My So Called Life: One Stressed Out Mamma

I was having one of those mornings. Where every little thing was stressing me out...
Most morning my son is on top of things and is ready before any one else. Well not this particular morning. He did not want to go to school, so he was going to drag his feet about getting ready. And to add this Tina had physical therapy at 7 am, Vicky needed her uniform washed for the softball game that afternoon and Sammy was not being her cheerful self that morning.

Due to lack of sleep the night before (didn't get off work until 1 am), I was a little tired and not functioning correctly. So after yelling at everyone a half a dozen times or more, I went to the safest place in the house. I run up the upstairs and locked the bathroom door behind me. I sat down on my throne, took a few deep breathes and thanked God for blessing me with four very strong willed children. Then asked God to help me get through the rest of the morning. I walked out of the bathroom, carried on the rest of my morning, and got all the kids to school.

Being a mom, plus working full time can be hard and stressful. With a Monday morning like that I was ready to crawl back in bed and forget about the rest of the day. But it does not work that way. I took some time myself, did some researched and reflected on the things in my own life. I was able to come up with a few things that help other moms, like myself handle stress.

Stop, and Just Breathe - 

When feeling a little anxious, just take a 5 minute break and breathe slowly and deeply. Slow breathes have been proven to help reduce the stress hormones in your body. Hey, we all need to breathe any ways. So give it a try. Nice and slowly.

Take Time For Yourself - 
Schedule time for yourself. It can be anything, from reading a new book, attending an art class, lunch date with a girlfriend, or starting a blog. Each week I have a few hours put the side that I call ME Time. I use that time to do something for myself. And that does not mean cleaning the house or grocery shopping. 

Reflect on the Joy in Your Life- 

Journaling promotes reflection and organization of your thoughts. Your entries can be long or short, as longs as they are positive. Write about the achievements of your day, what your grateful for, the little things of life. There is a two fold with this Journal, not only is it making you think and write down positive things, but you can look back onto those little blessings God has given you.

Exercise, Health Body, Health Mamma - 

Did you know when you exercises it releases endorphin's, which actual helps improve your mood and general well being of your body. You can start out small with a 10 minute walk during lunch, join a Zumba class, or even download the C25K app. What ever it may be, just get up and move.

Sleep, Mamma needs her rest too - 
Lack of sleep can be the cause of many different health issues, included being a Stressed Out Mamma. And face it, us moms just don't get enough sleep. New born babies need to be feed every few hours, toddlers have a hard time sleeping in their own beds, and teenagers seem to miss their curfew. Regardless of what season of life you are in moms just don't get enough sleep. Need to make sure that you are getting the sleep your body needs to function correctly. 

Slow Down and Take in the Scenery - 

Did you know that spending time in the outdoors acts as a natural antidepressant? One of my favorite things to do is hike. I feel at peace, taking in the Creation of God. You might like to go fishing off the river, or walk the dog through the park or sun bath in the back yard. Whatever it may be, spending more time outdoors will help lower your feeling stress.

Little Bitty

My So Called Life: Crying over spilled milk

I was literally crying over spilled milk. I thought I was going to be nice and go get donuts this morning. Now I did have other motives behind going to get donuts, I had no creamer nor milk for my coffee. So of course I was willing to go out in the freezing cold to Casey's to get donuts for the family.

So my half asleep body made its way to Casey's. I placed the gallon of milk, donuts, and creamer in the back seat of the truck and made my way back to home. But my morning took a bad turn, when I went to open the back door, the gallon of milk fell to the ground.

I was think no big deal, it should be fine. But I was wrong, so wrong. I am standing outside crying because the gallon of milk was not fine. It had got a big crack in it, more like a long split down the whole side. Trying to at least salvage so of the milk for breakfast, I had gotten milk all down my black coat.

I finally gave up, still crying over the spilled milk and upset with myself, I some how manage to drop the box of donuts. Three of the dozen fall out of the box and on to the ground. The dirty ground.

"That's it, I want to go back to bed", I said to myself, as I am still crying over spilled milk.

I finally make my way in the house, crying still and upset with myself. My husband, the innocent bystander asked what happen. And then I have a MOMent. I start going off at him, I don't even remember what now.

What is wrong with me?

All of us have our struggles. For me, I get upset about the little things. Like spilled milk. But when it comes to bigger issues, I can handle it (with the help of my Savior). I need to learn how to allow Him in my little problems of life, like spilled milk.

Little Bitty