Simple at Home Stress Relievers

As nice as it is to be at home with the kids, it can certainly be very stressful.  The noise never stops, you can’t go to the loo on your own and it’s impossible to get away – sometimes when you really need to.  It’s easy to get into the habit of yelling (guilty!), and generally tearing ones hair out!  At the same time – you can’t always jump in the car and go for a drive, or go for a 1/2 hours walk around the block, so here are some suggestions for some simple at home stress relievers!

Code Yellow:

• Crank up the lavender oil in the oil burner.  The smell really does help – if you have a headache rub a tiny amount on your temples.
• Make yourself a coffee or tea, ignore the crying and yelling, and just stop and enjoy your cuppa.  Even 10 minutes is sometimes enough to restore some sanity.
• Many women (and men!) say that housework is a good stress reliever! If you have that inclination, maybe start with your own bedroom and make it a real sanctuary away from the rest of the home.  Knowing that you will leave the ‘disaster zone’ for a calm and clean room with crisp sheets could be just the thing to pep you up!

Code Orange:

• Do you have an exercise DVD at home – maybe yoga or zumba? – crank it out.  Sometimes the kids are stressed too – get them dancing with you – no doubt you will all be smiling by the end of it.  My kids think it’s HILARIOUS when Mum tries to dance – and their smiles make me smile to!
• Put on your favourite music – and crank it.  I’m quite partial to The Prodigy when I’m stressed.  Music soothes the savage beast.
• Put a kids movie on – sit down the with the kids and watch it – right the way through!  Kids just want their parents to spend time with them – it’s good for them, and good for you.

Code Red:

• Close to boiling point?  Time to ring a friend or neighbour to come around – tell them to bring chocolate.  Having a friend to talk to can really take the stress out of a situation, and it’s good to get it off your chest.  If you have someone you trust, see if they can watch the kids whilst you take a walk to let off some steam – even if it’s only to walk around your garden a few times!
• Really focus on what is causing the stress and write down ways it might be overcome. Remember – one step at a time.  The kids are driving you crazy – maybe schedule in some time at the local park.  Financial stress?  Sort out your finances so you know where you stand or see a Financial Councellor. Stress can be overcome, sometimes even just the action of writing it down can make a difference.

What do you do to relieve stress when your stuck at home?