Summer can be a stressful time for many moms. The kids are at home, camp and other activities crowd an already overflowing calendar and of course, the house needs tending to. Yes, no wonder, moms, especially those with home-based businesses, tend to dread the summer and stress levels skyrocket at this time.
Here are some tips to change all that and have a soothing, serene and stress-free summer, instead:
1. Create Time for Yourself
Yes, when life hands you lemons, you take the time out to make lemonade..and sip it. So, whether it means waking up 15 minutes early or going to bed 15 minutes late, make time for yourself. You don’t have to do anything during this time. Just reflect, sit still, talk a walk outside, call a friend or sip your lemonade.
The idea is to pause awhile and recharge yourself to face the demands of the day. Yes, even 15 minutes of quiet, me-time is enough to refresh a tired mom and fill her with the energy she needs to carry her through the day, easily.
2. Flow With the Change
Accept the fact that the summer schedule and routine will be way different from other seasons. Accept that the house will get messed up more often. Accept that you may not get as much done as accepted. Once you accept the changes that summer brings, life will become simpler and easier.
You wouldn’t be stressed about the fact that the floor gets muddied up within 5 minutes of it being cleaned. You wouldn’t get bothered with all the laundry that seems to be piling up. Trust me, you wouldn’t.
3. Prioritize and Plan
Finally, my most important tip for a stress-free summer is to choose your priorities and then, plan around them. Is having fun with the kids top of the list? Then, learn to let go of a few other commitments. Is making time for exercise key for you? Then, create a schedule that weaves in exercise every day. Maybe going cycling or swimming with the kids.
This summer, I made a conscious decision to not only flow with the change but also, let go of my need for perfection in everything. Instead, I chose to be peaceful for my busiest season as a mom and entrepreneur and I’m glad I did. I don’t stress over an untidy house and instead, enjoy the joy on my daughter’s face as she slurps up mangoes and watermelon and heads out to blow bubbles.
How will you be staying stress-free and serene this summer? Check out my latest eBook, Summer Sanity Savers for the Work-at-Home Mom for actionable tips on how to have a productive, peaceful summer as a work-at-home mom.
Photo Credit:Nimble Photography
