What does your body feel like when you’re stressed. Do you feel your heart beating faster, do you feel tension in your neck or shoulders, is your breath shorter and faster, do you feel a headache coming on?
Life is busy, between the demands put on us and the ability to consistently be available we can feel overwhelmed and overstimulated. I mean as a homeschool mom I feel like I need to be on my game all day. Between running a household, homeschooling and being mom I can find myself rushing around like a crazy person trying to jungle too many things at once and unfortunately I end up snapping from the pressure. In an effort to live healthier physically and mentally I’ve really become more aware of how I’m feeling and managing stress.
I didn’t want to be that mom that snapped at the kids because everything became too much, not because they were too much because in all honesty they are just kids being kids but because how I was processing everything I felt stressed out.
I really had to learn to pay attention and be mindful in moments I feel overwhelmed or overstimulated. By asking these questions….
- What am I feeling right now? (Name the emotions without judgement)
- What is happening in my body? (Tension, tightness, racing heart? )
- What is the immediate cause of my stress? (Is it external or internal pressure? )
After bringing awareness to what I’m feeling and what is causing the stress I could begin implementing strategies to manage those stressors effectively, helping from reacting instead of responding in a God honoring way. Plus learning how to regulate my emotions I can help teach my kids how to help themselves when they feel overstimulated or upset .
Today I want to share my STRESS SOS tips you can do in those moments you feel stress rising to reset and find your calm !
🍃 BREATHING
Deep Belly Breaths: Place one hand on your belly and take slow, deep breaths.
The physiological sigh: Inhale deeply, take one last quick sip of air then exhale with a long sigh to release tension.
🍃 Ground Yourself
5-4-3-2-1 Method: Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.
Hand on Heart: Place your hand over your heart, breathe deeply, and repeat, “I am safe. I am okay.”
Cold Water Reset: Splash cold water on your face or run your wrists under cool water.
🍃 Move Your Body
Shake It Off: Shake out your arms, hands, or legs for 30 seconds.
Stretch & Release: Roll your shoulders, stretch your arms overhead, or do a gentle forward fold.
Mini Walk: Step outside or move around your space for a change of scenery.
🍃Mindfulness & Re-centering
Mantras & Affirmations: Say calming phrases like, “I am doing my best,” or “This moment will pass.”
Mini Gratitude Check: List 3 things you’re grateful for right now.
Visualization: Close your eyes and picture a peaceful place (beach, forest, mountains, a cozy home) and focus on the details.
🍃Prayer Pause
Take a moment to just pause and say a quick prayer to God. It can literally be as simple as a cry for help “Lord I can’t do this on my own, I need you to help me ….”
OR….
If it’s a parenting situation that has got you frazzled saying a prayer to God to ask for his wisdom, words or patience to handle the situation takes the pressure of you. It also changes your focus from “the problem” at hand and puts your focus on God; who can handle anything we face because he all knowing and all powerful, lean on him and take a breath because he’s got you!
Remember stress is temporary. You are allowed to pause, breathe, and care for yourself in the moment. Stepping away doesn’t mean anything negative, by taking action and regaining control of your nervous system you are modeling to those around you healthy ways to manage stress. Whether it’s your co-workers, a spouse or those little eyes of your child, taking care of your self in moments of stress is incredibly important and valuable!
🍃If stress is something you feel like comes up quite often definitely grab my “Stress S.O.S Quick tips pdf” this is an easy way to have a quick reference of what to do in the moments that STRESS hits. Save it to your phone or print it off and keep it where you can easily look it over for quick tips to calm your stress ❤️ https://momplicity.blog/product/stress-s-o-s-quick-tips/