Five Ways to Avoid Burnout for Stay-home Moms

There are new terms coined that try to replace the term stay-home mom. Domestic engineer. Home manager. Financial organizer. Whatever the term may be, the actually mean the same thing. Ladies who stay at home and do not work outside. And all the new coined words mean that this job is a very challenging task. Some people would say that it is an admirable choice and that they even feel envious; others would say that it is a set-up that they would not consider at all.

Many women stay home because there is really a need for them to be physically present at home all the time. There could be a child or another member of the family who needs more attention. Or putting the kids to daycare or hiring the services of a baby-sitter would entail more expenses, so they would rather stay home and be the one to personally attend to the kids. Some women want to devote most of their time and attention to their children and spouse. They may be quite financially stable even with one source of income, and feel that to work outside might add stress to their already busy schedule with all the responsibilities at home.

Whatever the reason may be, the job of a stay-home mom is not an easy one. From the moment they open their eyes, it seems that there is an unending string of chores to do. If there is a baby at home, then she has do a lot of things for the child and with the child. From bathing, to feeding, to playing.

There is always something to clean and to fix. Sure, the kids and the spouse may have their share of things to do at home, but the stay-home mom seems to have most of the work at home on her shoulders. This explains why many of these women sometimes feel burnout and all stressed-out. There are those who would even wallow in self-pity and depression.

If to stay home is really your choice, or that this set-up works for your family, at least at the moment, then the best way is to have means to avoid a burnout. What steps can you take? Here are a few:

1. Find time to talk and see your friends. It's true that you may have lost touch with some people. But for sure, you have kept a few friends from school, from work, and from your neighborhood. Friends would appreciate a surprise call. It would be nice to do some catching up, and even exchange notes with what's happening to your respective lives.

Go out to have coffee. Nothing would be nice than to sit down and have a soothing and hot cup of cappuccino with a friend. You may choose a quiet time to have that relaxing moment with someone who can listen to your concerns.

Check out the bookstores, your favorite crafts store or simply go to the mall. It is not necessary for you to buy something, if you feel that you want to avoid the store because you do not want to spend. Window-shopping is one of women's favorite past-times, so just enjoy it.

Of course you love dining out with the family. But dining out could have a new twist if you do it in one of your girls' night out. This does not have to be a weekly thing. You are not obliged to have a regular night out with them, if that would make you feel guilty. But if you've been wanting to try out a new restaurant, and you know that their menu is a little sophisticated for your little children's taste, then suggest it to your friends. It is nice when good talk and good company go hand in hand.

2. Engross yourself in a hobby. You should not bury your hands under all those dirty clothes and plates. Devote some time for things that you could enjoy, even if you are at home. Once the kids are taking their naps or are at school, tinker on those scrapbooking materials. You get to organized your family's pictures, at the same time, you could have fun decorating and using all those colorful materials. If you have the knack for it, you can also be busy with beads and do your own earrings and bracelets. This would definitely entertain you, and even allow you to make personalized gifts for your friends and family. You may want to start a collection, and create your own corner for these knick knacks.

If you want to try a new one, and have been wanting to try it. go ahead and immerse yourself. You could start with photography, pottery or even painting. Some say that being involved with bonsai plants is another hobby that relaxes.

3. Take time to be alone outside. Being with your family or friends to watch a movie or eat out is great for bonding. But once in a while, it helps to be alone in a different venue, other than your house. You can have a walk around the neighborhood, take your time to the grocery, and even enjoy a slice of cake without being disturbed. Or without the need to hush the kids. Treat yourself to the salon, without the responsibility of bringing a child for a hair-cut.

If you want some activities for your spirituality, there are churches that offer quiet retreats. This would allow you to reflect and take stock of yourself. These are good venues that would allow you to recollect and find your center again, so to speak.

4. Spend time for relaxation and exercise. Things would definitely take its toll on you. So take naps with the kids. It would not be the end of the world if you don't finish your chores. You may want to be organized and want to keep things as scheduled, but it wouldn't hurt if at certain times, you just stop and do the other things tomorrow. Watch your favorite DVD again. Try to catch up with your favorite soap.

Have a massage if you want. Go for a body scrub and a facial. Take care of those aching shoulders and feet. They need to be pampered once in a while.

Another important thing is for you to exercise. Not only are you going to be a good example to your kids. It is truly an essential part of your health. How could you take care of the family that you love, if you are sick and anxious yourself? You can do regular walks, aerobics, dancing, or swimming. Hit the treadmill, or you could even go up and down the stairs. Remember, exercising is not only for your body. It aids a lot in your mental health as well.

5. Find new things to learn. Just because you are --well, technically --not working does not mean that it is time for you to stop learning. Whether you're field is accounting, psychology, marketing or teaching, continue reading about the developments in your field. You may not consider it right now, but you do not know what the future holds for you. After a few years, you might go back to the work force, so it would help if you still keep yourself abreast with the latest in your field.

You may take an on-line course. You may do so to continue learning about your field, or you may want to try a new area or discipline. Do not feel pressured. A few units at a time could mean a lot. Even if you could not pursue a career on this later, what you have learned would always be added knowledge to you.

If it is a computer program that you wish to learn, then by all means, do so. There are plenty of literature on learning Excel, Power Point and the like.

Or if you want to learn new things that you would consider practical, then learn things that you could apply at home. Go to the library and get books on baking, if this is not your domain. Your kids would definitely love this. If you have been wanting to do new and exciting dishes for your husband, then learn how to do them. Take it as a learning activity, instead of a chore.

You may have a need to give your living room a new look, try to learn about interior decorating. Read, discover, ask and try to experiment if you wish to.

Being a stay-home mom might not be a prestigious job. But just because you don't go out for a 9 to 5 shift and earn like the rest doesn't meant that you are excused from stress and tension. It is a tiring work and you are exposed to many anxieties as well. Make sure that you listen to yourself and to your body. There is a need for you to have a break, to relax and to find ways that you could enjoy. Your family is your life, and you may want to share a lot of yourself to them. But remember, to be able to give to others, you need to be whole yourself.