Photo by gwerbisky
This post was
originally published on April 14, 2009.
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.
(Edited to add: I realized after scheduling to repost this that this week is TV Turnoff Week--ironic, really! I fully support spending creative time away from the tube, but also don't think mamas should feel guilty in the normal day-to-day about moderation in this issue.
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?**
If you enjoyed
this post, I hope you'll subscribe
to Steady Mom--thanks!Jamie is
founder of this little spot called Steady Mom, editor of the blog Simple
Homeschool, mama to three cute kids born on three different
continents, and author of Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional,
Professional Motherhood.
