Parental stress can be a tough challenge to overcome. As a parent, you have a lot of responsibility on your head, and you need to be in charge of making sure your tiny humans are well-loved, fed, and cared for. This can be massively overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to making massive decisions about their education, health, and overall well-being. But even the smoothest parenting journey can be fraught with stress simply because you want to be the best parent possible.
But what can you do when things are getting too much for you as a parent? These tips are designed to tackle parental stress and overwhelm so you can return to being the best parent possible.
Talk To Someone
Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved. Sometimes, all you need is the comforting presence of a loved one to guide you through your stressful periods and support you as you navigate this time. Their perspective, their understanding, and their support can make a world of difference. Even if they can’t offer practical help, the simple act of sharing your stress and venting, if required, can be therapeutic enough for you to move forward constructively and get yourself back on an even keel.
Find someone you trust, whether your partner, a sibling, a friend, or a parent, or even go to a therapist and allow them to share the load, even if that’s where it ends.
Time Out
When dealing with high levels of stress, it can be tempting to keep pushing forward. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a step back. This isn’t a sign of weakness but a powerful act of self-care. Taking a time out allows you to come back to your challenges with a clear mind and renewed focus, feeling more in control of the situation.
If things are getting on top of you, removing yourself from the stressor can be the best thing to do. Take some time for yourself, do something fun, play some games, and challenge your brain in other ways, like puzzles, online solitaire, playing video games, reading a book or doing anything. Take a relaxing bath or have an early night, but whatever you do, do something else that isn’t connected to or aimed at the cause of your stress. Simply forget it exists for a short while to recharge your batteries.
Sleep
When you’re tired and stressed, things can seem so much worse than they are. Stress can significantly impact the amount and quality of sleep you’re getting. But don’t underestimate the rejuvenating power of a good night’s sleep. It’s about feeling better and having the mental clarity to tackle your problems and work towards stress resolution. A good night’s sleep can make a world of difference.
Try to create a calming bedtime routine that allows you to get a decent night’s sleep—or a few hours if you can’t manage a full night. Focus on quality over quantity; slowly, over time, with improved sleeping habits, the more refreshed you feel from a good night’s sleep, the easier things will seem in the harsh light of day.
Have Some Fun
Laughter is the best medicine when things are getting heavy and stressful. Finding ways to have fun can be cathartic. Whether it’s watching your favourite comedian or comedy show or allowing yourself the chance to relax and enjoy good times with friends, having fun is a great way to relieve stress and let you unwind.
Find something that works for you, be it a girls’ night in, meeting up in a bar for a few drinks, heading out to see a movie or a show, or simply relaxing in the tub watching reruns of your favourite TV show. It could do you the world of good.
Ask For Help
Lastly, asking for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed can be a great way to share the load, give yourself a moment to unwind, and get things going the right way to remove excess stress.
It might be that you need someone to pick the kids up from school for you; maybe another parent can have an after-school pay date at theirs; ask your boss if you can schedule a day off from work while the kids are at school to get things organised, or anything else that can help you out be it via friends or family or your partner/spouse. Ask for help and give yourself a break, and more importantly, remember not to feel guilty about taking time out or asking for help because you need it. Everyone needs help from time to time.
