Stress, like most other things in life, is good in moderation. For instance, I work best under pressure - that's something good stress does for you. It's a motivator. When you are running low on calories, your body will send stressing signals to your brain to remind you to eat. That's good stress. So, stress is a necessary commodity. However, just like too much sun can burn you in the short-term and damage your skin in the long-term, too much stress can make a day terrible in the short-term and be, for instance, a drain on your immune system in the long-term.

Moms may look invincible or even think they are invincible, but it’s just not true. When you come home and the sink is still full of dishes, the laundry room is piled high with clothing, and the sink in the bathroom has been dripping all day, your blood pressure begins to rise.

The first person who says something to you usually gets to hear about your frustration.  Or, they get to see you run bawling to the bedroom and shut the door.  This is no longer normal stress - it's now distress. 

Moms, we have to protect our health.  If the above scenario is typical of your daily life, watch out.  You need to cease and desist before you end up in bed or the loony bin.  Popping pills is not a long-term solution to the side effects you are experiencing from your stress. Antacids and headache medication are not the answer.

Did you know that too much pain medication can irritate your digestive system?  Your body will fight back with bowel trouble or worse.  There’s a reason that labels tell you not to exceed a specified dose in twenty-four hours.  Abusing your body will just give you more stress - not less.

If you are an emotional eater, please realize that increasing your caloric intake also increases your stress level. Treat yourself, sure, but watch out for the nuturional information. Too much stress can lead to poor eating habits.  Overeating or eating the wrong things can lead to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.  These illnesses can lead to heart disease and stroke.  Basically, we’re talking about a premature death.  That is not a good option for you, Mom.

Distress can also cause ulcers, migraine headaches, anxiety, and depression.  These conditions can be avoided when we take better care of ourselves and learn how to manage stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed, enlist the aid of your spouse, friends, parents, sisters, brothers, and neighbors. Remember that you are not alone and it is completely acceptable to ask for help.

As a mom, your children can even help you.  How can that purple-faced person with jam all over himself help you?  Kiss his jam stained face until all the jam is gone.  Jump on the bed with him.  Snuggle together with some books and let all the day’s worries stay outside that door. 

Your child may be a reason for some of the stress, but he is also the joy of your life.  You endure because of his angelic face.  Be there for him when he grows up by learning to manage stress now.

If you need some help learning how to manage stress or getting back on track, Aurelia can help. If you are lacking a sense of community, we'd love to have you.