Stress & Anxiety
<p><b>Why alone-time for mums is important</b></p>
<p><b>Leave Mum alone!</b> <br />The Oxford Dictionary defines self-care as “… taking an active role in protecting one’s own wellbeing and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” Self-care is a buzzword. Everyone talks about it. Everyone wants to practise it. But how many mums find the time for it? We look at reasons for mums to invest in alone-time.</p>
<p><br />It allows you to unwind. Many mums just keep going, because there’s always something to take care of. But continuous stress and no relaxation can be triggers for conditions like depression, diabetes and even heart disease. So, relaxation is not optional, it’s vital. For your health.</p>
<p><br />It improves your concentration and productivity. As with any other job, taking breaks serve as a reset button. It allows you to return to the job at hand – motherhood, in this case – feeling refreshed and ready to carry on.</p>
<p><br />It gives you time to plan. Being with your child 24/7 makes it difficult to make plans for yourself, as your attention is always focused on your little one. It’s important to take time out to think about what you want for yourself. This can be as immediate as seeing an old friend for a cup of coffee or as forward-thinking as getting information on a course you’d like to enrol for next year.</p>mean stress and sadness. Here are a few practical ways to manage that anxiety.</p>
<p><br /><b>Money</b><br />You may not be able to offer fancy dishes or stay in luxurious hotels like your cousins from overseas. The good news is that you don’t have to. Draw up a budget to determine how much you’re able to spend each day of the holidays and stick to it. Don’t make debt to keep up appearances!</p>
<p><br /><b>Loneliness</b><br />Many people are depressed because they’re lonely. If you don’t have a support network or can’t afford to travel to see loved ones, take extra care of yourself by doing things you enjoy. You can also reach out to people you haven’t spoken to in a while, make a list of things you’re grateful for and volunteer your time to those less fortunate.</p>
<p><br /><b>Unrealistic expectations</b><br />Society dictates that we’re meant to socialise, exchange gifts and spend extravagantly during the holiday season. Change your expectations by making a list of what you and your loved ones want to do during this time and focus on that. There’s not need to get caught up in festive-season frivolities.</p>
