Don’t Mess with Stress – Part One
When it comes to stress, I never let ‘em see me sweat. Who can resist these adorable smiles from my kids Gidget, 7, and Queenie, 9, on the first day of school?
Has anyone ever said to you . . . “Relax . . . it’s all going to work out?”
I’ve sure heard it. My husband pulls that card out frequently. Indeed he is the laid back partner of the relationship. For me . . . well, that’s easier said than done.
As a woman, I wear many hats and work hard to do my best in each of my life roles. But sometimes I overextend myself (even if I won’t admit it), taking on a bit more than I can handle; yet, I carry on as though I can complete it all. Yes, I notice the symptoms of stress. What experts recommended to reduce stressors – such as exercise, a well-balanced diet, delegating tasks, etc. – doesn’t always seem to “fit” into my schedule. So, like most women, I ignore these bothersome signals and hope that once I get it all done these symptoms will simply disappear. I’ve come to learn that you never get it all done (but don’t tell my husband that!)
Unfortunately, stress takes a toll on your body and on your parenting ability. We all feel some level of stress at one time or another, but what we do to keep it in check is most important – not only to our physical and emotional health, but to the health of our children. Believe it or not, our children experience stress as well, but when mom parents under levels of high stress . . . what’s the saying . . . “When mama ain’t happy . . .”?
You may be wondering what stress really looks like on your body. There are a variety of signs that may clue you into your level of stress. Some of these signs may include feeling angry, depressed, having headaches, muscle tension, problems with digestion, fatigue, and not sleeping well or sleeping too much. You’re less likely to play with your children, referee sibling arguments logically, and you may even strike out at your child when you know that’s just not me!
Tune in Tuesday when I offer you Part Two, which will help you understand what can you do to calm the dangers of stress.
