Stress Management for Women
in a Busy World

The topic of stress management for women is one that is near and dear to my heart. To say that the life of a single working mom is stressful would be a vast understatement. As a young single mom, I often found myself overloaded, overwhelmed and snapping at my kids for no apparent reason. I finally figured out that when I felt that way, it was way past time to take care of myself.

Stress management for women is so important because we women spend so much time and energy taking care of others that we often forget to take care of ourselves. I, myself struggle with self care sometimes because I feel selfish taking time out for me, and that's not how we girls are wired! Well, you've probably heard it before, but it bears repeating; if you don't take care of yourself, you won't have anything left to give others.

Ah, the Days of Yore...

The days of women slaving away in martyr-ish fashion as housewives dutifully serving their families are long gone. How cute that June Cleaver always kept a spotless house and put dinner on the table while wearing heels and a girdle. Today's women are doing more than just cooking dinner and mopping the floor. Women, in general are much busier than our moms or grandmas ever were. (Hence, the push for stress management for women.) The life of a single working mom is like June Cleaver's life on a Red Bull IV drip! (I'd like to see her handle that in a girdle!)

Real Stress Calls for Real Solutions

I bet I know what you're thinking. Maybe that taking care of yourself is just another thing to add to your ever-growing to do list. I know, it seems like you couldn't possibly squeeze in one more thing. But just like a car requires regular maintenance to run properly, the soul of the single working mom needs nurturing to function well. I've got plenty of ideas for stress relief here. Everyone is different; use what works for you. The idea is to take care of yourself...and enjoy it!

Ideas for Stress Relief

1. Take a walk. (Exercise is a well-known but often overlooked method of stress management for women, or anyone for that matter.) This works well with or without your kids. Put the kids on bikes or in a stroller and go, or get a neighbor to watch the kids and spend some alone time pounding the pavement.
2. Sooth the savage beast with music. I made a playlist on my iPod of soothing music, and I play it when ever I need to unwind. Steal just 5 minutes away from your kids while you change out of your work clothes at the end of the day. Close the door and play your downtime music.
3. Loose yourself in a good book. Next time you take the kids to the library, pick up a trashy romance or a good thriller. You can always read after the kids go to bed.
4. Take a bubble bath. I don't care how small your tub is- a nice hot bubble bath is always relaxing. Better yet, light some candles and read your trashy romance novel.
5. Clean Your House. This may not sound like your idea of relaxation, but a messy house only adds to your stress level. There's also something about mindless activities that calms the soul. Set the timer and clean for 30 minutes. You can recruit the kids to help out, too. You're not only taking care of yourself, but your house, as well as teaching your kids good work ethic. ( This stress relief tip is a multi-tasker, just like you!)
6. Better Yet, Organize Something. Do you get stressed out trying to find your keys? Take a few minutes to organize the area by your door. Put up hooks for your keys, coats and backpacks. This one activity will repeatedly reduce stress for you in the future, and really takes only a few minutes.
7. Get a Massage. Indulge yourself once in a while. A professional massage is an especially great way to take care of yourself if you are preparing for a job interview, getting over a break-up or just going through a really difficult time.
8. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure. Either DIY or go to a walk-in salon with a friend. Sometimes you just have to do something girly to feel great. (This is stress management for women, after all!)
9. Let Yourself Have a Good Cry. It's ok- sometimes a single working mom just has too much to deal with. Let yourself cry every once in a while. Sometimes, it's just what you need to clear your head and solve your problems.
10. Get a Sitter for a Date With Yourself. Go to a chic flick by yourself, or with girlfriends. Go to the park and read your book. Take a nap- whatever you want to do!
11. Exercise Your Creativity. Do you paint, play an instrument, sing, draw or dance? If not, what are you waiting for? Take a cheap class in your community or get a book on something new you'd like to try. Let your kids express themselves right along with you. Who cares if you're good at it- it's fun being creative anyway. This tip isn't just stress management for women, it could very well relieve stress for your kids, too.
12. Write in a Journal. Sometimes you just need to talk things through, even if it's with yourself. I find it especially helpful to keep a gratitude journal. When the going gets tough, just remembering the good in your life can make you feel so much better.
13. Try Meditation. This may sound a little too new age to you...it sounds weird, I know. Just take a few minutes to clear your mind and just focus on gentle breathing. This is especially helpful when you're short on time and need to slow down the world, just for a minute.

It doesn't really matter what you do to calm your nerves...ah, so long as it's legal! The point is to make sure you take care of yourself. Take some time out for you today, and use one of these ideas for stress relief...or make up your own. You only have to please yourself.

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