running rapid.
1. Slow down and Engage
Stop what you're doing when things get a little crazy. Engage with the people around you. I find that sometimes the whining or fussing seems like it just grows louder and louder as I'm working through my day. So ofter I will stop my chores or whatever feels pressing to me and just engage with my boys. The chores can wait and I sit down and we read a book or play with their trains. Just sitting with them can change the mood in the house from crazy to calm. Talking with them and being with them helps them relax.
2. Make time for Quiet Time
This is for me and for the kids. They need it just as much as I do. Life is so busy all the time and if we don't slow down it's easy for all of us to feel overwhelmed and stressed. The boys may not always take naps but they can lay down in their room and play quietly or look at books. Usually they fall asleep, but if they don't we shoot for an hour. Granted somedays it takes work to get them settled, but it's more than worth it when we are all enjoying the quiet time. If your stress is work related make time during your work day and find a quiet place to shut off for 15 minutes. Five if you don't have that long. It always helps me reset.
3. Talk Happy
Be posistive. Speak good things over your children, yourself, your spouse, and every situation. I might be having a crazy day, but it's hard for me to feel overwhelmed when my words aren't saying it. When I give in and start saying I how feel about whatever is stressing me I notice the stress just gets worse and that's when it gets transferred to everyone in the house too. Because they hear me and my words bring them down. If it's hard for you to find something to talk happy about, then think on the things you're thankful for and talk about those things. I think everyone can find something to be thankful for. Just like bad talk is contagious, so is good talk. So talk happy!
4. Pray
It doesn't have to be long and drawn out. It can be short and sweet. "Thank you Lord for patience and grace in this situation" as your shuffling your children out the door for school because you're running late. That was me yesterday. I don't make a spectacle of myself so everyone around me knows what I'm doing either. For me praying is just talking to God all day long in my daily goings. Thanking Him for the little stuff and acknowledging Him in everything I do. It helps keep me close to Him and when I'm closer to Him I don't feel as stressed.
Stressful days come, but I think it's all in how we handle them that determines how long they last and how they affect us. The best way our kids learn how to handle crazy days is by us showing them how to deal with them. Do I get it right all the time? No. But I can't give up and that's what they see most!
These are just 4 things that I do. What are some things that you do to De-Stress a Stressful day?
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