So, its one of those days again? When you are ready to just say, forget it. Iโm done. Before you throw the towel in, let me give you some quick tips and tricks to hopefully get your day back on track.
Eat Something
10. Eat something. I know as parents we have a tendency to put off breakfast or lunch in favor of getting in those last few minutes of sleep, or trying to catch up a few chores here and there. Whatever it is that distracts you from eating can also be causing the patience to slip, that headache between your eyes, and that overwhelming urge to hide in the nearest closet. I am speaking from experience as I am the worst for this kind of thing. Its my maโs go to when I call her in crisis. โWhen did you eat last?โ Right. Oops. So eat something. Oh, and, you might want to feed the kids too. Anybody can turn hangry.
Declare a 15 Minute Recess
9. Declare a 15 minute recess. Send the kids outside if at all possible. This is a recess for all of you. Get a coffee, do yoga, whatever helps you clear out your mind for a minute, do it.
Do Something Different
8. Do something different. Whatever you are doing, just stop. Walk away. Pick a different subject or take a chores break. My personal favorite is sending them to clean their room. Now, i know that they donโt get much cleaning done during these times. however, they are up there reading, so its still kind of win win. Plus, if they are reading, they are quiet, Praise the Lord!
Stop and Pray
7. Stop and pray. Whether you pray with your kids, or while you are hiding out in the bathroom, take that time to reconnect with God and ask Him to help you step back and refocus your energy in a more productive way. Ask Him to help you find your footing and get you back on track.
Read
6. Read. Depending on the age of your kids, this could either be a time when everyone reads to themselves, you read to them, or the older kids could read out loud to the younger kids. This is a great opportunity to get a new perspective, and step out of whatever is throwing you off course. It is also very beneficial because it is giving you bonding time with your kids as well as helping pull their attention back onto you.
YouTube
5. YouTube. There are moments when I am so thankful for YouTube, I just canโt even tell you. The possibilities are almost endless. My kids love The King of Random, Sick Science, and National Geographic to name a few. There are lots of options, across the age groups, that are fairly short, just long enough to give you a chance to catch your breath, and focus on getting a new perspective.
Color
4. Color. This one is a little more specific and isnโt for everyone. It seemed like it was worthy of mention though, especially if you have kids who love to color. This can give you all a chance to express yourselves creatively as well as a break.
Go For a Walk
3. Go for a walk. Whether you go by yourself, or with your kids is your prerogative. If you can, I would suggest taking a walk by yourself. Even if it is just walking around the outside of the house. Just getting that space and movement will give you a feeling of space and freedom. Hopefully.
Breathe
2. Breathe. I know this should seem like an obvious one, but seriously, just stop and do some deep breathing. whether it is in your favorite chair, sitting on your bed, outside, in a closet, whatever. Just take 5-10 minutes and breathe. Personally I have a little chant that goes with that. โIn with the good air, out with the bad air. In with the good air, out with the bad air.โ Do a little visualization with this. Inhale the positive thoughts, that you are taking time for yourself, that you are deliberately centering yourself. Then when you exhale, exhale your worries, your stresses, exhale the noise; inside and outside of your head, give your self permission to let go of all those things pulling you back, distracting you.
Remember That You Are Human
Remember that you are human. You may be able to achieve superhuman feats, but at the end of the day, you are still human. So, if you just canโt get your focus on, it may be time to cut your losses for the day and try again tomorrow. Remember on Anne of Avonlee, Anne is told, โTomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it.โ Donโt give up, but when you need to, give yourself a break; so that you arenโt whats broken.
Tomorrow is a new day. With no mistakes in it.
Anne of Green Gables
These are just a few tips and tricks that I have found to be successful, when I remember to implement them.
When it seems like nothing is working, and you just canโt get things back on track, refer back to number 1 and remember that you are human. you are not a machine. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step back from a situation. Whether thats for a few minutes, a few hours, or overnight. Regain your ground, your footing, and come back ready to try again.
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