According to a 2018 study conducted by the Mental Health Organization, approximately 74 percent of those who participated in the study stated that they have been so inundated with stress that they have been unable to cope with their stressors at least once within the last year. As a mother, you understandably are no stranger to feeling stressed out and frazzled. In fact, if you feel intense stress on an almost-daily basis as a mother, you are not alone.

Stress is your body’s natural reaction to different types of external stimuli, so it is reasonable to expect to feel some level of stress on a regular basis. However, when you are constantly feeling stressed out to the point where you struggle to cope, you need to find realistic ways to relieve stress. Keep in mind that excessive stress can take a toll on your body. Physical effects of stress include fatigue, headaches, chest pain, reduced sex drive, indigestion, irritability, anxiety, depression and more.

Here are some techniques for all the stressed out moms to relieve stress:

Meditate

Whether you feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things that you have to get done soon or one of your children is having a major temper tantrum, one of the best things that you can do is to simply close your eyes, take deep breaths and focus on the sensations of your breath for a few minutes. This is an introductory way to meditate, and it can provide you with considerable relief from a stressful situation. You may also want to read a book or download an app to your smartphone that can help you to learn how to take full advantage of the benefits of meditation. Some mothers find that meditating first thing in the morning helps them to feel more centered and better able to cope.

Laugh Freely

Another excellent idea is to laugh. It can seem impossible to laugh when you are severely stressed out, but this simple step may have a profound and positive impact on your mood. Try to find something funny about the current situation, or head to a quiet area to watch a few short and funny video clips on your phone. This may only take a minute or two, and it can settle down your emotions and relieve stress substantially.

Hug Your Children

Many causes of motherhood stress are linked to your children in some way. When they are acting up or have misbehaved in some way, you may be inclined to send them to their room. Clearly, you need to punish children in some situations. However, you may be able to diffuse the situation by simply reaching out and hugging your children. This also works well even when they are not the cause of your stress. Physical contact with those who you love unconditionally can help you to feel more grounded and can immediately remind you about what the most important things in life are.

Exercise

Some people eat when they are stressed, but this habit can have a negative effect on your health. A healthier way to cope with stress is to get moving. You may be able to slide into your running shoes and pound the pavement for a while after your husband gets home. Another idea is to learn a few yoga poses and to practice your poses when you are facing a difficult situation. While you can exercise after you are already feeling stressed, exercising daily can also help you to manage stressful situations more easily.