I was listening to a lecture about a month ago and the lecturer mentioned that humans were created for “camel travel”. He went on to share how the nature of our fast-paced life is a huge reason why we are more stressed, more ill, and more anxious and depressed. While it may sound a little far-fetched at first, there’s really so much truth to this. As a mom, I can’t help but think about how hard it is for myself and other moms to manage all the “expectations” of our current cultural climate. These perceived “expectations” paired with our busy schedules and poor health habits have us suffering and in need of making some manageable changes.
Without getting too deep into the medical causes and effects of stress, (you can check out my friend Tammy’s post on that – linked below) I would like to briefly state that chronic stress has been shown to have a direct effect on our health: mental, physical, and spiritual. Stress in the body increases the production of cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones are adaptive and keep up safe and alert, too much cortisol has been shown to be a direct cause of many physical and mental illnesses. Excess cortisol impedes proper cellular function, and this takes a toll on our immune system. Pair that with lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise, and you’ve got what you see in our world today: cancer, heart disease, depression, suicide, and life-impairing anxiety disorders.
You Have Control!
This all sounds pretty bleak, but do not despair my friend! There is something that can be done! I say that with all the eagerness and excitement in the world because it means that you have options! It’s a great idea to work towards reducing the effect of stress on your mind and body and there are so many ways to go about it. I’m going to give you a quick list of three simple habits you can start today. They’re easy, manageable, and realistic.
- Go outside. Yeah really. Whether you’re working 8 hours a day (or more) you can set aside a block of 10 minutes to reset your body. This helps reduce cortisol and has many other added benefits. If you include prayer and walking into this 10-minute outdoor break, you’ll notice the lift of your mood and spirit. This is because of actual physiological changes that occur in both going outside and connecting with God. May I please suggest that you don’t fiddle on your phone at this time: between the radiation, blue light, and brain stimulation, it’s most effective to set your phones aside for proper stress reduction.
- Connect with the people you love. Intentionally spend time with the people you care about. Plan something fun. Laugh together. Check out Pinterest for indoor or outdoor family games and activities and pick one. Try something new together: this actually improves the bond between you, your spouse, and your kids on a physiological and emotional level.
- Take time to recharge, alone. Moms often feel so guilty for wanting to have some time to themselves. We all know how much we’d rather give to our kids than to ourselves and while this is noble, it’s not best to completely deny yourself either. You truly cannot give your best to everyone else without taking some time for you. I know everyone’s situation is different and sometimes we tend to make excuses, but I want to encourage, or rather challenge you to prayerfully consider what you can and should do in order to find rest and personal enjoyment/fulfillment.
I pray you found this short and simple post insightful in some way. Stress is a huge part of our lifestyle in the USA and in a lot of the world. It’s for that reason that we are experiencing so much illness, sadness, and anxiousness. Taking the time to de-stress by intentionally finding the time to connect with God, others, and ourselves will reap many rewards. It may seem simple, but the simple things in life are often that which brings us the most joy.
Let’s Dive in Deeper
If you’d like to learn more about stress management as a busy mom, I’d love to dig deeper with you. The truth is something we are so close to our “problems” that we can’t see the solutions. Outside perspective from someone with our same values, morals, and interests can be so helpful.
Sometimes everything we needed to know in order to grow is on the other side of hearing the right thing, at the right time, from the right person.
Meli Rentas
Sometimes everything we needed to know in order to grow is on the other side of hearing the right thing, at the right time, from the right person. That has been super true for me in my life, especially over the last six months. As I’m writing this, we are in the middle of the COVID19 pandemic and we’ve all been sent into chaos to say that least.
Again, if you’d like to dig in and learn more about self-development, motherhood, and stress management from a Christian worldview, consider joining my free Christian motherhood coaching group: freecoaching.melirentas.com
Useful Links
Tammy Cliff Wellness: “Coping with Stress”
Dr. Daniel Amen: “How to Relieve Stress Naturally and Conquer Your Day”
American Association of Christian Counselors: “The Answer to COVID Stress is NOT in the Fridge”
