I am a mother of two toddler sons, in a challenging role at work, active at church, wife, sister, daughter, etc., etc., etc.  There are many days that seem to last forever before I get in the bed.  Then, once I am in the bed, I am so busy thinking about what needs to happen the next day that I don’t get a restful 6 hours of sleep before my alarm goes off and another day begins.

Burn out happens to us all at some point in time. It is vital to any NuProfessional (or old) to establish a routine to unwind and de-stress at some point in each day. If one does not take care of himself, he/she will grow older before their time, their work will be affected, and their attitude will basically suck.

Below are some suggested ways to de-stress from your day. A few are my suggestions and others come from professionals. 

1. Prayer/Meditation – Take time each day to focus on what truly takes priority in your life and where your peace and strength originate.  If you are a busy mom like me 10 – minutes may push the envelope on any free time you have for yourself.  But trust me, 10 – minutes is enough.
2. Exercise – It has been proven that a regular exercise routine helps you to better manage stress.  Check out this article from MayoClinic.com.
3. Music – There are many studies that associate music therapy with a reduction of stress and even tumors. About.com provides suggestions of How to Use Music in Your Daily Life in a 2007 article.  I just know that I feel better when I listen to Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald or even Lauren Hill.
4. WebMd.com provides a list of other techniques that can be used to relieve stress.

Identify a way that works best for you and stick with it.  You will definitely notice a difference.

This post is from a woman and mom’s point of view.  I would be interested to hear from the men as well and singles.  Share your way of staying sane.

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