Life can get crazy and overwhelming, and when it does, it’s important to take a moment to regroup. I know firsthand how essential it is to pause and reset, because when I’m at my best, I show up better for myself and my family. 

Here are five of my favorite things that help me get back on track when things start to feel overwhelming.

1. Stop and Breathe-When everything feels like it’s spiraling out of control, the first thing I do is stop, pause and breathe. This simple act helps calm me down, reduces my stress and creates space in my mind to think more clearly. Just a few minutes of focused breathing can make a significant difference in how I feel and it can help you regain control over your emotions and thoughts. I practice this with my kids almost daily, especially when it comes to talking, telling the truth and sharing their feelings. It’s a small step that leads to big changes.

2. Move Your Body-Starting the day by moving my body is one of my favorite ways to clear my head and reduce any leftover stress from the day before. Physical activity is a fantastic way to boost your mood and reduce stress. Whether it’s going for a walk, doing a quick yoga session, or fitting in a workout, moving your body helps release tension, increases energy levels, and creates mental space. Since breaking my foot, I’ve missed my walks, but I still find ways to stay active. Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be intense to be effective—gentle movement can be just as beneficial (trust me I’m learning this).

3. Practice Self-Care-Self-care goes beyond just eating ice cream and binge-watching Netflix. It’s about taking intentional steps to care for your physical, spiritual, mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, walking in nature, praying or taking time to be still, prioritize activities that rejuvenate you. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup—taking care of yourself is crucial to managing life’s challenges. When I take care of myself, I know I’m a better version of myself for my family and they deserve that. 

4. Say Affirmations to Yourself-Affirmations for a Positive Mindset: Positive affirmations are a simple yet powerful tool for shifting your mindset and combating negative thoughts. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to remind yourself of your strength, resilience, and capability. Try saying things like, ‘I am capable of handling this,’ ‘I am in control,’ ‘I’m a good mom,’ or ‘I’ve got this.’ These affirmations can help you reframe your thoughts and empower you to face challenges with a positive mindset. Choose affirmations that truly resonate with you and feel authentic. It’s also important to dig deeper into the root of what’s troubling you and address what you really want. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you’re failing as a mom, ask yourself why. Perhaps you feel this way because you’re so busy and not spending enough quality time with your family. Instead of dwelling on the negative, reframe it by saying, ‘I can make changes to create more time for my family’ or ‘I’m developing new habits that will benefit my family.’ Shifting your perspective can significantly change the outcome

5. Set Realistic Expectations-Overwhelm often comes from trying to do too much at once or setting expectations that are too high. I used to be the queen of high expectations, but I realized that only led to more stress. Now, I take a step back and focus on what really matters. Prioritize tasks that are most important and let go of the need to be perfect. Trust me I know this isn’t easy but if someone else can vacuum for you, say yes and when you have the time to vacuum you will get the job done the way you want it. We vacuumour downstairs just about every day, but I vacuum it only 3-4 times a week. They aren’t going to get better, if I always do it. By setting realistic expectations for yourself, you’ll reduce unnecessary stress and create a more manageable approach to your day.

Reflect and Adjust Your Mindset

After implementing these strategies, take a moment to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t. Adjust your mindset to focus on progress rather than perfection. Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time and every small step forward is still progress.

By incorporating these five practices into your routine, you’ll be better equipped to handle life’s demands with grace and calm, keeping your sanity intact even in the most overwhelming moments.

Don’t we all need to shift our mind and create space? I’ve learned how important it is to keep our minds clear of space.

Stay tuned for some ways to create space in our home. Something that I’ve learned to be so valuable. 

Love,

Billie-Jo