Mother's Day Stress Posted on May 9, 2013 I don’t know about you, but Mother’s Day always is anticipated with a feeling of, ugh. It is supposed to be your day for no stress, relaxations and servitude by the family right? Wrong. As moms we love our children and our family, but we are always moms, sisters, daughters and daughters in law. We are caretakers. This often means we are thinking about what we can do for the other moms in our lives and this is stressing us out because it leaves us with less time to have the relaxing day we anticipated. Some of the things that stress out moms: Demands on time: There are simply not enough hours in the day to do everything that they need or would like to do. Finances: Whether using day care, a nanny, or surrendering a full income to stay at home, caring for children is expensive. Relationship Demands: Husbands, friends, family all want time. It is hard to juggle all of these relationships and be a mother as well. Single mothers have it hard as well. Trying to date or meet someone new while making time for work and children can be a monumental task. Self Doubt: There’s also the fear that many mothers have -- that they’re not doing a good enough job. Because each child has different needs, and because children grow and change all the time, it’s impossible to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to mothering. This can leave you doubting if you are doing it “right.” Time alone: this is the big one. The reason we want to celebrate Mother’s Day. It is very difficult to find time to take care of yourself. To combat this you have to have somewhat of a shift in your belief and attitude. It may seem at first selfish to request time alone, but a small amount of self-care leaves you with the ability and the sanity to enjoy the job of motherhood and to feel less stressed about it. You were a person before you were a mom, and you need reminding that that person still exists and needs you too. Give yourself the gift of 15 minutes alone with your thoughts, time to journal, a small walk. Let yourself say no to just one thing. I wish all the mothers out there a wonderful, peaceful day.
