Minimizing Parental Stress

The very first thing we all can do to induce more ease and relaxation is to eliminate the word stress or any other word that is synonymous to this word. We define our experiences by our words, silent or spoken. The more we bring awareness to our words, our definitions of Self, the more easily we can feel a flow to our life rather than lots of resistance. Remember that ease and dis-ease (lack of ease) are two entirely different vibrations. For each of the common conversations that we have during the day, see the alternative that can soften the dialogue and keep your cells more joyful.

Habitual Thought Pattern
(of stress)

  • I’m so busy.
  • I’ll rush to get my errands done.
  • I’m worried about getting my bills paid.
  • I’m anxious about my dental appointment.
  • I’m so fat.

Gentler Thought Pattern
(of ease)

  • My life is full of amazing things
  • I’ll take a deep breath, knowing I’ll get done what I can today.
  • I do my best consistently putting effort into creating abundance.
  • I’m happy to get my dental work done and will ask for help relaxing that day.
  • I accept where I am right now and stay focused on loving self care.

The second thing to do is to pause throughout the day to gain more awareness about your actions as well as your thoughts. By bringing more awareness to all of your actions and emotions that are motivating your actions, you will have time to readjust something you are doing that can bring more joy to your whole day. With minute to minute awareness of actions, you will feel in front of your day and each moment can be more fully enjoyed.

Automatic Actions
(reactions)

  • Make coffee the moment you get up
  • Immediately jump into the day’s needs
  • Going  to the Drive-thru for lunch
  • React to children bickering with yelling
  • Notice it’s getting late and rush kids off to bed

Actions After Pausing – Awareness
(responses
)

  • Drink a full glass of water before coffee
  • Sit for a few moments in meditation or prayer
  • Prepare healthy food; keep in a cool pack in the car
  • Respond to children by gently requesting time alone to relax
  • Consciously start winding down the evening by 5pm, with specific expectations for each hour after this

The third thing to do is to take inventory at the end of each day with a quick journal. The one that I made for patients to use is simple and takes just a few moments. It is set up in an easy format, with blanks to fill in, so you don’t miss reviewing any part of your day. In reviewing your day, you get the opportunity to take inventory on how your day unfolded and provides a launching pad from which to make decisions for tomorrow before it arrives. The purpose is not to judge your day, but to provide greater awareness of your day. It’s a simple process that offers tremendous insight about self.

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