Photo by gwerbisky
Last week presented a few challenges around here: sick children, discipline issues, planning a birthday, and a few hormones thrown in for fun. When that combination strikes, life gets interesting. I certainly don't have it all together when it comes to overcoming tough times, but here are a few strategies that have helped me get through some difficult days.
1. Let your kids watch extra videos.
Photo by Giovanni Giusti
We limit television as much as possible. We don't have cable and our kids have never seen a commercial. But we do have a few educational shows on DVD. I've found that things go better for everyone on a hard day if I let them watch a little more than they normally would.
This idea used to make me feel guilty, so instead I would try to press on as usual with the kids. But I often ended up irritable and impatient. I've since decided that it's wise to respond to the cues my body sends me, and it's better for the children to watch good quality television than be on the receiving end of an angry mommy.
2. Don't try to figure out why you're emotional.
This strategy does not come easily to introspective mamas. It's my natural tendency to analyze the heck out of myself, and search for some amazing cure to guarantee I'll never have a bad day again! But for me, I find if I pray and accept my imperfect feelings, normality returns more quickly. Think positively. Remind yourself that emotions are temporary - they don't define you.
3. Lower your standards, but accomplish at least one thing.
Strip down to the minimum expectations of what you must do just to get by. At the same time, though, try to get at least one task accomplished. This alone sometimes pulls me out of a difficult slump.
4. Distract yourself - read and relax.
I need to turn my analyzing mind off on hard days. Reading fiction helps me get lost in someone else's story - it's a positive distraction. Reading non-fiction (i.e. self-help) only makes me think about myself more and leads to more negative feelings. So grab a new novel and dive in. Or do whatever activity relaxes you.
5. Go to bed early.
Photo by Katherine Raz
Often we run our batteries down, but try to keep going - this only leads to more difficult days. Our body signals us when we need rest. When we ignore those signals our whole family suffers. So as much as possible listen to those cues and get some sleep.
Everything will look better in the morning.
I'd love to hear your thoughts - How do you handle difficult days?
