Spit-up On My Shoulder

I’ve been very stressed the last few weeks and I don’t like it. For eight days straight one or the other of my kids was sick, my house could be condemned by the health department right now, soccer tournament season starts this weekend which means I say bye-bye to getting much done on Saturdays and Sundays, and I’ve been snapping at my family - a lot!

When I get like this I know I need to step back and chill for a day (or more) to rejuvenate myself. With a newborn at home you may think you don’t have time to re-energize yourself, but you do. Whenever you can put your feet up and rest, read, or call a friend who always cheers you up. Watching TV is a nice escape and may seem relaxing, but studies have shown that it actually lowers energy while increasing stress.

My house is filthy right now, but you know what? It still will be tomorrow and maybe by then I’ll have the energy to tackle some chores. It won’t do any good for me to run myself ragged another day. So, if you’re feeling like me, cut yourself some slack. Do whatever you can today to make you feel good. Maybe it’s taking a walk, eating some chocolate, playing with a pet, or meditating. It’s not selfish to nourish yourself. You will be a better mom for it.

Here’s a breathing exercise from Dr. Andrew Weil to help you get started:

The 4-7-8 Breathing Method

Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there throughout the exercise.

•Empty your lungs, making a whooshing sound.
•Close your mouth and inhale through your nose to a mental count of 4.
•Hold your breath for a count of 7.
•Again, blow out through your mouth, making a whooshing sound to a count of 8.
•This is one breath. Repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.