Tips to Keep the Day Stress - Free

Some of you might have read my goals (or resolutions, if you want to call them that) for this year. In one word, it's all about balance. It's about threading writing in with all my other commitments and priorities, and making sure there's time for me in the midst of it all. Novel concept, right? Time for Mommy to write, to sleep, to simply relax, and to enjoy.

So what kind of tricks have I been using to help find that balance in my day and relieve some stress?

Weekly Goal Board

I love lists, so I've been using a weekly chore board to keep my (and my kids') household commitments on track. This involves separating chores into various days (and sticking to it! even if I want to work ahead). Laundry on Tuesdays and Fridays, grocery shopping on Mondays, etc. And, of course, a day worked in to spend extra time for family, with a family night.

Down-time Activity

For me this is taking even ten minutes in the middle of a busy day to sit and watch some of a show I've recorded, or read part of a book. I've been loving magazines lately as well because they force me to focus on one thing at a time, and that thing is usually something simple and fun (decorating, recipes, etc.)

Morning Devotions

I've been reading a new devotional I got. I read it at the start of the day, just one short page but it helps focus and center my mind. There's an idea or concept or lesson in there that keeps me grounded and more focused on God during the day.

Be a Kid Again

I have three daughters so we have plenty of childlike enthusiasm in our house. But I find that, even on busy days, if I schedule in a block of time to simply play with them like a child, not just as their mother, I feel less stress. (Yesterday, my middle daughter and I pretended we were dogs and crawled around getting treats from our imaginary owner.) Doing this, I feel like I've relinquished the typical stress we adults carry around as adults and embraced simplicity. No stress, no worries.

Treat Yourself

This doesn't have to be a big thing, just something that makes you feel special or makes you smile. A piece of chocolate, a bubble bath. I LOVE flowers because they brighten my home, make me smile, and they last more than one day.

I'd love to know some of your tips and tricks to keep the day more stress free and productive. Please share!


***photo by AngelaSadler