Exercise Reduces Stress -
So Get Moving, Girl!
Being a single mom is a full time job that brings with it a special level of stress. I don't have to tell you that potty training a child, working part or full time, watching your daughter date the wrong guy and nursing a sick child through a cold are just a few examples of the constant pressure and anxiety that mothers face. When the stresses get out of hand, moms can become preoccupied, absent minded and lethargic; keeping moms from providing the full amount of time and energy that their children and their job require. You probably know that exercise reduces stress but most moms can't seem to carve out enough time in the day for a full scale workout routine. Guess what? You don't have to! Here are some ideas for smart stress management for parents that allow you to reduce stress no matter how hectic your schedule may be.
Bring the Kids Along
Kids can be stressed out too, especially teenagers. The whole family feels the effect of divorce. On days where you don't have time to exercise by yourself, turn it into a family activity. Busy mothers can take their daughters along with them to a yoga class. Since exercise reduces stress, this is a great way for moms and daughters to communicate and carve out some quality time. Yoga combines physical activity with deep breathing and meditation, helping you to shape up while relaxing at the same time. It is also good for increasing stamina and flexibility- something every busy mother needs! Taking the whole family to the beach or the local swimming pool also gives you the opportunity to exercise. Turn swimming laps into a game with the kids; you'll get your heart rate pumping and burn calories while bonding with the kids. A day at the park or walking the dog with the kids are also fun ways of exercising that even young children can do with you to help you reduce stress with exercise. Want to have a conversation with your child about their behavior at school or some other issue? Don't sit on the couch, talking! Since exercise reduces stress, get out the bikes and helmets and take a bike ride while you discuss what's on your mind. Kids are more likely to open up when the atmosphere is relaxed.
Workout While the Kids Play
Spend a lot of time driving your kids around to basketball games, drama club, soccer practice, karate classes and stuff? Then instead of sitting in the car waiting or going to get a snack, take the time to get in some physical activity for stress management. If your kids have practice at the local gym, keep a pair of sneakers in the car. Then while your kids practice, you can take a few laps around the gym or outside. Bring a jump rope as well. No matter what shape you're in, jump roping is fun and it only takes a few minutes to feel the results. As exercise reduces stress, take every free minute possible to get in some stress relief- a girl's gotta take care of herself! You can even workout as you drive or when stuck in traffic. Yoga deep breathing can help you de-stress to handle the traffic jams and deal with kids bickering. Have to take your kids to the mall for school shopping? Let your legs get a workout by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
Workout While the Kids Sleep
A lot of busy moms use the time after their children fall asleep to do housework, but why not reduce stress with exercise at the same time. While sweeping up the house, doing the laundry, cleaning the bathroom or vacuuming, turn on your favorite music and dance away those extra pounds. Have extra exercise equipment lying around that you never find the time to put to use? Move it out of storage and place it right in the family room in front of the TV. Every time you pass it by you'll be reminded that exercise reduces stress and the importance of stress management for parents. Then when you unwind in front of the TV after the kids are in bed, jump on the treadmill or cycle and get in some exercise while watching your favorite TV program.Remember: being a single mom doesn't mean you can't make time for yourself! Because exercise reduces stress, it also gets rid of the stress side effects. High levels of stress can cause problems sleeping, irritability, day time fatigue and even heart problems. Not to mention the emotional and mental toll it can take- all issues that keep you from being the best mom possible. You can even use tips for stress management for parents when on a break at work. Instead of sitting at your desk on your lunch break, bring your sneakers and take a walk outside. You can even do squats, push ups, pull ups, curls and other exercises right at your desk to reduce stress. I know it sounds weird, but it really helps me, so it can make a difference for you to! Bottom line: just because you're a single mom doesn't mean you have to spend all your time working and taking care of others. You can, and should take time out for yourself...you'll be glad you did.
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