Three Ways to Lower Stress Levels

Parenting can be one of life's most rewarding experiences, but it's no secret that it also comes with its fair share of challenges and stressors. Juggling multiple responsibilities, managing schedules, and dealing with unexpected situations can often leave parents feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. However, there are effective strategies that can help alleviate these feelings and bring a sense of calm and balance back into your life. In this blog, we'll explore three powerful techniques that parents can use to lower their stress levels and navigate the ups and downs of parenthood with greater ease.

1. 90-second Reset of the Nervous System

When stress levels soar, it's easy to feel like you're stuck in a state of constant agitation or anxiety. One powerful way to interrupt this cycle is by engaging in a 90-second reset of the nervous system. This technique is based on the understanding that emotions typically peak and subside within a minute and a half if they are fully felt and experienced.

After about 90 seconds, you'll likely notice that the intensity of the emotion has started to decrease. Use this opportunity to let go of any lingering tension or stress, allowing yourself to return to a state of greater calm and clarity.

2. Label Your Emotions

One common source of stress for parents is the feeling of being overwhelmed by a flood of emotions without fully understanding what they're experiencing. Labeling your emotions is a simple yet powerful technique that can help you gain clarity and control over your emotional state. By labeling your emotions and giving yourself permission to feel them, you can prevent them from building up and causing unnecessary stress.

3. Externalize Your Thoughts

When stress levels are high, it's common for parents to get caught up in a cycle of negative thinking that only serves to amplify their feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. Externalizing your thoughts is a powerful technique that can help you gain perspective and distance yourself from unhelpful patterns of thinking.

About the author: Joy Acaso is our own Parenting Coach at Nightwatch Childcare Center. She has over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. She is available to answer your questions and provide resources that can help your family thrive.