As a busy mum, you’re used to juggling your family’s demands. But this pressure can take its toll.

We ask Pharmacist Gerald Quigley for ways to deal with stress.

It’s no wonder we’re stressed. Surveys show that 42% of women feel rushed or pressed for time, mainly due to trying to balance work and home responsibilities. A survey by the Australian government found that mothers cited family demands as the second most reason they felt stressed and rushed for time.

The first reason? Trying to balance work and family responsibilities. Not surprising considering some mothers spend around 51 hours a week caring for their family. Add in the 25 hours of week of housework they do, and it’s no wonder most mums are tired and stressed.

So how does that stress affect you?

Feeling as though you’re constantly under pressure may have a negative impact on your health. It can cause sleepless nights, mild anxiety and may even affect your memory. One study found that those who are constantly under stress not only affects their mental health but the ability to focus and retain information which can be a problem since most mums carry their family’s calendar in their mind!

How to cope with stress

• Having a game plan to help you deal with life’s curveballs and irritations is a good place to start.
• Delegate tasks to other members of the family, or practice saying “no” to social events or requests for help. Cutting down on your demands can give you the time you may need to catch your breath and rebalance your mind and body.
• Make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in Omega-3s such as salmon; plenty of leafy greens loaded with iron and vitamin K2 and drink lots of water. A balanced diet helps you have a balanced mind, helping you cope with the day to day challenges of life.
• Exercise is key to reducing stress – make sure you have a brisk 30 minute walk per day and get that heart rate beating. Better still, walk on the beach to connect with nature and take your mind away from the race and pace of the day.
• To help provide you with some solid foundations, consider the benefits of the plant-based medicine Bacopa monnieri including an exclusive form called CDRI 08. Australian research studies show this exclusive form of Bacopa has positive effects on cognitive function, mental clarity, memory and concentration – and may also have a calming effect helping to keep focused during times of stress.

Always consult with your healthcare practitioner to see what supplements are right for you.

Gerald Quigley is an accredited herbalist and pharmacist and media commentator.