Parenting is one of the world’s most demanding jobs, especially since you can’t call in sick – there are no “sick days” available. Whether you are overwhelmed, sick, or simply D-O-N-E, you have to keep on going… and going… and going.
It’s hard to think when the baby is wailing and nothing you do seems to calm him. It’s even worse knowing that your baby is (usually) a very happy baby, and there must be something you are missing.
My son turned four months old recently, and while that might not make me the most qualified in the parenting department, I LIVE in the D-O-N-E and overwhelmed departments.
With that being said, I have a few things that usually help when I get so overwhelmed one more tear feels like the end of the world…
When You Can’t Call in Sick
- Seek assistance, whether from a close friend, or family member
- Consider regular daycare or babysitting, even if you are a stay-at-home parent – sanity is important, too!!
- Scream into a pillow
- Journal (I love 750words.com – NOT an affiliate link I just truly love the site)
- Take shifts with someone else – where you are “off the clock” for a certain period of agreed upon time
- If all else fails and all needs are met, WALK AWAY until you can resume your “shift”
Avoiding the “Breaking Point”
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If you were using the list above, chances are good that the lack of ability to call in sick had you at or near your breaking point. And I get it! Trust me, I’ve used this list myself and my son is barely four months old!
Now it’s time to consider how to avoid reaching that point as much as possible.
- DON’T be afraid to ask for assistance regularly – even when you aren’t super stressed out. Not only will it then be totally normal (and less embarrassing) to ask for help when needed, but it will give you regular breaks to help avoid reaching the breaking point.
- Practice a regular form of exercise – exercise tends to not only release excess energy, but it’s a great stress reliever. Consistent use of exercise can help relieve stress as it comes, instead of letting it pile up. It can also help you get into shape and feel better about yourself, which can work wonders on your mood – a great place to start! (My favorite form of exercise right now is punching my punching bag and speed ball.)
- Talk it out – find your least judge-y friend or family member, and let it out! Preferably this would be someone you trust, but if you cannot find someone, pen and paper or an online journal work well, too.
Need a little extra help? See Restoring Sanity From Overwhelm (Life After a Newborn).
Parenting is hard work, and often under appreciated, but you’ve got this! Remember this is only for a season. What are your favorite methods of stress relief as a parent? Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear some more ideas!
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
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