How do you handle stress?

My boys are 5 months old and I definetly feel like I have a better handle on things now than when they were first brought home. Such as how to tell if they are hungry or sleepy or just being fussy. But every once on awhile I feel overwhelmed. Times like when they both want to be fed at the same time. Or they can be sitting in their bouncy seats smiling away. Sometimes I just cry or leave the boys with their dad or just leave the room for a minute. Does anyone have suggestion on how to deal with the stress?

 

My boys are 5 months old and I definetly feel like I have a better handle on things now than when they were first brought home. Such as how to tell if they are hungry or sleepy or just being fussy. But every once on awhile I feel overwhelmed. Times like when they both want to be fed at the same time. Or they can be sitting in their bouncy seats smiling away. Sometimes I just cry or leave the boys with their dad or just leave the room for a minute. Does anyone have suggestion on how to deal with the stress?

 

I try to get out a couple times a week, if anyone is home, after everyone is bed just to run to Target or the grocery store. I think we all need a little time alone. During the day if everyone is going nuts, I will walk outside and hide for a few minutes

 

I walk outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. Or, what really works well....50 jumping jacks!

jen

 

red wine - lots of it.....no, seriously, I cry, I exercise (when I can), I run to the grocery store or to Target or CVS by myself, I talk to my friends on the phone, I surf the internet, and, yes, sometimes a glass of wine is nice.

 

Make sure you are getting alone time at least once a week. After i had a little break down one night right before DH left for work (he works 3 nights a week 13 hours per night, than need to sleep all day so its all mommy pretty much for 3 days and 3 nights) Now he makes sure i get out at least every week. Out with friends, my family, or just to a store, or out in the backyard with my horses. I did try doing work in my office but thats not the same, i felt to bad when they were both crying. It is truly amazing what a few hours can do to refresh you!

 

getting out by myself works -no children allowed. it might be 10 at night to get some formula but I am by myself. also, a glass of wine also works. ther for a while i felt like i was losing my mind, b/c i would never leave them. i just understood how hard they were to take care of so i wouldn't leave them with anyone alone. now, i leave them with my husband for an hour or two so i can have some time by myself.

 

Just getting out of the house helps - I love a Starbucks run myself. Something about getting that steamy hot cup of expensive latte really helps soothe things.

I also think of something to give myself after the colicky bouts are over - like, "When they are done going insane, I am going to have a big mug of hot cocoa with lots of whipped cream and sit down with my Real Simple magazine ..." I keep picturing that in my mind and as soon as they are down I do it.

I haven't done the glass of wine yet but oh, I know that's coming.

 

I joined a club in january and working out has been so helpful with dealing with stress. I walk on the treadmill or bike and forget about my responsibilities for a brief moment. I go at night when the babies are down for the night.

 

M&Ms

 

Wine and chocolate.

 

I just re-introduced (is that a word?) wine back in to my life. Sometimes, during a stressful day, I can't wait for their bedtime so I can have my glass (or two) of wine. Does that make me an alcoholic ?

 

quote:
I just re-introduced (is that a word?) wine back in to my life. Sometimes, during a stressful day, I can't wait for their bedtime so I can have my glass (or two) of wine. Does that make me an alcoholic Smile?



I hope not - because I do the same thing!

For me, work is actually a way to reduce my stress. I work two days a week and it really makes my time with the babies so much more fun! My house is way messier but my time with the kids is better.

For me, the two older kids are way more stressful than the babies - thus the wine comes in