Last week we talked about ways to plan ahead and prepare ourselves in many ways for the holidays.  So this week I was able to get Suzette Boyette to come and talk to us about some great ways to keep our stress down, so holiday times can be more enjoyable.

Suzette is a nurse practitioner who is a co-founder of the Parents Everywhere Network with a show in the network: The Madness of Motherhood Show.  She is also a mother of three great children!

She gave some great suggestions in this episode, delivering them with such fun and sincerity.  I encourage you to listen to this episode as you will surely enjoy her description of these tips! If you can’t, then here are the highlights:

1. Take a nap!

This is her favorite recommendation and she encourages you to do this daily, for 20-60 minutes at a time. Try making this fun by letting your kids get into your bed, setting up a tent or fort in the house, or setting out a blanket in the middle of the floor and snuggling up!

2. Get good sleep!

This is so important for restoring your body’s health, repairing your body and rejuvenating it, so you can be your best for your children and for yourself.

3. Give your kids a choice of what they can do to help.

They may not want to do what you have planned for them (like writing out Christmas cards), but they may be more willing to unload the dishwasher or complete another household chore.

4. Use your time in the shower to relax and set the tone for the day.

Suzette turns off her bathroom lights, lights one candle and plays some relaxation/meditation music, or her favorite Pop CDs, and uses deep breathing techniques to help rejuvenate her self. She allots 15 minutes to do this with the door locked so she cannot be interrupted by one of her three children. Doesn’t this sound great? I can’t wait to try it myself!

5. Use deep breathing techniques

You can really do this anywhere: in your home, office, or even in your car. If you have a busy morning getting your kids off to school then you can sit in your car and just take a few minutes of quiet time, with slow breathing.  Try not to think of anything, just be at peace and relax. Five minutes of this type of breathing and total relaxation could feel like an hour when you are really busy or stressed, and really, it’s only five minutes!  You could also spend time listening to your favorite music or some relaxation music while driving, versus listening to the kid music that you may be so programmed to play.  If you are a working parent, you can also bring your lunch to work and find a quiet place outside to eat and relax, or just spend a few minutes of quiet breathing outside, at your desk, or in your car before going back to work.

6. Let it go!!!

The chaos will wait for you, and the chores won’t go anywhere, so why be in such a rush?!  You can only do so much, so pace yourself and be content with your choices of what needs to be done, and what will have to wait.

For more great information from Suzette, you can find her online at www.parentseverywhere.com.  She can also be reached by emailing her if you have a specific question, at  sboyette@parentseverywhere.com.

Thank you so much Suzette, you are so inspiring and amazing!

Listen Now

Rating 4.00 out of 5
[?]

Filed under: Episodes

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!