10 Realistic Stress Busters for Busy Moms
We all know that being a mom is stressful enough – the constant pouring out of ourselves pretty much leaves us drained on a daily basis. And most of the time, moms of special needs kids have the added stresses of limited social interaction and additional time constraints due to therapies, making it near impossible to take care of ourselves. If you’re able to binge on Netflix a few times each week, you’ve got some time to spare. But I’ve got 10 great ideas to reduce stress in under 20 minutes, for those super busy moms who honestly don’t have time.
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1) Take a time-out
When your kids are acting crazy, they go in time-out. So when mama’s about to go crazy, she needs a time-out too! Make sure your kiddos are in a safe place, and go to a quiet part of the house and take a 10-15 minute time-out.
Your little ones will likely be entertained if you tell them what you’re doing, because they think Mommy’s being punished, but you’re really just giving yourself a chance to cool off and unwind. Just gathering your thoughts in the quietness of a closed room (like a closet, lol!) and getting a quick break can tremendously drop your current stress level.
2) Drink some tea
It may sound silly, but there are some really great therapeutic teas out there. This lavender blend is one of my favorites lately. Celestial Seasonings makes a great one called Tension Tamer, which combines the adaptogenic properties of eleuthero with vitalizing mint and lemongrass. Sip on it while your child naps or does quiet activities. You could also try drinking a cup before he or she wakes up in the morning, to start your day off on a more peaceful note.
3) Get outside
The best time to do this is first thing in the morning, when you can listen to the birds singing. But if that isn’t possible, still try to get outside for 15 minutes during the day. Vitamin D naturally helps enhance our mood, and the change of scenery and sensory input can quickly reduce stress. Whether you’re relaxing with an early morning cup of coffee on the porch, or watching your children swing, you’ll feel the stress begin to fall away as you enjoy the beauty of nature.
4) Do a quick massage
No, I don’t mean go get a massage! I mean do your own. I have been using one of these handheld massagers for well over a decade, and it’s simply amazing. Stress causes our muscle tension to build, which increases stress levels in the body – it’s a vicious cycle. So take 15 minutes to work on your neck and back. It will release toxins from those areas, which will help reduce your stress levels as well. Just be sure to drink plenty of water, to rid your system of that nasty toxic buildup.
5) Diffuse essential oils
All the hype about essential oils is not just because they’re trendy – it’s because they really work! Some of the best ones for relaxation are bergamot, lavender, ylang ylang, rose, chamomile, frankincense, and vetiver. A blend of eucalyptus and spearmint can vastly reduce stress levels as well. If you haven’t already, give essential oils a try!
6) Take a hot shower
It’s something you already have to do, so why not make the most of it? Don’t just wash up and hop out of the shower – take a few extra minutes and a bit of preparation to make it really worth your while.
Stand under the hot water and just breathe slowly. An extra 10 minutes can make you feel totally refreshed and relaxed. You can even turn your boring 20 minute shower into a spa experience with these tips:
- Try a massage shower head (this one has a color changing LED light!), and let the water beat on your shoulders and neck.
- Diffuse essential oils like eucalyptus and spearmint, or ylang ylang.
- Use a relaxing aromatherapy body wash like this one.
- Play some spa music, classical tunes, or gentle Spanish guitar
- Turn off the lights. Light a couple candles, or use the color changing light of your diffuser instead.
- Get a shower stool to sit on, for an even more relaxing experience.
7) Pray
Nothing relieves stress better than getting alone with God and letting Him reset your focus. Lay your cares at His feet, and ask Him to fill you again. We are constantly emptying ourselves, draining our reserves, and filling up others. We need to make sure we are getting our souls refreshed and refilled as well.
1 Peter 5:7 tells us to “Cast your cares on Him, because He cares for you.” We are carrying around huge loads that we were never meant to bear alone. When we give our worries and stresses and cares to Jesus, He will take them and lighten our load. Now we can relax!
8) Exercise
You don’t have to get a gym membership, or enter a 5K – just a brisk walk (with the kids in the stroller if you must!) will do the trick. Getting a brief 20 minute exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress. There are tons of fun dance workout videos on YouTube, if that’s more your style. Either way, get moving!
9) Put some headphones in
Silence is a great stress buster. So is good music. Headphones can give you either option. If you’re in the middle of a hectic day, and there’s really nowhere to escape to at the moment, you can always grab some noise canceling headphones and enjoy the noise reduction, or listen to some relaxing tunes.
