Fortunately for me, I live in the Pacific Northwest where we definitely get our share of the wet stuff. Seldom is it too stormy or too cold to get out for a walk in the rain and, as a matter of fact, residents get adjusted fairly quickly to the reality that if you wait for a sunny day to get out and about, you might be waiting a long time. As a single parent, we can often find ourselves stressed, tense, angry or overwhelmed. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING can cool a person off like a brisk walk during a cloudburst…
The point of this article is to remind us not to let external factors keep us from doing what we need to in order to take care of ourselves. We NEED to be able to decompress and we need to listen to what our bodies and minds are telling us. We really do have a finite capacity for stress and tension. We are also only human and no matter how strong, capable, and invincible we may think we are (and many a single parent starts to feel pretty darn strong), we do have a breaking point.
Before you say or do something you might regret; before you lose your temper, yell at your kids, throw that glass against the wall, or lock yourself in your bedroom for a three-day cry-fest, consider getting out and taking a jog, a walk in a downpour, going for a hard swim, or some other therapeutic activity. It can be amazing how a little activity and a simple change of venue can improve a person’s perspective. I cannot tell you how many times in the course of my life as a single parent that I have had to take a walk or two around the block, around the parking lot, or just around the house. Whether at home or at work, getting out of the situation and moving a little can make all the difference in helping you keep your cool.
See Also: Anger Isn’t License for Disrespect
Teach Your Child How to Manage Stress