5 Ways to Reduce Stress During The Holidays

The holiday season is a big and important time for most families. There are many things on our to do list, shop for gifts, plan family gatherings, cook fabulous meals, remain happy and bubbly! For some, this can be a big source of stress coupled with other life factors. I've put together a list of a few small things that you can do to reduce your holiday stress. Check them out below.

5 Ways To Reduce Stress During The Holidays - TheDailyAprilnAva

Eat healthy meals
  As much as we would probably love to live on coffee alone, our bodies will  repay us by being sluggish and cranky. In order to survive the holidays, we have to start waking up and preparing a healthy breakfast for ourselves and the family. Oatmeal is always a family favorite, it's easy to make and is nutritious. I love to make oatmeal with fresh berries and nuts. Also, have a plan in mind for lunch and dinner so you won't feel rushed later into the day and turn to eating junk food. Meal planning/prepping is always a good idea. 


Get a good nights sleep
  This is easier said than done. I'm normally an early sleeper and an early riser but lately I've been finding myself going to bed at 11pm sometimes! Going to sleep this late makes me exhausted in the morning. To help myself go to sleep earlier, I've been putting down my phone and turning off my computer at about 8pm, this helps with being able to relax my mind. A cup of chamomile tea helps with relaxation. Having a nighttime routine for your children will not only be beneficial for their sleep habits but will also help you sleep better. If the kids are in the bed at a certain time every night, then you will begin to unwind at a certain time every night, leading to longer and better sleep.


Reduce time on social media
  The holidays are some of the best times to look at beautiful pictures of happy families, fabulous gifts, and extravagant vacations on social media. But, these beautiful pictures can sometimes lead to feelings of enviousness, unworthiness, and even jealousy if you begin to compare your life to those in the pictures. We have to remember that social media is a highlight  reel of your life's best moments and even though someone's life may seem "perfect", we should be grateful for the life that we currently have. Reducing time spent on social media will improve your feelings of gratefulness and overall self worth. I like to read, journal, and enjoy other hobbies during the holidays. 

 
Say "NO" to some holiday activities
  This is a big one for me! My little lady and I are always on the go, we love exploring and attending different events around the city. I'm getting emails daily about holiday plays, tree lightings, parades, holiday parties, and Santa visits. Of course, I want to take my daughter  to ALL the holiday things, but I have to learn to say no! Mainly because Atlanta traffic can be so terrible, it makes a typical 20 minute ride drag out for 30 and 45 minutes! Another reason is because my pockets just can't handle all the things and holiday gifts lol. So we have to choose! I'm picking a few free and affordable events to attend during the holidays and I am saying "no" to anything that makes me feel stressed about going.

Spend time with your friends
  Yes, the holidays are for spending time with your family, but don't let your friendships fall to the backburner! Hanging out with friends can be a refreshing twist to daily mom life. So plan a few friend dates this holiday season!

5 Ways To Reduce Stress During The Holidays - TheDailyAprilnAva

This holiday season, lets not run on fumes, but actually enjoy our family and friends. Lets create good memories and always look forward to this time of year. Until next time.

April K.
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5 Tips To Adjust To SAHM Life!

I was scrolling through Instagram and I came across a meme that said "I'm a mother. My hobbies include neglecting my hair, repeating myself over and over, daydreaming about bed time, constantly picking up my couch cushions from the floor, and never peeing by myself."  It stuck out to me because for a long time, I was the woman it described. Not having a designated place to go everyday anymore,  I had completely neglected myself. I stayed home almost daily, wasn't doing my hair, wasn't exercising, and my hobbies were on the back burner. After a while, I began to feel a little crummy and I knew something had to change. I was a fun person before I had a baby so why was I not that way after having a baby? Becoming a mom and being a stay at home mom is an adjustment so I would like to give you some tips to make the adjustment a little easier!

5 Tips To Adjust To Stay At Home Mom Life - TheDailyAprilnava

I can't stress how much this has helped me. I actually met a lot of my mom friends through Facebook, mainly mom groups. Almost like I was looking for a date lol. "Hey girl, I saw that you live near me and we have kiddies that are around the same age. We should get together sometime." And there you have it, your first mom friend!

Take a break from your child/children
Ava did not spend the night away from me until she was about 19 months old. What the heck was I thinking?! My parents have always been gladly willing to keep Ava, I guess I was just the nervous first time mom. We all need time to regroup and a little time alone will definitely refresh your mind.

Enjoy your hobbies... Again! 
I'm sure you used to do fun things before having a child/children, so why not enjoy those things again? I personally love reading, going on picnics, sewing and embroidery, gardening, and attending mommy meetups. 


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 Keep up with your beauty routine.
 This one was hard for me. I felt bad for "wasting money" getting my hair done or buying a new bottle of nail polish. But if getting your hair done makes you feel amazing, then do it! My personal feel good habits are going to the hair salon, freshly painted hands and feet, and beautifully scented perfume.


Stay at home moms shouldn't actually stay at home! I can't tell you how many times I've heard a mom say "it's too hot to go outside", "it's too cold to go outside", " the kids are driving me crazy so we are staying in." The kids are driving you crazy because they need to be outside! Go to the park, let the kids burn off some energy and get some fresh air.  They will have a good lunch, take a nice long nap, and you can get a little bit done around the house or even take a nap yourself.

I really want to encourage moms to enjoy being home with their babies but not forget about themselves in the process.  I wish I had read something like this a few years ago. I hope you find these tips helpful. Let me know in the comments some things that make you smile! Until next time.

April K.
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