10) Take a nap
When all else fails, you may just need to sleep it off. But since you’re a busy mom, there’s not much time. Set a 20 minute timer on your phone and enjoy a little cat nap. Diffuse some lavender or Roman chamomile to help you doze off quicker and get a more relaxing effect. Recharging your battery can greatly reduce stress.
Take Care of Yourself
As the mom, you’re constantly depended upon to care for everyone else, but it’s rare for someone else to look out for your well being. So make sure you’re taking care of YOU, in order to be better equipped to care for your little ones.
That may mean waking up 30 minutes earlier each day, in order to relax and unwind, and have some quiet time alone. Whatever it takes, make the effort to get some self-care time in each week, to keep your own health from plummeting.
Read the comprehensive article for more super tips on practicing self-care!
What’s your favorite way to relax? Let me know in the comments!
Naps are my favorite! This is the ultimate mom survival guide.
Thanks, Kat! Yes, naps are glorious!
These are awesome tips, thank you for sharing! My favorite ways to destress are lighting candles made with essential oils (Spireside Candles), worship music, taking a nap, hot shower, and pray.
Thanks for sharing, Stacy! I’m going to have to look into these Spireside Candles…that’s a new one for me!
My children are all grown but when raising them I did incorporate some of these. Now I use almost all of them as a grandmother!
Oh yes, Grandmas need relaxation too…especially after some time with the little ones!
These are great! Working out and being outside always help me relax.
Thanks! I love being outside with the bird sounds, and lately the frogs too!
The things I do for stress –
I love love love having a hot shower – That shower head looks awesome. I have not seen one of those before!
Burning oils helps and also reading a great book – I love getting lost in a great story line!
Sigh…I can’t remember the last time I read a book for leisure, lol! And yes, that shower head is IT!!
For me, exercise is a huge stress reliever! I also like to go for quick walks around the neighborhood to get some sun.
Anything that includes getting sun is relaxing in my book!
These are great ideas. With summer break coming, I am sure there are times when I will need a break. In addition to praying and listening to worship music, love taking a long shower.
Absolutely! Worship music is my go-to when I ready for the head phones! Definitely no better way let go of stresses than to get in touch with God!
These are great tips for unwinding! My personal favorite is going outside. There’s just something so calming about the beauty of nature and getting some fresh air! When I’m feeling stressed/overwhelmed, I put my little one in the stroller and we go for a long walk. It’s also a great time for me to pray as well! 🙂
Absolutely! That sounds like a pretty wonderful combination to me!
I love to drink some hot tea when I want to relax. I listen to podcasts or audiobooks.
Great idea! I’m picturing myself sitting outside with a cup of lavender tea and catching up on a podcast! 😀
These are realistic! Thanks for a great article. I have found outside time to be very important.
You bet, Elizabeth! Getting outside seems to be a popular stress reducer!
Very good list. I love to get outside without my kids, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the sounds of nature. I didn’t realize how peaceful my front porch can be. And yes moms absolutely need a time out and that is usually when dad taps in if he is available.
It’s so nice that your dad lends a hand when you need a break! And the front porch is one of my favorite places…with a cup of coffee! 😄
This is an awesome list!! I scheduled it for pinning because I think so many people could benefit from it!
Thanks, Diane! Pin away! I know plenty of people who could use these tips too 🙂
Great tips for all! Not just moms. This working, stressed out grandmother thanks you.
You’re welcome, dear! I’m so glad you found these tips helpful too! 😄
I don’t have my own kids, but I understand how tiring looking after kids can be. Moms (and dads) could really use these. I totally agree with a nap – if you can get one – and taking a hot shower!
-lauren
I’ll say that showers happen a lot more than naps, lol!
I cannot even begin to tell you how much a hot shower and/or getting outside improves the stress level! Great other options too – I would imagine a simple quick nap would do wonders 🙂
Oh yes, hot showers are definitely amazing! Especially when they last more than 2 minutes! 🤣
Diffusing essentials oils is such a small thing but it always makes a big difference in my stress level! Vetiver is the best!
We love vetiver here too! And ylang ylang…and…haha, I could keep going!
I love this list! All of these are great ideas. I absolutely love diffusing my essential oils for stress relief. Frankincense and peppermint and my favorite combo!
Ooohhh that sounds wonderful!
I agree with all of these, but especially the headphone and nap! Those are my go to things to help deal with stress!
Headphones certainly come in handy in this house with noisy boys!! 😂