Sometimes You Need to Take a Break – Before YOU Break (down)
Know this scene: You just got in from work. You haven’t taken off your shoes or gone to the bathroom. The kids are home from school or daycare or camp, you’re trying to cook dinner, the phone won’t stop ringing, and mail is in overflowing…
No, this is not a test. This is the real deal. It’s called life and the daily grind of almost every mother in America.
This is the meltdown hour. We pray for patience and we get more trials like this. NOT funny, Lord.
If Jesus can speak to the wind and it be still, certainly we can have peace in our own home!
Is it possible to get sanity in this hectic rush hour at home?
Yes, and it doesn’t require rocket science or cashing in your life savings to learn the how to get some peace.
Use these stress management steps for yourself and your family to maintain peace in an otherwise chaotic phase of your day.
1. Connect, Hug and Love. Some days, by the time the kids get off the bus or walk home from school, then do their homework and play with their friends, a lot of time has passed. You then realize that you didn’t connect with your kids, much less discuss important happenings during the course of the day.
When my daughter was in elementary school, I made time to give her my undivided attention. I look her in the eyes and ask her about her day. Most times she says the usual “it was okay” or a shrug. But I make an effort to ask. We sit and chat for about 10 or 15 minutes. This is enough to change the gears of your busy little guy or girl.
2. The media, The mind, The message. Why are some kids so crazy? Because of all the stuff on television and in videos. Overuse and unsupervised viewing is hazardous to your child’s health. If garbage gets in, garbage comes out. Set some limits. Use the TV sparingly like when they are arguing with each other or just need to recharge batteries by being still.
If you do let them watch TV, let toddlers and preschoolers enjoy a Disney or education video, while older children can tune into a family movie. Screen what your kids are watching. It helps in their character development. Remember their minds are like a sponge. Put on some positive stuff. You are the MOM.
3. Recharge with a snack. Many of the stress moments we face during the course of our busy day are caused by low blood sugar. Check to see the last time they had a snack. Kids get rundown too and need a lift. So, while they are awaiting dinner, head off the whining with snacks of raisins, or crackers, or fruit. Keep it simple. And while you’re at it, get one for yourself.
4. Peace be still. The kids have been hugged, entertained, and given a small snack, and they’re still at it! If the boys were out playing basketball, and they girls were riding bikes down the street, they may be just hot and thirsty.
Ease them into a cool down by providing a bottle of water from the fridge and have them sit and catch their breathe with you. Wisdom! Amazing how refreshing this can feel to a tired (and hungry) kiddo!
5. Waiting to Exhale and Meditate. This one is for you. Dust off the Lamaze childbirth books and practice deep breathing. Put on some soothing music, light a candle and meditate. Release the toxins from the day by exhaling through your mouth. Speak positive affirmations or sing a gospel tune.
This works for teenagers too, if you could actually get them to try it. Set the tone of your home during this transition time by listening to quiet, positive music. CeCe Winans or Yolanda Adams would work. This is not time for Li’l Wayne.
If the above tips do not work, put yourself in time-out by locking yourself in the bathroom.
I’m sure you get some peace in there, right? No checking your Facebook while you’re in there!
Pam Perry, queen of multitasking, can be found all over the web. But she is getting in her quiet time…and getting her groove back and mojo working again. See the BRAND NEW Pam: www.PamPerryPR.com
Pam
YOUR Public Relations Coach and Social Media Strategist. CEO of Ministry Marketing Solutions and Founder of Social Media PR Solutions, LLC.
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I just did a group therapy/psych ed group titled Wholistic Laws Of Success: Guidelines For Crises, which is a spirit, mind and body approach to coping in a crisis. The group was actually for residents in a domestic violence shelter. I listed: remember you spirit, create a peace of mind, and exercise and eat healthy. As we live busy lives filed with problems, decisions, conflicts, and crises, we need to incorporate things that will allow maximum coping. Your article states several items that I talked about in my class. Your blog post is so timely, because sistahs can read it and be reminded or encouraged to refocus or readjust to get back on track.
~KeKeMichel
Thank you KeKeMichel for championing this movement. Women are stretched – especially in this digital season – where nothing is turned off – and families are on overload. It’s important to have balance: spirit, soul and body.
Would love to hear more about what you do to help women cope. Awesome work! Thank you.