Stress Management for A Middle Aged Mom

This post is written in partnership with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.

I am always open to learning new ways of finding ways to improve quality of life. I found some interesting facts on the Molina Healthcare website in regarding stress. According to Molina: Most of us have more stress in our life than is healthy for us. Too much stress makes blood sugar levels go up. Too much stress can raise blood pressure. Stress eating? Yes, I'm sure that we have all been there.

What stresses me out? Work. Worry. Deadlines. What calms me down? Being with my family, prayer, and taking walks.

Calendars and being over-scheduled adds pressure and stress. 

I am trying my best to be as healthy as I can be. I am on the verge of 44. I have a 4 year old son and a 40 year old hubby.  I am striving for good health and happy times with my guys! As I've gotten older I've noticed that stressful events take a bigger toll on me than in the past.

This is the view of my work day walks. Taking a walk with this view easily erases office stress.

Managing my stress levels is something that I am continuously working to achieve. I have been getting better at taking care of myself, but it does take conscious effort.  I need to remind (force) myself to eat breakfast, get adequate sleep, to take breaks, and to be realistic about setting boundaries. Many moms that I know tend to focus on everything and everyone first.  It's easy to lose sight of self care. Bad move. We must take care of ourselves so that we can be there for our loved ones.

Check out these stats about stress:

Research has shown that stress contributes to half of all illness in the United States. 

Between 70 and 80 percent of all doctor’s visits are stress related.

I've done some homework and found that Molina Healthcare has some easy ways to Say NO to Stress.

Here are some ways to start:

• 1. Eat a healthy and well balanced diet.
• 2. Take supportive vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin B complex.
• 3. Decrease your intake of caffeine and sugar, and STOP smoking.
• 4. Exercise daily!
• 5. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises.
• 6. Get an adequate amount of sleep each night.
• 7. Laugh more!

How stressed are you? Take the Stress Test offered by Molina. It's free, takes just a couple of minutes, and it can be helpful in finding your overload score. 10-19 = Low stress 20-25 = Moderate stress 26-40 = High stress.

As an aging working mom - I find myself tired most of the time. It's tough trying to find balance. I am making strides to up my energy level and improve my overall health. What works best for me in boosting my energy and clearing my mind is a simple walk. Getting outside of my office does wonders, even if it is just a for a brisk 10 minute walk.  I've also discovered essential oils and aromatherapy which really does the trick! Yoga is also one of my favorites but finding the time to practice at my favorite yoga studio is tough. Most of the time a simple cup of tea and a quick phone call to my Mom is all I need to turn a stressful day around.

Other AWESOME stress busters: hugs and kisses from my husband and son, a visit to the spa, attending events with my blogging friends, a good belly laugh, and the rare nap!

I'd love to hear about your favorite ways to rid yourself of unhealthy stress. Please share your suggestions.


Disclosure: The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them.  I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.