Oh holidays, oh holidays, why are you so stressful?

All of the running around, wish lists deeper than our wallets, and rough winter weather. To say the least, holidays can be a bit much. Not to mention all our normal everyday “mom” tasks!

Here are some ways you can take a “mom-moment,” and stress less this holiday:

Take three, slow, deep breathes
Breathing in slowly and deeply won’t fix things, but in the tough moments it will help your body calm down. Here’s how:

• Take a long, deep breath in through your nose, letting your chest rise as you breathe in.
• Breathe out through your mouth, long and slow.
• Repeat 3 times or until you feel your body and mind relax.

Work it out or Walk it out
Taking a walk, dancing, or doing whatever you like to do to move your body are great ways to reduce stress. Exercise may seem time-consuming, but it will benefit you in the end.  After exercise, most people feel more energetic and deal with stress more easily.

Get 7-9 hours of sleep
If you don’t have time for anything else, get your sleep! Sleep is when our bodies and mind repair and recharge. Our bodies need that rest to work the way it’s supposed to. Click on this link to find out why.

Eat balanced meals
A healthy plate creates a healthy mind. Avoid the sugary treats this holiday season and fuel your body with fruits and vegetables to keep you running right. For a quick guide on how we should serve up our meals check out MyPlate  and this link about eating right for your body.

Reach out to your support team
Love surrounds you. We are Super Moms, but that does not mean we have to do it all on our own . When you are feeling overwhelmed, or just need some time away, don’t be afraid to ask your support team for help. As long as you ask for help, our family, friends, Community Neighborhood Navigators (CNNs), and partners are there to support and encourage us. Check out this link about how to ask for help.

Free time for mama Find some moments during the day when you can do something special just for you. Try these:

• Wake up a just a few minutes early to enjoy a peaceful breakfast before the day starts
• Dance to your favorite song
• Unwind with a warm bath before bed
• Count all the things you are grateful for
• Invite a friend over to talk and support each other.

To find out more about how we can tackle our stress, check out these links:

• Dealing with Stress
• Feeling Stressed?
• Your Support Team