Reduce Mum Stress in Fifteen Minutes or Less

Everyone, especially Mums, face stressful situations on a daily basis. Day in and day out it permeates our lives through hectic schedules, messy homes, shopping and cooking demands, and screaming children. Here are some ways that mums can reduce their stress levels fast.

Soak in a nice hot tub…

Reduce Mum Stress in Fifteen Minutes or Less - haleyface / CC BY 2.0

Is it possible to escape to an exotic location without actually going anywhere? Too bad that that can’t actually happen—or can it? Climb into a nice hot tub, and try this quick visualisation technique.

Imagine the place you would most want to be if you could. See the sights. Smell the air. Feel the breeze. Let the scene take you away along with the stress. It’s simple but effective. You can do it anywhere and at anytime, not just in a bath tub. Just close your eyes.

Listen to music
Do you own an mp3 player or an IPOD? If not, invest in one, or just borrow one. Load your favourite music, videos, and pictures on them. Mine is full of my current favourites, plus I have loaded some tunes that I used to love as a child. These were songs that my dad had on records. We would spin them for hours and dance.

Music that reminds us of happier times is a stress reliever. The memories that are conjured up relax our mind and return us to more peaceful times. Concentrating on these things leaves no room in our mind for stressful thoughts, and helps us find those moments of peace.

Laughter
Laughter truly is the best medicine. Pick up the comic section of your local newspaper and give it a go. Hire a funny DVD from your local video store. A good belly laugh works your abdominal muscles. You can get in shape and have a good time while doing it.

Stand on your head
Stress can sometimes be the result of low blood flow to the brain. You just aren’t thinking clearly. The quickest way to return that mental clarity is to stand on your head. I’m not advocating torture here. This can be as simple as laying on the couch with your head hanging off the side or bending over with your hands on the floor.
More blood to the head means more oxygen also. After a minute or two of this you’ll feel silly and more alert. The thoughts of a few minutes ago will fade away. Don’t turn right side up too fast or you’ll be popping a few aspirin for a headache.

Have a drink to relieve your stressful situation. I’m not referring to Jack Daniels, but and Earl Grey, or better still, a herbal tea. Tea seems to have a calming effect on the mind. My favourite is chamomile. Taking a few minutes to relax over a good cup of tea can lower your heart rate and your anxiety level.

Any one of these things can be done in fifteen minutes or less. It doesn’t take much—just a willingness to get centred.