Years ago I realized I couldn't be an effective, caring parent if I was a stressed out mess. I also realized that being constantly stressed can lead to serious health problems. (See yesterday's post.) Here are some of the things I do to reduce stress--my toolbox. Some of the links provided are for websites designed for families who have individual(s) with special needs.
1. Daily hour-long walks when possible. (Not really possible in the winter. My favorite time to walk is at 7 p.m. when it's too cold and dark to walk in Michigan from November to March.)
2. Time management (to-do lists is my favorite time management technique)
3. Quality Family Fun time
4. Yoga (occasionally)
5. Pilates (occasionally)
6. Meditation (use occasionally this to clear stressed out mind to make sleep possible )
7. Maintaining a sense of gratitude
8. Maintaining of a positive attitude. This article discusses the potential health benefit of being positive.
9. Counseling (a two year stint did wonders)
10. Humor
11. Getting out without child in tow. It is best to leave guilt behind. (The link on the benefits for respite care is specifically for families with special needs children).
12. Dark chocolate
5 comments:
I managed my stress i thought quite well, but the last few years it has been catching up with me.
Your right it does have to be taken seriously, and worked on.
Guilt is a tough one. This is a good list. Very thought provoking.
I think I need to print this list out!
xx
I love the list! I will certainly share with the parents with whom I work :)
http://aspergers.ning.com
Could not agree more with anything you have said here!!!
If we don'tcare for ourselves..how an we care for our special child?
Nice entry.
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