All moms have moments when they feel overwhelmed and stressed out. However, moms who live with high levels of stress need to find ways to destress to avoid the risk burnout, which Merriam Webster defines as, “Exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration.”
Ironically, while it is fairly easy to notice stress in other people, it can be easier to deny our own stress and just try to tough it out. Signs that you are close to burnout include: frequent absent-mindedness, extreme irritation with your partner or children over minor issues, and feeling tired all the time, even when you have not done anything strenuous.
If you suspect that you are close to burnout, here are some ideas you might want to consider to de-stress:
1. Visit A Medical Spa
It is hard to feel grumpy when you are looking radiantly beautiful. That is what medical spas can do for you: they focus on enhancing a person’s natural beauty.
A medical spa should not be confused with a health spa. A health spa is a place where you can do things to feel rejuvenated, like exercising, swimming, or bathing in a natural source of mineral-rich spring water. A medical spa, in contrast, is a place where you can get corrective medical skin care procedures for many unwanted effects of aging skin like fine lines or wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, and skin laxity. However, some spas offer far more, especially in the state of Utah, which is home to some of the most advanced medical spas. One medical spa in Utah has brought together top-rated plastic surgeons, nurses, and estheticians to help clients revive their natural beauty. In short, it is a place where clients can have all their cosmetic needs met.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Often, stress is a result of overstimulation. Constant noises like loud music, boisterous conversations, and screaming kids playing games can get on your nerves. In addition, computers and cell phones can also be overstimulating. You can get a moment to yourself by going for a walk around the neighborhood. Another option might be to find a quiet, secluded area like the swing in the front porch. Once you are alone, practicing mindfulness is as simple as noticing your breathing and your thoughts. This act of witnessing your own busy mind allows your frenetic thoughts to slow down.
3. Go To A Massage Clinic
Although the idea of a professional massage is often associated with getting pampered at a hotel, resort, spa, or health club, getting a therapeutic massage at a massage clinic can provide you with a wide range of health benefits. While both types of massage involve pressing and rubbing of the skin and the manipulation of muscles and tendons, there is a distinct difference. While a regular massage is relaxing, a therapeutic massage is designed to target specific health challenges you might be experiencing, such as muscular inflammation or connective tissue damage after an injury.
Before visiting a clinic, it’s a good idea to inquire what type of massage they offer, so you can decide if it is something that you would like to try out. Therapists at massage clinics often specialize in a particular style or school of massage like Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, or trigger point massage.
A Washington Post article about the benefits of massage interviewed Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School, who related how studies conducted by the school showed that massage has “…positive effects on depression and anxiety, sleep, stress hormones, immunity, and pain relief.”
4. Exercise
Exercise is an excellent way to relieve stress. One option is to join a gym. Besides access to a variety of equipment, it will also give you a chance to meet new people who are also interested in getting in shape. Another option is to exercise at home. By following the exercises in a yoga DVD, you can reduce stress, improve flexibility and increase physical energy.
When faced with an unusual amount of stress, many moms tend to ignore it and carry on with their usual routine. Sometimes, however, real strength is not denying a problem, but asking for help. It will not help you in the long run to run yourself down by taking on more work and responsibilities than you can handle.
