Challenge #3 – Stress less

Welcome to challenge #3 of the #HappyMom challenge. Need to catch up on previous challenges? Click here.

Challenge #3

Everyone talks about stress. “Oh, I’m so stressed. I need a vacation.” Or, “Man, work is really stressing me out.”

But do we really know what stress is? Do we know how to prevent it?

The most basic definition of stress is “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.”  Sounds harsh, right?

Well, it is. Stress can cause:

Headaches

Back pain

Chest pain

Heart disease

Heart palpitations

High blood pressure 

Overeating

Crying spells

Anger

Burnout

Decreased Immunity

Etc., etc.

Does any of that add up to being a happy mom to you? Nah, I didn’t think so either. What we need to do is recognize when we’re stressed (or getting there) and stop it in its tracks. Sounds harder than it is, but I know you can do it.

Next time you are in a situation where you feel your blood pressure rising and a headache is coming on, do one thing for me: Close your eyes.

Breathe and think of the first good thing that can come to your mind. Maybe it’s a date you have later on. Maybe it’s a nice warm bubble bath you’re going to take that evening. Maybe it’s a new kickboxing class you’re excited about. Whatever it is, don’t let the stress take hold. You are far too fabulous to be stressed out. Even on days when you don’t feel too fabulous to be stressed, remember that you are and that you kick ass wherever you go. Repeat after me, “I kick ass wherever I go.” See, you feel better already, don’t you?

UPDATE: I also want to add that most stress results from actions or situations that we can not control. If we could control them, we’d make them less stressful, right? See where I’m going with this? Sometimes we get worked up over decisions other people have made, or problems that we now have to solve. It’s taken me a while to comprehend this, but I can only control what I do. Sounds simple, but it’s really something you have to repeat to yourself day after day. YOU CAN ONLY CONTROL WHAT YOU DO. NO ONE ELSE. Stress less, ladies.

To read more about the #HappyMom challenge and why we’re doing it, click here.