If I hear one more complaint, I’m grounding all the kids.
Why can’t they be content with what they have?
Bickering. Arguing.
So much negativity.
“Where do they get it,” we ask.
And then we look at each other and realize we need to change a few things.
As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of daily life. Not only are there real struggles such as paying the bills and everyday family logistics, but there are the pressures we put on ourselves and our children. How can we think positively when feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Give these 10 tips a try.
- Count your blessings. Make a list of at least 5 blessings in your life and keep it handy. Every time you start to feel down, pull out your list and focus on one of your blessings.
- Take a social media break. Negative ideas and thoughts abound on social media – not only the comments you see from other people but also the thoughts you may have about your value as you look at staged, retouched photos of other people. Take a break (at least a week) from social media and see what happens.
- To thine own self be true. Are you an introvert (you get your energy from within yourself) or an extrovert (you get your energy from other people)? Knowing which type you are will help you determine whether you need more time by yourself or with other people to feel energized.
- Change your input. With so much real media available, from TED talks to “self-help” books, you have access to several kinds of positivity. You might even find that classical music helps you calm your mind. Try several different things and see what works for you.
- Take note of your words. Our words reflect our thoughts, so why not try the reverse? Come up with more constructive ways to express frustration, anger or disappointment.
- Get outside. Enjoying the calmness of nature is one of the best ways to connect with God and examine any fears or negative emotions. Go for a walk, sit on your porch, or find a quiet spot for prayer and journaling.
- Pick up a hobby. What do you enjoy doing? Feeding your creativity helps boost productivity in your other roles as employee, business owner, spouse or parent. Reconnecting with yourself will help curb the stress associated with a go-go-go schedule.
- Take care of yourself. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water are all things we know we should do, but we often fall short in at least one of the areas. Taking care of your physiological needs is one of the easiest ways to positively impact your psychological health.
- Find the good. When you’re going through a tough situation, spend some focused time thinking about the good that does exist in what you’re experiencing or remember God’s faithfulness when things looked bleak in the past.
- Stop complaining. Aim for one complaint-free day to start, and then build upon it. When you stop vocalizing the negative, you’ll find that you’ll start curbing negative thoughts, too.
It takes 21 days to break a habit, and changing your thinking is hard work. Keep that in mind and don’t get discouraged.
How about you? How do you encourage positive attitudes in your home?
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Betty says
I like counting your blessings. So many times we take that for granted. I myself am guilty of that also.
Sara Elizabeth says
I know what you mean, Betty. Thanks so much for visiting.
Sue Donaldson says
it’s so great that we can use gratitude as a tool to keep us lovely women! I don’t always pick up that tool, I’m sorry to say – thanks for this great list!
Sara Elizabeth says
That’s an interesting point, Sue! Thanks for sharing and for visiting.
Rebecca says
I love this <3 Having some 'me time' always helps me relax and think more positively! And also making time for my relationship with my partner. Learning to be more positive is so super helpful when struggling a stressful and busy Mama lifestyle. #brilliantblogposts
Sara Elizabeth says
YES!!! I used to feel guilty for spending time writing and blogging, as though I couldn’t be a mom and a writer. I don’t know where I got that idea. Creative outlets make me happy and that spills over into my mothering. 🙂 And yes, making time my husband is also so important. I’m writing an article right now on how busy women can enrich their marriages. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Maria Parenti-Baldey says
Great 10 tips… love the nature one and stop complaining. People complain without thinking sometimes because things don’t go according to plan. I have done this and realised later what a waste of energy.
Sara Elizabeth says
Very true, and when we complain, it seems to cause a domino effect and then I notice other negative stuff. Thanks for visiting!
themotherhub.ie says
excellent – and the first paragraph – i have been saying just that thing about my kids the other day. how can i expect them to display behaviour I do not practice myself? #brillblogposts
Sara Elizabeth says
I know! I’m there myself. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.