Photo by Sam Photos8.com
As I mentioned on Tuesday, the past few months have been a stressful whirlwind around here. Recently it started to take a real toll on our family, especially on this mama.
I imagine I'm not the only one who may be feeling this way. And it's a timely topic for the week before Christmas, when often the joy of the holiday is forgotten in the busy-ness of it.
For anyone who may be enduring a challenging season of your own, here are few action points I recommend.
1. Take care of yourself.This goes without saying, but why then do we so often forget it?
Until our family is completely through this season, I'm committing to be in bed each night by 10:30. No exceptions. That is typically when I aim to end my day, but often it gets pushed back. Not now. I need my rest.
Eating healthy foods falls under this category as well (And I'm being forced to do this, as I'm currently off dairy. Yes, feel sorry for me.) We have also temporarily stocked up on healthy freezer food.
And don't forget to sit.
Photo by Dieu Pham
The guilt burden has almost crushed me in recent weeks--because during this stressful time I have made a few glaring mothering mistakes. All has been dealt with and forgiven, except for the memories that pop in my mind and still make me tear up.
But I'm over it. A stressful season is not a time for self-reflection, but for endurance. Write a list of issues with you or the kids you might want to consider after you get through the challenges you're facing.
3. Return to a barebones routine.For the past two weeks I've cut everything out of our schedule except for the absolute essentials.
In my mind, I've gone back to what I call our "newborn routine." Whenever a new child has joined our family, I've always said that my only goals are to keep up with laundry and dishes. And there are even days when those two items may not get done.
Reverting to our "newborn routine" for now has released a huge weight off my shoulders. Other tasks must wait until they become an absolute essential.
This frees up a little margin in our days--extra time to allow for the unexpected of life, without it throwing us completely off kilter.
4. Pray and meditate on good thoughts. A lot.There's no way I could make it through this time without my faith. I'm so thankful I don't have to try. Having extra "margin" in my day also means I have the time to seek out the spiritual strength I need during this season.
I also make it a habit to visualize our normal rhythm returning soon, and to seek out the many, many blessings we hold in our hands, even in moments of difficulty.
Stressful seasons are bound to arrive in our lives once in a while; there's just no getting around it. When we choose to make family relationships and stability our priorities, we model for our children contentment and calm in the midst of the storm.
A powerful life lesson, indeed.
Now I'd love to hear from you: What helps you get through a stressful season?
