Today's moms are under more stress than their mothers ever were. You're expected to work outside the home for 40 hours a week and then come home and work some more. You're also supposed to find time to keep your body in shape, chauffeur your kids to after school activities, and maybe even start a business. You're supposed to do this with a smile and without breaking a sweat.
So many moms beat themselves up for not being able to be everything for everyone else. Many find themselves inching towards depression or a nervous breakdown. They have forgotten themselves in the middle of the daily shuffle. Eventually, like all things that wear out without repair, she'll break. And so will the lives of those who love and depend on her every day.
How do we stop the breakdown before hit happens?
1. Recognize what's happening. Before anything else can be done, you must realize that you are doing too much and wearing yourself down.
2. Ask for help. You must be willing to say "I can't do it all." Asking for help is not a sign of failure. It's recognizing a legitimate need and seeking a way to fill that need.
3. Take time for yourself. Having "you" time doesn't make you selfish. It makes you realistic. If you continue to neglect yourself, you will begin to dislike yourself and maybe even the family that requires so much of your time. You have to begin to see your relevance again.
4. Don't forget to be a wife. Remember that before you were a mom, you were a woman. Find a way to spend some time alone with your husband. If you can't get a sitter, then wait until the kids go to sleep and have an "after bedtime" date together. You can rent a movie, pop popcorn and snuggle together on the couch. Whatever you do, just find a way to reconnect.
5. Spend some time with your girlfriends. Remember how much fun it used to be to just hang with your girls? Having some girl time could be just the thing you need. Some of your friends are probably mothers now too, so you can share stories and tips to surviving motherhood, or you can just vent.
6. Don't take yourself so seriously. Whatever is going on in your life, take some time to have fun. Living a good life is all about balance. You need time to laugh and play just as much as you need to go to work or clean the house. Doing so could even give you the boost you need to take care of your life's more serious moments.
Motherhood isn't what is used to be. The rules have changed so much so that moms today will face scenarios that their moms never did or even considered. So take the time to do a little mommy maintenance. It could save you an overhaul later!
