5 Calming Techniques for Parents When You Feel Totally Out of Control
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Post by Briana Ellison at HIP NATURAL MAMA
Being a parent has its challenges. Just the art of managing a busy household is incredibly difficult. One of the most challenging aspects is learning how to release control. As humans, we naturally like to be in control of everything, but as parents, we have to learn to let go.
When you've just stepped on a third lego of the day, swept up a pile of crumbs on the floor, and your kids are bickering for the 5th time, it's easy to lose your patience and start yelling at your kids. We've all been there, and that yelling is often followed by feelings of frustration and guilt like you aren't a good parent, or at least that has been my experience.
Today I wanted to share techniques that you can use to calm down as a parent when you feel like you're spiraling out of control.
My 5 Favorite Calming Techniques for Parents
Take a deep breath or five.
Breathwork is so simple and yet so powerful. When you take a minute to pause before reacting, you allow your parasympathetic nervous system to relax and the cortisol levels in your body to lower. When your body is not in fight or flight mode, it will naturally react in a much calmer way.
Get everyone outside.
When we are out in nature, we are instantly calmer. Take your shoes off and allow your bare feet to connect to the earth. Grounding to the earth will instantly calm your entire nervous system. Plus, vitamin D is not only good for your immune system, but it also makes you feel good.
Get Moving.
Go for a walk, run, do some stretches, or do an online workout class. Movement releases endorphins like serotonin, which are responsible for feelings of happiness and contentment. Ever noticed how you feel like you can conquer just about anything on the days you workout? That's because all the right chemicals are being released into your bloodstream.
Change what you're doing.
Maybe it's time to sit down and play everyone's favorite board game, or head to the park so the kids can play and you can have a little alone time. Sometimes you need a change of scenery to reset everyone's moods. Do your best to be intentional with family time.
Check-in with your kids.
Kids act out most of the time because they have some big emotion going on that they don't quite know how to handle. Sitting down and having an honest conversation with them can generally clear things up and make both of you feel better. Most often, it creates a stronger bond between you and your child.
Remember, you’re not the only parent feeling the stress. Take the time you need to calm down and reset.
Writing and Image supplied by Briana Ellison for Maple.