When you are a parent, stress is unavoidable. Regardless how prepared you think you are BEFORE you have kids you will be stopped dead in your tracks at some point with an overwhelming feeling of “what the @#$ am I doing?” From the stress of lack of sleep with a newborn, to the stress of all things toddler, to invincible kids who make you hold your breath with ever daredevil jump. Let’s not forget the work stress. You may work in or out of the home, you may work on projects for your kids school, for church or for charity. Whatever you are doing right now, parenting stress is REAL! What can you do about it? Well, I have been reading A LOT because Lord knows I need it, too. Other than going to the beach to relax (which, as you can see, is my dream escape), I have compiled some tips I found to help deal with and hopefully prevent it from trampling over us.

1. Prepare for the morning the evening before.

Even little preparations can make your mornings run smoother. Here are some things you can do the night before:

• Help your kids pick out their clothes. (You can pick out your own, too!)
• Get lunches ready.
• Set the breakfast table.
• Put out anything they will need and will probably forget where they left. Sweaters, shoes and hats always disappear when we are in a rush. Set them out the night before so you don’t stress about it when you are running late.

2. Write things down.

Yes, we are superheroes to our kids (which is awesome), but there is no way we can be expected to remember EVERYTHING. Have a notebook, chalkboards, dry erase boards, Post-its or whichever method works best for you at your disposal. I just started using an old school planner and I am loving it!

3. Prepare for the randomness of life.

Many things go wrong and change throughout our every days, the last thing you need is for the things you use the most to break down.

• Always charge your phone! (I am horrible at this one!) Having a car charger and even an extra plug in your car will save you one day.
• Keep a log for car maintenance. I know nothing about what and when the car needs something other than gas, but I know to tell my husband about any warning lights that suddenly turn on. Thanks, hun!
• Make sure you have gas in the car. Yep, even if I know how tell it’s close to empty, I always forget to do anything about it. Sorry, luv. Fill up the night before so mornings aren’t extra stressful.
• And have extra batteries for those gadgets and favorite toys readily available (this one is more for them, but very important to avoid tantrums.)

These are just simple things that can save you from a breakdown (yours AND your kids)

4. JUST SAY NO

There are so many things we want our kids to be a part of, so many social commitments we feel we have to keep, and so many projects that you may feel will be good for you…your kids…the world! I know, I have caught myself staying up late trying to finish something I said I would do and kicking myself for agreeing to it. Don’t let yourself feel obligated to do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing or you know you don’t have time to. There will be other projects, events and just random stuff throughout life.

Having a relaxed schedule (even if just one day a week) will be good for you and your kids. You can actually enjoy time with each other when you do. I love just hanging out at home with my babies. No commitments, no obligations, and no lessons. Be selective, don’t over schedule. I will miss those times when they don’t need it as much, so I am soaking it in now.

5. Have your own unplugged time.

Stay away from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or whatever other media forum you frequent…even the news! Do it for at least 30 minutes. That really isn’t that long if you think about it. Concentrate on things you need not what you think you SHOULD be doing. Nothing on social media will change the world in 30 minutes, you can catch up later. The same B-list celebrities will still creep you out and disappoint you then.

6. Every day do something you like.

• Go get  ourself your favorite coffee or tea.
• Read a chapter of a new book or even your favorite book for the 100th time, you know you won’t be disappointed.
• Try a new hobby or craft just for fun.
• Sit outside (when it is not a 1000 degrees) and just breath
• Meditate or do a little yoga

Anything that you enjoyed before kids took over, add it back to your routine.  It will help you feel like you again.

7. Make friends with non-worriers.

Have you ever met someone that is always down? Or someone that worries so much that they make you worry, too?  Did you say to yourself, “Now this is someone I need to see EVERY DAY!” I doubt it! I know that I try to surround myself with positive people because they have a way of making things a little bit brighter even when I’m not so shiny. Not only can they help make you smile, but they can actually help you want to try a little harder to become more positive yourself. Austin Moms Blog is this group for me! They are crazy positive and I love it!

8. Accept Help

This one is tough, I know. I always felt like asking for help was a form of weakness. Boy was I wrong. It not only gives you a chance to breathe, but it gives someone else a chance to feel needed. If you have family that can help, it also gives them a chance to get to know your kiddos better.  In the end, you know that THAT is what they really want.

9. Quality time with family/spouse

This one goes back to both #4 and #8 in a way. The less extra stuff you have scheduled, the more time you can spend together as a whole. Also, the more you let other people help, the more you can escape with your significant other for a bit. Everybody wins!

10. SLEEP

As hard as it may be to get enough sleep, it is the best stress reliever out there. I know that most parents want to get things done when the kids sleep. You know what I learned? That laundry, those dishes, the dog hair floating around like a new pet will not destroy your life if you decide to take a 30-minute siesta here and there. Going to bed a little earlier won’t hurt the feelings your favorite shows that you binge watch when the kids sleep. There will be plenty of time for all of those things. But sleep, sweet sleep, your body NEEDS it.  Take it whenever you can. So go on and take a nap today for me! I’ll be taking one, too!

What do you do to relieve stress?