Teachers have many ways that they can keep stress down during the school year. Parents, on the other hand, sometimes don’t realize how stressful having their children home full time during summer vacation. However, there are ways to keep stress levels under control during the summer, whether you are a stay at home parent or if you have a full time job.
1. Delegation of Chores
One of the main stressors comes from the extra housework that is associated with the kids being home all the time. An easy way to handle this is to make sure that you are delegating tasks that need completing to others members of the family. While there are certain chores that younger kids cannot do because of their age, there are still tasks that they can do, such as dusting or cleaning their room. You can use incentives to get the kids to do the chores or just make a list of their expected tasks and let them know they are to do them each day. If you don’t have to do as much of the extra work, it will not stress you out as much.
2. Taking “You” Time
Make sure to carve out a portion of time at least a week that is just for you. Have someone else come and take care of the kids and take a bubble bath. If you are married, have a date night and hire a babysitter to get away from the house and the kids for the night. It is surprising how much stress can be relieved by just getting away from everything. Your time can also involve exercise, which is a natural stress reliever. Jogging or doing something relaxing like yoga can clear your mind of all stressors and allow you to escape for a little while by yourself.
3. Find a Hobby
Your whole life should not revolve around your children. They are a main part of life and you would do anything for them, however, you need to have a life separate from them. A hobby can help you to do this. Painting, gardening, knitting, or reading are all examples of good hobbies that allow you to take a break from reality. Having a hobby is also good for kids to see. It is good for them to see that their parents stay active and they will follow suit.
4. Sleep
The more sleep you get the better you will be able to cope with stressors throughout the day. When you are tired even the smallest annoyances can seem to be big things and you can snap without realizing it. If your children take naps, take naps with them. If not, make sure that you are not staying up much later than your children, especially if you get up at the same time as them in the mornings. If you are having trouble sleeping, you may need to speak with your doctor and he may be able to help you. Sound machines and soft music can often help people sleep throughout the night.
How do you keep your stress level down? We’d love to hear your tips!
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