Overwhelmed Mums: 8 Simple Tips To Staying Sane & Keeping Your Cool

Ify Halim

Feeling overwhelmed is often not a far cry for contemporary mums who constantly have a whole lot to juggle. Find simple tips to remain cool, calm and collected, even when things seem to be alarmingly getting out of control.

#1: Breathe!

A long, deep breath will do wonders to relax your mind and body during those unwanted moments of stress and tension. Experts even recommend visualizing the air moving in and out of your body as you take these breaths of relief. Yes, you may not have time to go for a yoga class, but surely, you can take deep breaths when at home or on-the-go, and you’ll be calmer than the wind in no time.

#2: Have a good laugh

Believe it or not, laughter has been proven to lower stress hormones like cortisol and loosen up your body muscles. Make out time to laugh out loud every now and again. Watch a comedy show with hubby or friends, or watch funny Youtube videos. These are guaranteed to help you laugh the stress away.

#3: Get help

With all the recent stories of kidnappings and child abuse on the scene, it’s no surprise that we’re increasingly becoming wary of infamous nannies usually counted on for help. To some mums, nannies are a necessary element for survival, and this can be an option for you too with the right safety precautions. One is to always make sure someone trusted is at home or at least within the vicinity when they are around to keep a watchful eye. It could be your spouse, a relative or even a trusted neighbour/friend. If nannies are an absolute no-no, why not look into the Mummy-Babysitting Club option. Here, a group of friends take turns watching over each others’ children, leaving a bit of breathing space for the others off duty.

READ ALSO: 4 Busy Mums Open Up on Juggling Work & Family

#4: Get a listening ear

Everyone needs to vent every now and again, so don’t be afraid to. Right before you feel the need to explode, do speak to someone close who has your interest and that of your children at heart. Our Facebook page is sure to provide that ear.

#5: Join a fun mummy community

Join a fun mummy community where you can get help and a good number of listening ears. A close-knit community of mums who know exactly what you’re going through and can give firsthand advice on issues you may be facing like Motherhood In-Style Facebook group and page are part of the awesome options available.

#6: Get organized

Invest in a daily planner. This strangely overlooked option can be a huge lifesaver for mums with many things to juggle at once. For one, writing down ‘things-to-do’ helps to realize there actually isn’t much to do after all. It also helps with prioritizing and keeping less things off your mind. There’s also the sticky notes option.

#7: Don’t be a pleaser

Don’t accept responsibilities from family or friends when you’re breaking under the weight of yours. If it’s not convenient, find the most subtle way to make them understand. It’s not a crime to say no, so, don’t commit yourself if there’s too much on your plate already.

#8: Note to Self – You’re Not Perfect…

…And you never will because you’re human!

We tend to place ourselves on such a high pedestal, or allow others do so, give yourself a break and take each day at a time. Remind yourself regularly that you can’t do it all but there will always be several opportunities to do more and get better.