Self-Regulation Practices to Help Overwhelmed Moms

Overwhelm can creep into our lives worse than we can imagine.

Not all days are created equal. Some days are more challenging than others. That’s true for us homemakers.

When something happens at home that triggers high emotions or overwhelms you, what do you do?
Perhaps your child spilled food over your carpet while on a meeting… or you discovered termites eating your wall… or world events are wearing heavy on you.

There’s so much that happens in a day in the life of a homemaker and work-from-home moms. So how do you stay calm and peaceful when things are just chaotic, or are not going as smoothly as you hope it to be?

Here are a few things you can do to down-regulate your nervous system and get out of the fight, flight or freeze response:

Breathe

Before you say anything that you might regret later, take a pause. One way that I do this is by closing my eyes and observing my breath. Take five breaths, maybe eight.

If you want to do this sitting or lying down, do so. Bring both hands on your chest and feel the sensation of every breath. See how differently you feel after.

Breathwork is a powerful
practice that has hundreds of benefits.

Move

Emotions are energy in motion. When you feel like you’re storing heaving emotions in your body, move.

Aside from a quick workout session, running or walking around, you may also dance with your favorite music on, or chase around your child or your pet.

Bonus detox when you sweat!

Clean a corner

Have you ever noticed that when you’re all unclear and distracted your physical space is also all cluttered? That’s because our physical space is a reflection of our mental space.

Perhaps start picking up clutter on the floor. Put things back where they belong. Organize the ever neglected table top. Scrub the bathroom floor (ah, perhaps my favorite ever!). And maybe, fold the fresh laundry.

See how any of that change how you feel.

Slow Down

Perhaps things are moving too fast at home and things are happening all at once. This makes you feel like you’re on a run! Slow down.

To slow down I like dusting off the leaves of my plants one by one. Or cut the grass in our lawn with a small scissor. Or count the rice on a cup (I know this is crazy but it worked for me).

Other not so crazy ways, watch the traffic or people go by, notice the formation of clouds, or feel the breeze.

Give Yourself Love

Lastly, may this be a reminder to you that you’re doing the best that you can in this trying time.

You are doing great and this heaviness will pass.

The kindness, compassion and love that you may want to receive from others can also come from you.

Go take a long shower. Wear your favorite dress and earrings. Eat a nourishing meal. Take a nap. Sip your favorite drink.

Make Love

Give yourself a sense of release! Go get some big O and generate more happy hormones from connection and intimacy with your man (or woman).

What do you do when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

These are only a few practices that I personally do and has immensely helped me to keep my peace and stay calm during high stress situations.

It’s important for me that I stay calm because I don’t want the heaviness that I feel become a driver of my decisions, or attitude towards others.

While most of our struggles are internal, we don’t have to go through it alone. If you feel that you’ve tried everything and nothing still seems to make it better for you, consult professional help.