Sure, uncoupling, restructuring, moving and having children are on top of the list of most stressful life events! So, during times of a lot of upheaval and new-ness to get used to, what can you do to deal?
Own your morning
Get up a little earlier than you actually need simply to get out the door in time. Make yourself a cup of tea, take a shower, maybe do a load of laundry and make a proper breakfast. Nourish yourself and your kids with REAL food. Make a smoothie, some eggs or oatmeal – something nutritious that will feed your body and brain stable energy and a more even mood. Avoid sugary cereals and pastries that will only set you off on a rollercoaster ride of high and low blood sugar - creating mood swings and cravings. Start your day off in a nourishing and calm way and you’ll set the tone for a much more enjoyable day.
Routine and ritual
Having a few regular routines and rituals can help you stay focused and acts as little breathers in your day. That 9am pit stop at your favorite coffee shop or the walk to lunch with your favorite co-worker every day can both be little, nice things that bring you joy and even energy.
Ask for help
Dedicate EVERYTHING that you don’t need and want to do yourself, as far as your wallet allows off course. Maybe you hate cooking, but don’t mind laundry? Then use a food delivery service for a while. Get a housekeeper to come clean your home for you on a regular basis so that you can spend that precious time on something that’s important to you. Make arrangement with other parents for play dates and share in the pick-up and drop-offs at daycare and school. If you’re lucky enough to have grandparents or aunts and uncles near by – don’t be shy to ask them for help. Most likely they are itching to spend more time with your kid(s) anyways!
Plan plan plan
Plan ahead for all the little things that end up stressing you out throughout the day. Figure out what you’ll have for dinner for a few days at a time and get your fridge stocked for those meals. On Sunday, reach out to some friends and family and plan some play dates, park meet-ups etc for the week.
Schedule everything
For a while. You might not need to live this way forever, but for the time being, schedule everything and write it down in your calendar. Pick-up and drop-off times, gym time, travel time, home work session, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping etc. The exercise of doing this will make you a lot more aware of how long everything takes and will make you more prepared for what to expect and how to structure your day. It also guarantees that you fit in some time for taking care of yourself, whether that means a session at the gym, a yoga class or a phone call to your best friend.
Make the Internet work for you
Avoid spending all your time on Social media comparing yourself to all the staged and ‘perfect’ lives of all your acquaintances. Instead, use it to connect with fellow parents in the neighborhood. And use Amazon.com, GoodEggs, Soap.com etc to order all the things you need instead of having to carve out time to go to the store. It’s also handy to set up some reoccurring orders or subscriptions for items that you need all the time such as dish soap, toilet paper and diapers.
Katrine Van WykHolistic Health & Nutrition Coach | Yoga Teacher