If you’re currently struggling with divorce, it’s guaranteed that you have a significant amount of stress in your life! (that’s quite an understatement, I know)

If the divorce is behind you, I can guarantee that there’s a fluctuating amount of stress in your life because you’re a single parent!

We all know that stress is not a good thing to live with. It can make a person a nervous wreck at home and at work and everywhere in between. It keeps your from thinking straight (that can be hazardous for a single parent), keeps your kids on edge (definitely not good), and definitely keeps everyone from being happy (”If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”) So, now that we agree that stress needs to be controlled and REDUCED…just how is that done?!

Here’s my list of stress reducers. Perhaps some of them would work for you, too.

1. Exercise!

It absolutely amazes me how I can be feeling so stressed out and worn out (emotionally) that I have to force myself to get out the door but after exercising, my whole attitude is changed and I have energy to get through the day. Thank you, Lord, for making our bodies work this way. It’s one of those “small” miracles that we take for granted or don’t quite believe so don’t take advantage of when we should. Recently a single dad told me that he exercises several times a week not only to stay healthy physically but to keep his stress levels down so that he can give the best part of himself to his kids – they deserve more than the “leftovers.”

2. Prayer (of course)

I drive my kids to school each morning. It’s a 15 minute drive each way (when the weather is good). On my way home, I say a rosary. All I can say is that days on which I do this, “life” goes better. I admit that on weekends and holidays (when I don’t drive to school), I usually don’t take the time to say a rosary. It usually doesn’t even occur to me to do so. And after several days of neglecting this, “life” somehow doesn’t go along quite as smoothly.

3. Small Treats

A chocolate bar made in Germany….scented soap from Crabtree & Evelyn…flowers…a cup of chai or signature hot chocolate at Starbucks…a walk in the middle of the day…lunch or tea with a dear friend…retreating to my favorite chair with a wonderful blanket and a book (or two). You get the idea. These are not big things but they make me feel good. :0) And I’m not talking about special treats every day but definitely regulary. You deserve it. You know best what makes you feel really nice so give it to yourself now and then. It’s a small “retreat.” Hey, taking time to exercise is also a treat!

4. Read a Good Book

Escape into someone else’s life for a while. :0) Or, read something inspirational or motivational. Each of those is good in its own way. I actually have a stack of books next to my favorite chair (okay, they’re on the ottoman of my favorite chair and if my kids left their books like that I’d get after them to put them away…I’m going to have to do something about that.) Since Christmas I’ve tried to make at least a little time at the end of the day to sit and read a bit of a couple of them. Right now, though, mostly I’m spending time reading a book my daughter recommended and I’m
thoroughly enjoying it. I’ll post the name of it later because I can’t remember it and the book is upstairs. (lazy lazy lazy)

5. Watch a Movie

I watch very little tv (I DO love Monk, though) but I LOVE to watch movies 2 or 3 times/week. Either by myself (if the kids are at their dad’s) or with my kids (always fun).

Some of my favorites:

A Knight’s Tale (bizarre but if you stick with it, it’s a great story with a wonderful moral. One or two scenes you may not want your children to watch)

You’ve Got Mail (chick flick love story…live vicariously lol)

While You Were Sleeping (more chick flick love story stuff)

Cool Runnings (funny! About the Jamaican olympic bobsled team and based on a true story)

The Bourne Movies (action)

The “Oceans” movies (I have to watch these very closely to even have a hope of understanding all that’s going on.)

Indiana Jones (especially the one with Sean Connery as his father – action AND humor.)

Kung Fu Panda (hilarious)

Horton Hears a Who (also hilarious…my 18 and 21 year olds did not especially want to watch this but they were practically on the floor laughing. Same thing with Kung Fu Panda)

Ghost Town (parts may make you cringe but try to get past it..very funny and the parts that made me cringe were resolved)

The Trouble With Angels – an oldy that’s still SO good.

I’ll add to this list as I remember the ones I really like…

6. A Cup of Chai

This is a treat I give myself EVERY morning. It’s kind of high in calories, which is why it’s a treat. It’s also a bit pricey so you can imagine how excited I was when Costco started carrying these huge cans of Chamba Chai! I think I embarrassed my daughter when I squealed and did a little dance right there in the aisle. lol Anyway, it starts the day out on the right foot for me. Something to look forward to at the beginning of each and every day. :0) (in my opinion, the simple pleasures are the best!)

What are stress reducers for you?? Please share with us so we can all get some new ideas to try out.

May God bless you and bring you peace.

Manya