minute walk during your lunch hour (even if it is up and down the stairs in your office building), and then take the kids to the park and play after dinner. For more exercise tips, visit the Families.com Fitness Blog.
Avoid stressful situations-This one seems very obvious, but think about what you can do to de-stress situations. Try things like grocery shopping in off peak hours (without the children if at all possible), leave 10 minutes early for work in the morning to avoid getting stuck in rush hour traffic, don’t answer the phone when you are already doing three things at once.
Try a relaxation program-Learn some muscle relaxation techniques, try slow deep breathing, or listen to soothing music. For more tips on stress management, visit the Families.com Mental Health Blog.
It may not be possible to completely eliminate stress from our lives, but by following a positive stress management program you may be able to significantly reduce stress and increase your quality of life.