How to Deal with Double (or More!) Trouble: REAL Advice from a Twin Mom For Stress Relief
Kaitlyn Rimi
Whether it's infants screaming for milk at the same time, naked toddlers running amok getting into EVERYTHING, or teenage drama... kids are stressful!
Unfortunately this has a bigger impact than just being exhausting and annoying, it can impact our body functions and sabotage our weight loss.
So it's not just something that can be ignored, it has to be managed for your health.
With the usual advice of "sleep when the baby's sleeping," "find time for self-care," and "try meditation or journaling," moms with more than one child can feel like there's no hope because with 2+ of them.... it's just non-stop.
So how can moms who are struggling with their stressful, chaotic lives with multiple children (or multiples!) reduce stress?
Here are 5 REALISTIC ways moms with multiple children (and twins and higher multiples!) can add stress reduction to their days, even when they have kids glued to them 24/7:
1) Soak in the snuggles
Hugs and cuddling can increase oxytoxin and reduce cortisol, helping you feel more relaxed and less stressed. So put the dishes on hold and get some snuggles in!
2) Heave a sigh of relief
Did you know that sighing is therapeutic? You can take advantage of this by practicing Cyclical Sighing, an intentional breathing pattern.
Take one long breath in over 5 seconds, inhale another tiny breath to top it off, then slowly relax and release the air over 8 seconds.
Studies say to repeat this for 5 minutes to take advantage of the benefits1, but let's be more realistic here... Even just 5 sigh-breaths can help you feel better.
3) Dance it out
Playing your favorite music AND moving your body both are mood boosters, so crank the music up and start a dance party! Get your babies bopping, your toddlers hopping around, and embarrass your teenagers by breaking out those moves from homecoming. This one can be multi-tasked with chores too, meaning there's no excuse for no time!
4) Get goofy & loud
Ever get so stressed you want to scream? Yeah, me too.
So let the noises out in a way that gets your kids giggling and joining in.
Be a moose!
Be a whale!
Imitate a steamboat or semi truck horn!
Sing loudly!
Make whatever venting noise will help you and turn it into a game, plus the ensuing laughter will help relieve stress and tension.
Just don't forget to end with being a quiet mouse or whispering so the game doesn't go on indefinitely!
5) Wiggle out the tension
We often carry tension in our muscles when we're stressed, so release some of that by moving those muscles and wiggling it out. Whether you're shaking like a wet dog or pretending to be an inflatable man or a bunch of spaghetti noodles, this can help release stress and tension. And entertain children. Win-win.
BONUS: Let your kids play masseuse
Put those sticky little hands to good use! Lay on your stomach on the floor and let your babies climb your back, your toddlers drive cars on you (watch your hair!), your older kids open a salon and you're their customer.
Ok, so it's not the same as a massage, but it's close enough some days!
Even just using one of these will help, so hit save and keep this in your back pocket for those chaotic days when you need it!
Want more practical and realistic health, fitness, mom life advice?
Sign up for the newsletter for exclusive offers, extras, freebies and some behind the scenes reality.
Sources: