Do you feel as though you are more stressed out than you should be? Maybe you are struggling as a parent but just don’t know how to make a change. Either way, this guide will help you to ease any negative emotions you might be experiencing.
Think Positively
The first thing you need to do is think positively. Unhelpful thinking makes it way more difficult for you to work through things and it also makes it harder for you to cope. If you want to do something here then challenge any bad thoughts you may have. If your child is crying in the supermarket then don’t think about what a bad parent everyone thinks you are. Instead, try and imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes. Would you think the same thoughts about yourself? Probably not. You also need to be realistic about what you can do. It might be that you change the situation so that crying is less likely to happen again in the future. This could involve going to a different supermarket, or it could mean that you go at a different time of the day. Little changes such as this could help you to turn things around for yourself.
Focus on What’s Essential
Stress often means that you have far too much on. You have to set realistic goals for yourself and you also need to avoid saying yes to everyone. Making a plan and having a solid family routine will help you here, as it means that you can take your stress down a notch. If you have a lot of large tasks to deal with then one way you can lessen your stress would be for you to break them down into smaller chunks. This makes them feel more manageable and it also helps you to focus on getting things done without feeling overwhelmed.
Stay Connected
Talking things over with a friend or even your partner can help you to keep things in perspective. Spending some time with friends can be a major help as well. Even meeting for a coffee can help you to get out of the house. If you don’t have a lot of time then why not try and connect with other parents by social media or even email? If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to gain some perspective and you may also find that it helps you to stand out as being a great parent. If you need some help here then make sure you seek out support groups for single fathers so you can meet other people who are in the same position as you.
Make Time for You
If you work very long hours, or if you find that you end up lying awake in bed for more than 20 minutes at a time then this is a sign that you need to take more time for yourself. Whether you watch TV, read or even garden, you know that you are doing something for you. As a parent, sometimes you may feel as though you are losing your identity and this is understandable. After all, you may feel as though everything you do is for your child and eventually, this can take its toll. Be aware that you might not be able to give to others until you are able to give to yourself. If you don’t feel as though you have time for yourself then this is understandable. One thing you can do is sign your kids up with a club or even for something to do after school, so you can make sure that they are getting time away or have an outlet for their energy. You can then gain a few extra hours for yourself, which can make all the difference to your mental health.
Focus on your Physical Health
Over time, you may begin to feel mentally worn out and this can have an impact on your physical health. If you don’t do something here then you may find that you end up lacking energy and that you struggle to keep yourself going in the day. By focusing on your physical health, and by eating nutritious food, you can give yourself a boost and this can have a big impact on the rest of your life. If you need some help being more active then see if there are other parents in the area, who are in the same position. You can then start your own workout group, where you have each other to motivate you.
We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.