HYDERABAD: A study conducted by clinical psychologists and sleep experts at Duke University says women need more sleep than men. In the absence of adequate rest they get more depressed, angry and hostile. The stress that comes while juggling work and family leaves them no time to take care of themselves. Here are a few things you can keep in mind that will help calm your mind and body
Time management
You have tried to take it easy, but it has left you in a mess. What you probably need is to learn is the art of time management. Be organised. Make a to-do list and try to stick to it. Don’t fret if you cannot. It might take some time but you will eventually master it. Pair the different activities in a day together. Do not set unrealistic goals for yourself. For example if it takes a long time to feed your child, throw clothes that need to be washed in the washing machine. By the time your child finishes eating, clothes will be washed.
NOTE: Make sure that you have at least two-three hours in a day for yourself. No television, mobile, computer, kids or husband.
Have your own time
You are a mother, a wife, a home maker and a responsible employee of a firm, but above all you are an individual. As important as it is to give your 100 per cent and do justice to these roles, having some time for yourself. Attend to your hobbies and interests. Develop new ones. Take a day off and pamper yourself. Go to a spa or a salon. Read a new book, make new friends or connect with old pals.
NOTE: If it is difficult for you to do these things on your own, you can accompany your children. Join classes along with them.
Share the load
One needs to understand that it is not humanly possible to do everything by yourself. Share the work with your husband. Delegate duties to your children, depending on their age. Apart from sharing the workload, this will also enable your children to become independent. They will also learn to be responsible. Make them do small household chores, and reward them for doing it right so that they take interest in doing it and you get a breather.
NOTE: It is not wrong to let your children do what they can. Remember you are only helping them to become better individuals.
Fitness
The most important and often the most neglected aspect is of your fitness. While you surely sweat a lot doing all the work in home and at office, this is accompanied by a lot of stress. Exercise on the other hand is meant to calm and relax your body. If you do not have time for a proper exercise regimen, make small efforts like taking the stairs instead of elevators. Instead of standing idle to wait for a bus or outside your child’s school, pace up and down the road. Go for strolls. Take walks. Meditate as and when you get a few minutes for yourself. Have a heavy and balanced breakfast and light and early dinner. Take a bedtime bath with herbs or other essential oils like lavender, peppermint or rose that will have soothing effect on your mind and body and help you to sleep well. .
NOTE: If you like dancing, you can play some good music and move while you are working. That will be stress-free exercise.