Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of my participation in a blog tour for The Motherhood on behalf of the makers of Children’s MOTRIN® and received compensation to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
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The irony of writing a post about being an “unstoppable mom” is that…well…I feel far from unstoppable right now. I’m at a point with work, kids, church responsibilities, and my husband’s travel where I’m just tired, overwhelmed, and feeling stuck.
I think most (if not all) moms get to this point of feeling discouraged and run-down. But the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized that being “unstoppable” doesn’t mean you NEVER stop – it means knowing how to get started again once you do.
My Tips for Staying “Unstoppable” (Even During the Holidays)
As we approach the busy holiday season, everyday stresses may be compounded by hectic schedules, travel, and various pressures or expectations. At this time of year, it’s especially crucial to know how to “get started again” and move from feeling overwhelmed to positive and proactive.
Take care of you.
We’ve all heard this before, but it cannot be overemphasized: you must take care of yourself! Make sleep and proper nutrition a priority – they are critical to helping with energy when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Take your vitamins and drink lots of water – stress creates negative physical effects, and keeping hydrated and fortified can help combat those. And make time for something you enjoy – having something to look forward to can help put a pep in your step.
Let go of what you can.
Take an honest inventory of your responsibilities. Are you putting undue pressure on yourself? Can certain tasks, worries, or expectations simply be postponed, or eliminated altogether? Give yourself permission to get real, and do only what you can with the time and resources you have.
Ask for help.
I’m so guilty of not doing this! I never want to “bother” anyone – even my husband and kids – with things I think I can do myself. But the truth is, there are many things that can be delegated to other family members, or even friends who would be happy to help. Use the resources that are available to you to help lighten your load.
Mix it up.
I’m a big believer in this – sometimes you’ve just got to do something TOTALLY outside your normal operating routine. Leave your work for later, and throw a dance party instead. Serve dessert before dinner. Splurge on taking the kids to a movie – and let them buy popcorn! When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to feel trapped in a rut. Sometimes physically putting yourself somewhere else – and going off-script while doing it – helps to “reset” your mood. Try it some time!
Help Other Mothers and Children by Sharing Your Own Tips
I know you’ve had your own experiences that have helped you learn to move through discouragement and stress. Share them here, if you like, or better yet – share them on MOTRIN® Facebook page. You’ll be helping other moms and children when you do!
The makers of Children’s MOTRIN® are asking Moms to post their tips and tricks to the MOTRIN® Facebook page under each week’s Kelly Ripa question video and for every post, Children’s MOTRIN® will donate $1 to Safe Kids Worldwide, a global nonprofit that provides moms with the tips they need to help keep their children safe. Moms could even win weekly giveaways of $100 gift cards just for posting.*
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY, OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES & D.C., 18 AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion ends 11:59p.m. ET 12/28/14. Sponsor will donate $1 for each approved Submission made as part of the promotion, with a minimum donation of $30,000 and a maximum donation of $50,000. For Official Rules, and complete details, visit www.unstoppablemoms.com. Sponsor: McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. To learn more about Safe Kids Worldwide visit safekids.org.