[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Top Tips for Parents Who Need to De-Stress

Life is stressful, but it seems like this is turned up a notch when we have kids. As much as we love them, our kids can be a handful, and finding time for ourselves is hard. Sometimes, it's work which can give us anxiety and stress, which we bring back into our homes. Whatever part of life it is which leaves your mind drained by the end of the day, there are ways in which we can control the stress and have a better quality of life.If we don't take action, the stress can eat away at us and lead to further, serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Take the time to look after your mental health now, so it doesn't leave you in a worse state. Please keep reading to learn more about how you can de-stress for a happier life at home with your kids and family. Being a parent is tough, so I want to ensure you are supported in all aspects of life.

Don't Bring the Stress Home

If your stress is because of work, try not to bring it home to the environment with your children. You must separate your work and home life if you want to de-stress. There are many ways you can rid yourself of stress before stepping through the front door, such as talking to colleagues or friends before leaving work or even chatting on the phone to your partner in the car on your commute.You can even stop off at therapy on the way home, so you are fresh and prepared for home life. Therapy can help you get everything off your chest and control stressful symptoms before you surround yourself with your kids. One top tip for me is to imagine putting your problems into a box to make them seem small, insignificant or even invisible. This can help you redirect your energy from stressing about work to focusing on your home life.

Have Fun

Whether it is your home or work life which is causing you to stress, looking for fun within these situations can help decrease your anxiety. Kids go through stages where they hate us, scream at us and just want to cause mayhem. So it is no surprise when we start to feel stress running around after our kids, trying to calm them down and defuse arguments. Bring some fun to the household to both calm you and the kids down. Think of things you can do, which will act as rewards of good behaviour and moments of relaxation for you. This could be movie nights (with some sugary treats), a trip to the zoo or mini-golf, or even just a new set of colouring books for your younger kids.

Give Yourself 'You' Time

If you want to live a life with less stress, then you need to make sure you make time for you. When we have kids, often everything is about them; we lose time, money and sleep, making sure they are safe and happy. But, now and then we need to remember to treat ourselves to some kid-free, work-free alone time.Take a bath and have your partner or family look after the kids. Or, even see if one weekend your family can take the kids for a day or two so you and your partner can have some alone time together at home or out exploring. Even if all you get is 30 minutes in the evening before bed, this time is so essential for doing things you love which bring you happiness and calm.

Ask for Help

Don't be afraid of asking for help. Many parents believe that by asking for support, they will be judged by others as a bad mother or father. Instead, asking for help is only natural. Life as a parent is tough; we are tired, stressed and overwhelmed if we don't look after ourselves. Whether you're a single parent or one half of a partnership, kids can cause mayhem, and if you need help with the school run, childcare on the weekends or just someone to hold the extra kid's hand at the zoo, then ask!Help can come in many forms such as grandparents (who adore children), aunties and uncles or even friends (honorary auntie and uncles!). Childminders are great for beating the school run rush as they can often take kids as early as 7:30 am and keep them later in the evening if your working hours are tough.Check out my website today to learn more about my services as a therapy and how I can support your mental health journey. Sometimes stresses at work and home can make us anxious or even depressed. Rather than letting these mental health disorders eat away at your happiness, contact me to learn more about how therapy can help you control and diminish the symptoms for good.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]