Mom Gone Crazy Therapy- Tips to Relax and Relieve

The past week or so I've been getting these NASTY headaches every evening.  I have no idea where they came from.  I just kind of brushed them aside until my sister (who lives nearly two states away) called me the other day complaining of the SAME THING.  She thought it might be stress.  I thought it was about time to do something about it. 
Try these tips.  If you don't like one, just keep reading.  #1 is the answer to all your problems. (ok, maybe not, but it sure as heck helps!)

5. EAT HEALTHY- For goodness sake, there's nothing wrong with a sweet treat every now and again, but if you want energy, please eat right!  It's not too hard.  Base your meals around a variety of fruits and vegetables, and add the bread and meat on the side.  Drink lots of water, not pop.  Also, avoid processed foods when you can (though don't feel guilty about heating up some corndogs for lunch on a rainy day).

4. GET OUT- Both with the kids and without.  Everyone needs some fresh air and excercise, and there's no better way to drive yourself crazy than to stay cooped up all day with a bunch of dramaqueens and zoo monkeys (whom you love very much, of course)!  I'm sure there are many things you can do at home, but I promise, so many more things await you outside.  Need a few ideas to change it up?  Try a tour of the town (dress up as tourists and visit local or nearby attractions), a peaceful nature hike (try searching for parks and hikes in your area online), visit a new museum (especially on free museum day) or just visit the library and sign up for the summer reading program (an excellent way to entertain the kids all summer... depending on the kid)

OR

STAY IN- I know, I know, now I'm just being contradictory!  Seriously, though.  Sometimes the problem is that you're trying to do too much.  Take a day off.  Stay in your pajamas.  Let the kids play lego's and watch movies all day and then order pizza (or Chinese) for dinner.  Just don't do it TOO often.

3. MEDITATE-  You have a million things to do or think about, and they're all spinning and swirling around that rush-hour spaghetti-bowl brain of yours.  Take at least 10 minutes each day to close your eyes, breath slowly and deeply, and clear your mind.  You'll find it gives a considerable boost to your stamina. 

2. LAUGH- You may have heard about the numerous health benefits of laughing.  Have a quick look at this article on laugher and health, and then have a quick (or long) look at My Life Is Average. So when the baby is screaming and your 2-year-old comes in covered with flour and corn syrup...  It's funny.  Laugh. 

and FINALLY...

1. SELF-MASSAGE-  You may not have expected this to me #1... but trust me, it's HUGE.  I could tell you about it, but try reading some tips on this WebMD article.  Read it.  Try it.  You won't regret it, especially if you've been like my sister and I the past few days!

I hope these tips help... I can tell you they definitely make MY life quite a bit more easy-going!

Thanks for reading!  C-ya!