how to handle stress

[lighthouse68]

How would you handle stress?  I have a 12yr old that is having a lot of trouble with school work, a 10 yr old that is craving attention and a 4 yr old that gets into eveything. I also am a leader for cub scouts and the director of our Sunday school. I have little time for myself. What suggestions do you have for some one that had little free time and feels overwhelmed but can't give anything up. Let me know your thougts.

[Phx0808]

I would say find time to exercise. You are not doing anyone anyone any good, if you don't take care of yourself. You will find your kids and your ministry will be better off. I will be praying for you.

I go to goodwill, garage sales, etc. to  buy stacks and stacks of breakable things, and throw them against an old outside handball court which is in non operating condition and will never be restored as the court which was recently found to be on my property, when a fellow had a survey done of the property next to mine done. Eventually I will have the court removed, but until then it has a purpose.  I finally clean up the mess and it feels like I have a good work out for about an hour. It makes me feel better.

All the best,
Phx0808
Middle Child.

[RobertMendez]

o wow tuff! :-

[CharmedPhoenix]

You cannot give what you do not have.  You have to take care of you so you can take care of your little ones.  LIke the airlines say, put the air mask on yourself first, then take care of your child.

There's a Bach flower mix called Rescue Remedy that you can get from your local natural grocer or herb store.  It helps you deal with stressful situations and is safe for pets and kids too.  You can get an extra brown vial and dilute three drops with filtered water.

There's a homeopathic remedy called Kali Phos that's good for stress.  Get the 6x strength.

Take five minutes to sip a cup of camomile tea to relax and catch your breath.

Take five minute meditation breaks.  Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing.

Play whatever type of music relaxes you.

Take stretch breaks.  Do a yoga sun salutation or two if you can.  At least stretch your spine backwards, forwards and twist gently to both sides.

Try to work in a half hour a week to soak in a hot bath.  Add candles, camomile tea and your soothing music and you should recharge.

Do your best to get 7 - 8 hours of sleep most nights.  If you're too wound up have a cup of warm camomile tea or take a camomile capsule about a half hour before bed.  It'll enhance the quality of your sleep.

One more thing...  Avoid self defeating language.  Whether you think it or say it use positive phrasing.  It drains our energy faster when we go around saying we can't or shouldn't do things or call ourselves names.  We all do dumb things, but it doesn't help to call ourselves "dummy".

I hope this helps you find some relief.