Written by Katrina Baker

This article is courtesy of ParentLife.

“I can’t keep this up,” I said, collapsing into bed. Anyone who peeked at our family calendar that week would see it was filled with ink — dentist appointments, school functions, playdates, volunteering. I was barely fitting it all in. To be honest, our home was filled with more grouchiness than grace, and I was the key contributor

Sound familiar? Do you ever wonder how you will make it through the next busy month? Have you been known to start the day at the end of your rope?

Take heart. It is possible to find peace, even as a busy mom. Making a few strategic changes can go a long way toward relieving stress and restoring sanity. Try these tips for replacing your life’s craziness with P.E.A.C.E.

Pray
Sadly, my first response to stress is sometimes anything but prayer. I worry; I resolve to plan better; I vent to a friend. Only when my to-do list is causing lots of stress do I think, “Oh yeah, … I should pray about this.”

Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” This verse recently reminded me that as I take my cares to the Lord — including all the responsibilities that overwhelm me, His peace will envelop and protect me. Prayer should be my first line of defense, not my last.

Join me in the commitment I have made: At the first sign of feeling overwhelmed, at the moment I realize I am overcommitted, I will pray.

Evaluate
Volunteering is wonderful, but busy moms tend to say yes to too much. If you are feeling overwhelmed, cut back on your obligations. Take an honest look at all the activities to which you and your family have committed. Then prayerfully decide what must stay, what can be modified, and what could go.

Maralee and her husband have established a family rule: each of their three children may only be involved in one activity outside of school and church-related functions. No exceptions.

“Our children are far less fatigued when they’re not running from activity to activity,” says Maralee. “And they’re able to focus on and really enjoy the activities they are involved in.”

This guideline also reduces the amount of time spent shuttling children from one activity to another and enables the family to enjoy dinner together almost every night of the week. How can you simplify your routine? What new guidelines do you need to establish? What should you say no to in order to create a more manageable schedule for your family?

Ask for Help
Why is it that moms think they need to handle everything themselves? Is it pride? Perfectionism? Or maybe you have bought into the societal image of a “supermom” who really can do it all. But if you are honest with yourself, you have to admit that you could use help.

Kathy, a busy mom of three who recently took on a full-time teaching position, found herself overwhelmed at the prospect of getting everything done. “One person who I have had to rely on for help is my husband,” she says. “There are many things I simply managed alone for nine years of marriage, but I cannot complete those tasks without his help anymore.” Kathy’s husband has been supportive and more than happy to help her with household tasks and taking care of the children.

Is it time for you to ask for help? Your husband may be glad to spend time with the children while you run a few errands. A friend could be thrilled to baby-sit so you can fit in some exercise. Push aside the image of the mom who does it all and just ask!

Carve Out “You Time”
A quiet trip to the bookstore, a long bubble bath, a leisurely chat with your husband over coffee — these activities sound great, don’t they? But does the thought of doing something just for you ignite feelings of guilt? Don’t let it!

If you are physically and emotionally exhausted, it can be difficult to be a blessing to your family. But if you take time to incorporate relaxing activities into your routine, they can make you an even better wife and mother. Engaging in things that rejuvenate your body and refresh your soul allows you to dive back into parenting and your other responsibilities with a renewed spirit and increased energy.

Cinnomin recently put this concept into practice by taking time to exercise while her daughter is at preschool. “I simply gave myself permission to leave work, laundry, and all the other stuff that needs to be done at home, and go exercise,” she says. Cinnomin has seen the positive impact that exercise has on her attitude and energy level and plans to continue making it a priority.

Enjoy This Season of Life
It is hard to do when you are surrounded by runny noses, bills to pay, and dust thick enough to double as insulation. But you will only have peace when you find ways to enjoy this season of your life.

To keep my perspective fresh, I keep a journal of the cute and funny things my son says. Maybe you need to get out your scrapbook supplies, charge up the video camera, or just get down on the floor and wrestle with your child. Whatever approach you choose, do not put off the joy. Today, find a way to laugh with your family, savor the moment, and treasure your precious blessings.

All quotes from personal interviews by Katrina Baker.

Katrina Baker is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and son near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Tags: Family & Parenting

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