- Be honest and assertive – say NO! Although children are possibly simply being stubborn, being ready to say no is important. Tell someone how you feel if they are placing unreasonable demands on you.
- Find fun things to do – hobbies! Notice how your child finds fun ways to occupy their time. Try a new hobby either on your own or in a group. From crafts to music or reading to sport – there are a wealth of things to do to take your mind off whatever stresses you out.
- Spend time with friends – play time! Having friends is important for your child’s development… and yours too. Laughing releases hormones that help you to relax, and having a support network around you is great if you feel down and isolated.
- Keep active – run around! See how much your child likes to run and play; see the smile on their face. Being physically active is an amazing outlet for your stress, and it also releases hormones that make you feel happier. You may have also noticed how well your child sleeps when they have had an active day. Getting physically tired (but not exhausted) helps you to get well rested and ready to take on your day!
- Reward yourself – treats! You know how you reward your child when they do well? Do the same for yourself. When you complete something that you found difficult, give yourself a little treat. Recognise that you are doing well.
Doing all of these things helps you to develop something called emotional resilience. Emotional resilience helps you to deal with stress in a healthy way, in turn helping you to become a healthier person. Being mentally and physically healthy means you can perform well in all areas of your life.
Interested in finding more ways to help you manage your stress levels? Email katie@altruistuk.com for your free mindfulness exercise audio today. We also run stress management courses for employees.