Three Ideas When Overwhelmed

What do you do when you are overwhelmed? 

There are tons of articles out there about how to handle things when you are stressed or overwhelmed.  A lot of them talk about taking a little time to pamper yourself or getting away.  Unfortunately, those things are not always possible when you have two children to take care of and live on a very tight budget. 

For the past week, I have been feeling worn out, overwhelmed and useless.  I still kind of feel that way and that is one of the reasons I have not blogged.  So, I have come up with three solutions to help myself and maybe help other mom's when they are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed due to basic life situations.

1.  Just do the basics: The basics for people mean different things, but I mean cut down to the bare basics.  Change diapers, clothes, feed children, feed yourself, play with the kids and wash the dishes.  That is it!  I only say the dishes because you can't clean up children's faces or cook efficiently when there is a stack of dishes in the sink.  Otherwise, try to ask the hubby for help or don't worry about it because those things aren't going anywhere.   On the other hand, your kids need you more, not the broom and dustpan.

2.  Take a walk: Get the kids dressed warmly, put he/she/them in the stroller and go for a walk.  Maybe stop at a park or where the children can walk safely and let them amble a while.  The fresh air and exercise will help them to sleep better and give you a bit of a break.

3.  Sleep: Do what you were told when you child was born...sleep when the baby sleeps.  We usually don't need more than 8 hours of sleep, but when we are overwhelmed it can't hurt to make up those hours you lost when the baby was nursing at night. 

Next time you are overwhelmed and can't get away from "life" try to do these things to give your mind and body a way to refuel.

Add any ideas you might have for when you are overwhelmed.