Destressing a Mama

My mom and I love to walk and talk. We have been walking the same loop for over twenty years now, and it is awesome. It is my most frequent way of de-stressing myself, especially after a long day. However, it is a hard thing for me to stop and take care of myself; that is just the way I am. Somewhere in my brain I associate production or progress with success, and that is not always true. Often, I end up completely overwhelmed and exhausted before I realize that I just need to take a bath. My mother is just like me. Or it is probably that I am just like her. The following are the elements we try to keep in our lives to avoid hitting rock bottom. It is not a comprehensive list, but it is what works for us:

• Daily prayer is non-negotiable. We have recently discussed how we are both noticing that if our husbands pray for us/their family on a daily basis, then we have a much better day.

• Our "walk and talk" outings—we love to mix socialization with exercise, two birds with one stone.

• An Epsom salt bath is ALWAYS rejuvenating!

• For a period of time, we implemented a bi-weekly girls' night. All the women of the family would meet at Mom's house and enjoy girl talk and delicious food. If you do not live near family or close friends, schedule a phone call with a girlfriend and try to make sure it is uninterrupted.

• A simple pedicure with a friend is always a fun time!

• Have a daily quiet hour in your home. Even if you are not tired or you are too busy to sleep, set a twenty-minute alarm, lie down on your bed, and close your eyes.

• If you find a good massage therapist, getting a massage is incredible. It is always so taxing to think about planning, but always so worth it!

• Try your best not to neglect your sleep and nutrition! It plays such a vital role in your stress levels. There is so much we cannot control, but I try to do my best in this category.

Lastly, be gracious to yourself (and to others). Mothers can be so hard on themselves, and that does not help when, often, they carry such a heavy load. Try your best, pray for grace, and thank God for the good He allows you to do!