As a mother, it is SO easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos of life with kids. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be stressed out as you deal with the daily struggles Motherhood brings. While it might sound next to impossible, you can find ways to de-stress.

Here are 5 simple ways to de-stress.

Be Selfish:

That’s right – be selfish. I know this goes against everything mothers are “supposed” to be, but every now and then it’s okay to think of yourself. There are days when we, as mothers, get extremely overwhelmed. We’re being pulled in so many different directions. This is when it is good to take 30 minutes to an hour to yourself, for yourself – just to do whatever you want. It doesn’t matter if it’s writing in a journal, reading or taking a nap – do whatever you want. You will feel relaxed, de-stressed and able to focus after your mini-break.

Listen to Music:

Who doesn’t spend time in the car driving to and from work, or taking the kids to the various places they need to be? That’s a good time to try listening to music. It has a way of releasing the worries we have been carrying with us throughout the day. Make a CD containing a collection of your favorite “feel good” songs and keep in your car so always have uplifting music at hand. You’ll find that this CD will help your spirits on the days when everything seems to be bringing them down.

Have Quiet Time:

One of the easiest ways to calm your nerves and let go of your stress is to set aside some time each day to just sit and relax. Find the time that works best for you – early in the morning before you wake your children up for school, mid-morning or afternoon when they are at school, even right before bed has been found to work too. Regardless of when you do this, think of it as your time to clear your mind and calm your nerves – so, give it a try. It doesn’t have to be much time – as little as 20 minutes!

Pamper Yourself:

For most mothers, when they think about pampering themselves, they think it just isn’t feasible. However, what I mean is not the normal kind of “spa-treatment” most associate pampering with. The kind I’m suggesting is “home-spa” pampering. Purchase a few nicely scented candles, bath salts and new lotion. Once the kids are in bed, lock yourself in the bathroom and light the candles while you fill the tub with steaming water and watch the bath salts dissolve. Take a long (minimum of 30 minutes) bath and then apply the lotion once you’re out and dry. You will be surprised at how relaxed you will feel afterwards.

Phone a Friend:

Sometimes, life can seem unbearable and it’s just too much for us to take by ourselves. This is when it’s helpful to pick up the phone and call a friend. Another Mom, or friend who may be able to identify with what you’re going through, or could offer an objective view. We all have days when we just need to vent. However, it isn’t good to vent to our children and, sometimes, our spouses as well – they don’t always understand or make things worse by trying to “fix it.” Pick up the phone and call a friend. Tell her what’s going on and that you’re just venting. You’ll feel much better once you are done and your stress level will be lower too.

These 5 simple ways should help you, as a mom, escape Motherhood and all its stressors, at least for a little while. It’s important, as Moms, that we each take time to focus on ourselves, and de-stress to make us more relaxed as we face the day-to-day struggles and challenges that life with kids brings. Reach out, or look inward – find those simple ways to help you de-stress, and you will be a better Mom for it.