24/7: A Resource For Working Parents
Ten Stressbusters for Working Parents
Stress is a fact of life, especially when we are juggling big responsibilities like parenting and paid work. But too much stress can make it harder to enjoy both your parenting and your job. Not only that, multiple studies have show that there is a proven link between chronic, unrelieved stress and various mental and physical health conditions, including depression, overeating, sleep problems and even heart disease. In other words, understanding and dealing with excess stress is a core part of a healthy lifestyle. Here are ten stress management tips for working parents.
1. Take care of your physical well-being. This improves your ability to cope with and recover from stress. Don’t forget the basics: a good diet, reducing caffeine and alcohol and getting enough exercise and rest. Physical activity is nature’s gift for stress management. Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours a night) helps our brains and bodies recharge, which leaves us better equipped to deal with stress.
2. Use your vacation. A surprising number of Canadians don’t take all of their vacation time. Everyone needs vacation time to decompress and recover from stress. If you can’t get away, consider having a “staycation,” doing fun and relaxing activities in your community. If you do go away, try coming back a day early so you have time to get organized and unpacked before returning to work.