April marks Stress Awareness Month, and if any population is aware of their stress, then it's moms! Moms are the do-it-all members of the family for the most part, and the ones who take on more than they ought to. For multitasking moms, who juggle kids, jobs, extracurricular activities, husbands and managing the household, stress may be ever-present. But you can -- and should -- lighten your load. Moms need a moment -- or several -- throughout the day to take a break from their tough jobs. And you may feel guilty for taking those moments, but your children are better off with a refreshed, non-burnt-out Mommy who is ready and willing to jump back into the fray. One way to head off potential stress is learning how to say one word: no. Many moms feel guilty when they don't volunteer to bring something to the school party, sign their kids up for fewer extracurricular activities than their friends or even going to the bathroom alone!
Save yourself the time and resources it would take when you overschedule yourself and your child - and just be grateful when you choose one or two ways to help out in the classroom, or sign your child up for only his favorite activity. Don't feel guilty when you shut your bathroom door in those little faces and lock it for some much-needed private time! Find healthy ways to harness stress when it does arise by scheduling time for yourself. Even 10 or 15 minutes of doing something fun that you like will recharge your batteries. Again, don't allow guilt to rear its head when you think of the things you should be doing during your break. Focus on what you're enjoying doing in that moment.