Stress and the Stay-at-home-mom

Do stay-at-home-moms (or SAHMs) have less stress than mom's who work? The general answer is no. However, it is a different type of stress. Working mom's have to balance work and home, while  SAHMs have to balance home with home. From my own experience, I have significantly less stress since becoming a SAHM. While working I had to get up, shower, and dress in the morning, get kids up, dressed, and fed then drop them off at school or daycare. Then the workday begins. When work was over, pick kids up (if the hubby hadn't already), go home, cook supper, feed kids and self, clean dishes, bathe kids, brush teeth, read books, and put kids to bed. By that point I was ready for bed myself. I left out the parts about diapers and feedings. Looking  back, how did I survive? Barely, that's how. Stressors at that time included getting places on time (which I seldom did), taking off work for doctor's appointments, sick kids (Heaven forbid I should ever be sick myself), and school functions, trying to run errands or take care personal matters during the workday, the rat race of responsibilities at home between 5 and 8 pm, and having NO time for myself. As a SAHM, a lot of those stressors are gone. The "time for myself" part is still a challenge and it's kind of like going to a job that you never leave. I still have to get my 6-year-old to school and picked up on time, but I'm much better at that now. And running errands during the day is much simpler, with the exception of my 3-year-old appendage. Interestingly, my house is no cleaner and ironing still does not get done. Ever try keeping a house clean with the aforementioned 3-year-old appendage following you around all day and a 6-year-old getting home at 2:30? However, the joy of actually SPENDING TIME with my kids that doesn't involve baths or frantic meals is the ultimate reward. Now the pay scale is another matter entirely . . .

Irony?

Taking a detour from the style of my previous posts for a more personal approach today. Maybe I'm just tired of writing about "information" for a moment. I've been extremely busy lately with all the writing I'm doing, which is a good thing. What does busy often lead to? You guessed it! Stress! How's that for irony? I've become stressed while writing about stress. However, I was only briefly overwhelmed and I actually did practice what I preach, which is relatively unusual, and when my work became unproductive, I put it down. The next morning I was ready to start again. My child was mildly neglected yesterday, but I finished what I set out to do and was done by 5:00. I did pick up a pen and jot down a few things while they were on my mind. Now, I am ready to go again! I have always thought about writing, but I mostly thought of writing on the creative side of things. Problem is, I'm not a creative person. I'm more of a logical thinker, a left-brainer if you will. When the opportunity presented itself to write non-fiction material about mental health, it was like a light bulb went off. Not like a 60 watt bulb you put in a lamp, more like a Christmas tree light. It was only after I started writing and realized "hey,I can do this!" that the wattage kicked up. So, here it is! Hopefully I won't lose my enthusiasm and thus momentum too quickly, but that wouldn't be unlike me if it were to happen. Wish me luck! 

Technology and Stress

If you are reading this right now, you are using technology. Technology helps us stay informed, do our jobs, communicate with friends and family across the street and across the world (and sometimes across the room). You have the ability to simultaneously order a pizza, listen to your favorite tunes, update your status, text your friends, and type a report for work, all while talking to your Mom on the phone. The benefits of technology are tremendous and devastating at the same time. You check work email on vacation on your smartphone. You plan a birthday party using your Bluetooth headset while driving. You check your favorite social networking site last thing before laying your head on the pillow. Your brain is on overdrive. There is no downtime. Children and teenagers are no exception. They are plugged in as much or more than adults and this constant feeling of "I need to do this" may lead to a constant state of stress or even anxiety that lasts long after the stressors are removed. Your brain needs downtime to recuperate and perform at its best just like our muscles do after exercise. Give your brain a mini vacation an hour or more a day. Turn off the laptop, mp3 player, and even the smartphone (ugh). Read a book; the kind with real pages. Why? If you are reading a book on your iPad you are much more likely to say "I just need to check my email for a second." It is much harder to resist the distractions when they are right there in your hands. Take a walk outside. Have a face-to-face conversation without electronic distractions. For example, you might implement a zero electronic device dinnertime rule. The text messages can wait. Also, removing these technological stressors an hour prior to bedtime may significantly improve sleep. Insomnia is a major contributor to rising stress levels. Giving your brain time to relax before lying down may help you fall asleep easier. Technology is a marvelous asset to society when used in moderation.  However, in excess it can be a burden that increases stress levels. Take a break. Your brain and your stress level will thank you.

Stress and the Economy

The economy has affected Americans in a variety of ways. For those most impaired, the stress of financial strain, reduced wages, hours, or benefits, or even loss of a job or home can be devastating. Although it seems impossible, you can reduce the effects of stress even in these drastic circumstances. Some may feel that in using these strategies they are ignoring or diminishing the severity of their problems. Spend time planning and problem-solving, don't ignore the problem, but when thinking becomes unproductive, it is time to stop. Keep your mind busy, count your blessings, and focus on what you can change.

Welcome!

Have you ever felt stressed? Of course you have! The what, where, when, why, and how may vary, but the fact remains that we all share the common experience we call "stress." On this blog, I will explore the causes of stress, signs and symptoms of stress, and of course strategies for resolving stress. We all have or have had problems related to our job, our family, our relationships, or personal issues. I hope that you visit often and that you relate to the topic, gain some useful knowledge, and utilize the strategies that will be provided. We can ALL benefit from "stress management."

Coming soon!: You can also view my articles at examiner.com.