Mothers and Stress: How to Cope when the Stress Level Rises

Stress and motherhood go hand in hand. Any number of events can cause a mother's stress level to rise, like sibling rivalry, a note from a child's teacher, or an overly busy schedule. Many mothers have gotten pretty good at stuffing the stress away. Pretending it doesn't exist though, will only get a mom so far. Eventually, things are going to blow. Mom ends up yelling or crying and wondering why she can't have a peaceful household.

Here are five tips to help ease the stress levels of even the busiest moms.

Stress Busting Tip 1: Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is the single most important thing a mother can do to keep her household running smoothly. A monthly calendar should be posted on the refrigerator or other prominent place. As papers come home from school, any upcoming events should be immediately written on the calendar. Regular activity schedules, such as sports schedules, should be transferred to the calendar as soon as they come home with the little athlete.

Stress Busting Tip 2: Preparation

Preparing for the next day ahead of time will go a long ways towards smoother, stress-free mornings. Lay out clothes, pack lunches and backpacks, be sure homework is completed and even set the table for breakfast the night before. If you work outside of the home or have an appointment first thing in the morning, this counts for mom's clothes, bag and lunch as well.

Stress Busting Tip 3: Walk

Exercise is the great de-stressor. Done with or without family, it will lower stress levels amazingly. If your husband is home, leave him with the kids and walk at a brisk pace by yourself while listening to some great music. Or, if he's not, put the little ones in a stroller, get out the older kids' bikes and helmets and go for a stroll around the neighborhood. If the mood in the house is stressful, then everyone can benefit from the exercise and fresh air.

Stress Busting Tip 4: Nap

When things are getting too stressful, it's often time to slow things down and have some quiet time. If your children still nap, then settle them in and curl up for a nap yourself. If they don't nap, this is the time to use the television. Settle the kids into a good movie, curl up on the couch and relax. This is not the time to get caught up on chores. An hour or so of quiet time should refresh everyone in the house. See the article, The Stay at Home Mom's Survival Guide for Cranky Days, for more tips on getting through these rough patches with the kids.

Stress Busting Tip 5: Alone Time

It can't be said enough that moms need some alone time to recharge. That time can come any number of ways. Maybe your husband can take the kids out for ice cream or a visit to the grandparents on the weekend or you can hire a babysitter for a few hours during the week. It is important to have at least an hour or two where you can go to the bathroom uninterrupted, read a book, nap, or simply watch what you want to on TV.

Stress exhibits itself in many different ways. If ignored, it will rear its ugly head in the form of back pain, headaches or a growing anger and resentment that won't go away. Tackle stress head-on by preventing it and dealing with it as soon as it crops up. No mother can live stress-free, but any mother can greatly decrease the amount of stress she feels daily.