Quick and effective ways to defuse stress

No words can really prepare parents for the job of parenting; you really have to do it to understand what the responsibility for a totally dependent ‘other’ involves, 24 hours a day.

It is not just the physical commitment; it’s also the shift in already established relationships, the role changes, emotions and sleep disruptions that can become stressful at times.

Some parents, despite being totally exhausted, have trouble sleeping, experience reduced appetite, increased anxiety and may even begin to experience a sense of isolation. All of which are indicators that these adults are beginning to exhibit signs of stress that needs management.

For some, stress management can be as simple as taking a moment to breathe deeply and rhythmically, to give your mind a moment to regain balance. Never underestimate the power of stopping and focussing on your breathing, to stop the ‘flurry’ of what is happening in your head. Breath control can physiologically change a body response to stress. So too can positive self-talk to convert negative thought to a glimmer of positive, even this small shift can calm internal stress.

As a baby sleep specialist I see the physical and emotional impact of ongoing sleep disruption on parents It can be difficult for a tired parent to see the need for self care, as all they can think of is “WHEN WOULD I DO THAT?”. So brief and powerful moments of stopping, are more realistically achievable as a starting point.

There are, of course, more involved stress regulators, such as parent support groups or counselling, or just a really really big sleep, but these simple, DIYs tools are always at hand for a one of ‘those moments’ when a parent finds themselves a little overwhelmed.

For more information visit www.safesleepspace.com.au

Author: Helen Stevens SAFE SLEEP SPACE

118 Comments

- - meimei said
  - 27 Dec 2013
    2:43 pm
Good advice. Interesting article to read 🙂

- - neenee said
  - 26 Dec 2013
    7:51 am
A reflective story thank you for sharing this.

- - scottie said
  - 21 Dec 2013
    9:56 am
Sometimes I need to just take a step back and often the situation doesn’t seem as bad and then I am not as stressed. It is easy to get caught up in things!

- - sonja_holness said
  - 25 Nov 2013
    12:26 am
Music or a brisk walk often help me with stress.

- - coppin85 said
  - 11 Nov 2013
    7:50 pm
I love listening to music

- - yummymum said
  - 06 Nov 2013
    11:10 pm
So true. I’m a stress head!

- - rainbownerds said
  - 28 Oct 2013
    7:26 pm
Great read thanks for sharing

- - meltingmoment said
  - 25 Oct 2013
    5:48 pm
Doing a body combat class at the gym helps me relieve stress

- - meimei said
  - 19 Oct 2013
    9:02 pm
Listening music and walking to get some fresh air.

- - barch said
  - 12 Oct 2013
    4:41 pm
I love a 6am walk, a bit of me time and blasting some tunes on the ipad.

- - omgjag31 said
  - 23 Sep 2013
    9:04 pm
I would be a lot less stressed if my two and a half year old slept. Have to take some of the blame, I use to let her sleep with me

- - sunava said
  - 29 Aug 2013
    9:00 am
Yes I feel stress free f I go for a walk
- earthlydelites replied
  
  30 Aug 2013 , 4:08 pm
  walking cures so many things doesn’t it!
- - cloverstorm said
  - 28 Aug 2013
    1:26 am
This is good advice for everyone.

- - ditto said
  - 25 Aug 2013
    10:40 pm
i agree walking is great for stress

- - tahlia w said
  - 24 Aug 2013
    10:49 pm
Nothing better then going for a walk to de stress

- - sallty said
  - 19 Aug 2013
    3:55 pm
Exercise and sunlight always work wonders for me if I’m starting to feel stressed.

- - a-edwards said
  - 02 Aug 2013
    7:07 am
I love the first phrase . So true. I didn’t know now hard it was until I had my first daughter. And like u said its not until u have that child will you understand

- - joni64 said
  - 31 Jul 2013
    9:20 pm
I’m starting to meditate for 5 min here and there to make up for the broken sleep.

- - ginoula5 said
  - 30 Jul 2013
    6:59 am
If I’m lacking in sleep my day does tend to feel a little stressful, thank you for the tips, must take more time out on myself, take a deep breath, refocus and change thought into a positive one.
- missangela replied
  
  25 Aug 2013 , 8:06 pm
  I’m lacking sleep to. So I’m so tired I’m stressing about having no sleep.
- - tammykilby said
  - 16 Jul 2013
    1:17 pm
loved this. i tend to stress alot with my kids an this is one thing i forget to do is just stoo an breath..