I’ve been feeling really stressed lately. With two little ones, a part-time job, and a husband who works late every night, I often wish I had three extra hours every day just to get things done around the house (oh, and it would be lovely if I had even 30 minutes for myself!). Life can be overwhelming.
In an attempt to lessen my day-to-day stresses, I’ve decided to tackle them head on. I’m making an effort to isolate what causes me stress and then do something about it. Upon reflection, I noticed that the following things seem to stress me out on a daily basis:
Meal times: By 12:30 Evie is hungry and cranky and Mack is tired and cranky. Fixing lunch while Evie is hanging on my leg and Mack is fussing is never fun. So, I now make lunch when I make breakfast. Putting together a tray with a homemade peanut butter sandwich, homemade yogurt and grapefruit slices takes only a few minutes, but doing it ahead of time is lifesaver! As soon as we return home from our morning activities I can put lunch on the table for Evie, keeping her happy so I can take care of Mack.
The “Witching” Hour: Anyone with kids knows about this dreaded time of the day. For reasons unknown to me, kids and babies seem to just meltdown between 5-7. Perhaps its a combination of tiredness, hunger, and sadness about the end of another day. Whatever the cause, I know its crucial I have a plan ready to avoid near certain tantrums. The moment I sense the imminent arrival of The Witching Hour I pack up the kids and head outside for a walk. Sometimes just 20 minutes out in the fresh air is all it takes to re-charge our batteries so we can gear up for nighttime rituals and bedtime.
Stuff: As I’ve written about before, stuff really stresses me out. Useless items take up precious space in my home, but, more importantly, they really drag down my spirit. So, I’ve instituted an in-out policy: nothing new comes in the house until something old is discarded. While I still feel like we’ve got too much stuff, at least I’m being proactive about not acquiring any more!
My Hair: Ok, I know this pales in comparison to the first three points above, but right now I am stuck in post-pregnancy hair hell and its driving me nuts. I’m leaving stray hairs all over the place, and the hair that’s staying in my head is dry and drab. I’m working on homemade ways to ease the frustration. More to come on this later…
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I love it! The breakfast lunch idea is great. I agree that all of those things have been stressing me out lately as well. Including the post pregnancy blah hair! I am sitting here laughing out loud about this because just this past weekend took a stand and got my hair cut and highlighted (I've never done anything like that ever) and its amazing how much happier I have been since!
Love your proactive attack on mommy stress…it's way easier to avoid meltdowns than settle them down. It sounds like you are doing great handling the growing stress of a growing family. (And Evelyn must LOVE the fancy lunch plate you prepared at breakfast time 🙂
Hang in there, Maureen! British History can't offer a ton on child-rearing advice, but their is one WWII gem that Billy always recites on rough days: "Remain calm and carry on".
I'm going to try your lunch idea (I feel like we're living in an episode of Supernanny right before lunch) and I'm with you on the post-pregnancy hair. It's so unfair!
Wow that post was full of typos! Sorry! Can I blame my own stay-at-home mom stress???
Isn't post-pregnancy hair loss the worst? I thought I was the only one for the longest time. I felt so much better when I got a trim and it made my hair feel more full and less thin! Hang in there!
Maureen: love the lunch idea! Will totally have to try that next time I'm staying with my little guy for the day. As for the hair: you know I love your homemade ideas but sometimes you just have to go to an expert!! I came across this website once and thought it might interest you: http://www.salonapprentice.com/ Licensed stylists who are new hires at salons are always looking for people to work on. If you could talk that busy husband of yours into staying home for an hour or so you could get a professional, free haircut!! Really admire your idea of attacking the stress.
Thanks for the scoop, Sarah! I did get about 6 inches cut off several weeks ago, and that did help. Since I'm not very adventurous when it comes to my hair and I won't dye it, I think I'd be a little nervous about what an apprentice might do!
you don't have to get it colored! check out the site; they usually have cuts available too. 🙂 Glad you're happy with the new do!