Priority: Finding Calm In The Middle Of Chaos
Laurie Moser . Published September 24th, 2024
Mount Yamnuska, Alberta
Feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of parenting a teen with mental health struggles?
I know from personal experience how crucial it's to prioritize your own well-being.
The other day, I was feeling so exhausted, overwhelmed and like a failure as a mom.
I felt like a failure because one of my teens is going through a challenging time right now and I want to make it better right away. It's so painful and heartbreaking to know your child is suffering.
BUT I know it doesn't happen that way. It's a process and there's progress being made.
And the most important thing, I'm doing the work on myself.
In the last few years, I've done so much growing and learning as a parent and person. I've realized that it all starts with me, it's NOT about fixing my kids.
A few important things that I do now:
First of all, I allow myself to feel ALL the feelings without guilt, shame or telling myself I "shouldn't," be feeling these upsetting, uncomfortable and yucky feelings.
Second, I take some action that I know always helps me.
Third, community is so important on this bumpy parenting journey, so, I want to share with You, what specific actions help me when I'm feeling down, stuck or upset.
I know these can help you too!
So, here are some quick and effective self-care rituals that can help you find a moment of calm in those chaotic, stressful and crappy times.
🌟 Quick Self-Care Rituals You Can Try Today:
Breathing Exercise: Spend just 2 minutes focusing on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat this a few times to reduce stress and center yourself. This will instantly help you feel more calm and regulate your nervous system.
Mini Movement Breaks: I set my timer for 25 or 50 minutes and when it goes off, I do some simple stretches, walk down the stairs/hallway, refill my water, grab a snack or even do some squats. My mood is instantly changed when I move my body. Plus, these mini movement breaks add up during the day!
Journaling Prompts: Take a few minutes to jot down three things you’re grateful for today. This can be as simple as: I'm grateful for a warm cup of coffee/tea. Reflecting on something positive that occurred during the day can shift your mindset and bring a sense of peace and calm.
Remember, taking just a few minutes each day to care for yourself can make a big difference in how you handle the challenges of parenting.
Let’s support each other on this journey! 🥰
Thanks for reading friends,
Laurie 🌸
Staying Active Health & Wellness
LAURIE MOSER
Laurie Moser is an advocate for moms’ mental health. Supporting moms who have teens with mental health challenges to feel calm & create an unshakeable bond with their teen no matter what’s going on in their lives. Laurie has been featured by Focus on the Family, Real Biz Moms, Tracking Happiness and a guest on 5 Minutes for Me App, Voice of Women (VOW), I Never Knew (INK), Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, The Teen Anxiety Maze, Life Changing Habits Summit and Host of the Tools for Moms With Teen Summit.
