Realistic Tips for Dealing with Stress
We aren’t talking about PREVENTING STRESS– that is more long term. We are talking about RELIEVING STRESS that creeps up on you and makes you cranky and unhappy. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!
Your baby will respond to your stress. Your stress can build her distress and the cycle spirals out of control. Show her how well you can manage it. You don’t want her to grow up to be stressed out like you!
IDENTIFY IT
What is it that is bothering you?
Recognize what other factors may be causing you to be less accommodating to the commotion.
This alone can help you feel better knowing things aren’t just out of control, you have a legitimate stress affecting you. This does not give you license to be a cranky person! But recognize it, separate that stress from caring for your baby, and determine to rise above it.
–remember what Nancy said about listening to your baby. Be sensitive to her needs. Spend just 5 minutes fulfilling them and you can both be happier.
BRIGHTEN THE ATMOSPHERE
-Turn on some peppy music (not everything your baby listens to has to be children’s music!)
-Open the windows
CLEAR THE CLUTTER
°Make your bed. That small thing makes you feel like SOMETHING is in order.
°Clean or organize a small area of your house
MAKE A TO DO LIST
Add things you’ve already done and cross them off. So satisfying!
CHANGE THE SCENERY
If baby is ornery, she might be just as tired of the routine as you are.
Take the baby for a walk (take our podcast w/ you!)
Go visit a friend
Put the baby in the car and go for a drive. Talk to someone on your cell phone if it’s SAFE.
GET SOMETHING TO EAT
You may get so focused on carrying for your baby that you forget to fuel yourself. Low blood sugar can make you cranky. (You’ve probably seen the same effect in your children.) Reach for something healthful like a banana, a granola bar, or a satisfying sandwich.
LAUGH – if something goes wrong, think about how funny it will be when you tell grandma about it.
SHARE YOUR Stress relieving tips with us here!
