By Hayley Beullens

Strung out, kids whinging, house a mess – does this sound like you? As we take on the busy task of looking after our kids, juggling work commitments and the household, we end up feeling burnout and with no time to do anything properly. Try these natural “de-stress” tips for stressed-out Mums.

1.  30 Minutes a Day to Yourself

Take half an hour, everyday, to doing something just for you. Once the kids are in bed, instead of lounging in front of the TV, take some time out to retreat to the bedroom to read your book, or have a bath with some calming lavender drops, or perhaps meditation is more your idea of unwinding. It will help you take stock of the day and rest the mind.

2.  Go Green

Exercising or socialising in a park, bushland or natural setting is very soothing, both for yourself and your baby/child(ren). Getting out into the fresh air and oxygenating ourselves in a natural setting can be a good way to ease anxiety and tension.

3.  Unwind with a Herbal Tea

Drinking herbal teas such as camomile, peppermint and green tea can help you relax and unwind, and has powerful components to ease stress. Camomile tea eases insomnia, boosts your immune system, banishes menstrual cramps, while green tea is known to improve brain function, encourage fat loss, and lower the risk of cancer. Enjoying a cup of herbal tea with another like-minded Mum is the perfect way to unwind (and vent!).

4. The Importance of Quality Sleep

One of the biggest risk-factors of post-natal depression is sleep deprivation, so try to hit the sack early. While this can be challenging and unavoidable for those with newborns, Mamas with older babies/kids should aim to go to bed before 10pm (9am is ideal!); avoid any electronics in the bedroom which might stimulate you including nightlights, phones and TV’s, and having too many layers on (or not enough!) might disrupt sleep. The more sleep you get, the more productive you’ll be the following day and the less stressed you’ll be.

5.  Reduce Caffeine

It’s tempting to get your morning fix of espresso when you need a boost, but as stress stimulates the production of the hormone adrenaline, drinking coffee only serves to make stress worse. Switch to green tea and increase your intake of water, as even being 10 per cent dehydration can impair mental ability, heightening stress. Aim for eight to 10 glasses of water a day.

6.  Set Times to do Chores

Unfinished housework can easily creep up on you, so make certain times to accomplish small goals. I have two young children, so I make mornings the time for cleaning the kitchen and tidying the living; Wednesdays and Saturdays are washing days, and I allocate chores for my husband to do on a Saturday. I also recently hired a cleaner who comes once a month to do bigger jobs, and it’s the best money I’ve ever spent. She also uses organic, natural products, which is an added bonus.

 

More helpful tips and tricks for mums, here.

Guest blog by Hayley Beullens