When it comes to multi-tasking, we women think we have the edge over men. We can cook dinner, help with homework, feed the infant, and arrange car-pool schedules over the phone, all at the same time. But let’s face it. In our “superwoman” effort to get thirty plus hours of work done in less than 24 hours and be all things to all people, we have nothing left over for ourselves. Our physical and emotional health suffers! We’re stressed, tired, and often just don’t feel well! Here are five tips that can help you de-stress, regain balance and make you and your health a priority again!
- Set aside down-time for yourself – Each day, carve out some personal time for yourself. It can be as little as 15 – 30 minutes, or if you’re really feeling generous toward yourself – an hour! This is NOT time to tackle that closet you have been meaning to clean. This is true personal time – time to read a book, sip a cup of hot, green tea, flip through that magazine that’s been laying around for weeks, or just simply sit and meditate. If you find yourself struggling to eek out those precious minutes of down time, then read on!
- Turn back the bedtime clock – Children need their rest and so do you! Studies indicate that many Americans are sleep deprived and children especially don’t get the sleep their young, growing bodies need. Lack of sleep leaves our bodies more susceptible to illness and definitely affects our mood and ability to concentrate. In addition, studies show a direct relationship between shorter sleep and increased body weight. Isn’t that incentive enough for most of us to get our much-needed sleep? So think of it as doing both you and your children a favor by turning back the bedtime clock by thirty minutes. If you find this tough to implement, start by turning off the television, computers, and cell phones 30 minutes before you want everyone in bed. If you’re having trouble, start with 15 minutes earlier and work up to 30.
- Don’t over commit and simplify where possible – Have you noticed that we tend to applaud those who, in addition to demanding work and home lives, wear their long list of school, sports, social and community activities like Girl Scout merit badges? We are being swept up in this over-achiever movement that leaves many stressed, drained, resentful, or feeling inadequate if we aren’t doing as much as our neighbor or co-worker. It is also a major contributor to our sleep deficiency. It’s time to jump off the bandwagon! Learn to say “no” to that latest request to run the school bake sale or your child’s plea to play that third sport. Saying ‘No’ is not a bad thing; it can actually feel quite liberating! In addition, look for ways you can simplify your life. Prioritize what is important and let some of the rest slide. You’ll find more joy and balance in the things you truly choose to do and your health will thank you!
- Make time for spouse or friends – Schedule some one-on-one time with your husband or significant other each week. If you’re single, make plans with friends. Cuddling with your husband or laughing with friends is very therapeutic and goes a long way to relieving the stresses of our hectic lives.
- Take a daily supplement – Stress and hectic schedules have a negative effect on our diet and eating habits, leaving us deficient in much needed vitamins and minerals. Dr. Benzinger says that the very nature of stress depletes our bodies of essential nutrients needed for cell maintenance and repair, and that the harm to our bodies can last years into the future. Taking a quality vitamin supplement every day, along with calcium for bones, is one of the best defenses and preventive measures we can take. It will make your skin look better too!
Try these five simple tips and enjoy a more stress-free and balanced life. You and your family will be thankful you did!
Debra Yuska
Writing Contributor for Benzinger On Health
