As any parent knows, raising children is tough — and it often provokes conflicting emotions. You deeply love your little ones and would do anything for them, but the stresses of daily life and constant demands on your time can frazzle even the most tolerant, gentle souls. What do you do if you find yourself constantly at the end of your rope?
If this sounds like your situation, it’s imperative you prioritize taking care of yourself. The adage about caring for yourself to better care for others is absolutely true. If you want to be a more patient mom and have more heartwarming parenting moments rather than the hair-pulling ones, start incorporating meditative, restorative activities into your life. Here’s how.
Sweat and Breathe
Any kind of yoga is a great way to learn how to re-center yourself and attain peace of mind. But Bikram yoga, in particular, is a highly effective type of yoga to try. In this practice, the room is heated to 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity. There is no music, and an instructor will lead you through 26 postures and two deep breathing exercises throughout a 90-minute class.
It sounds hard, and it can be. But the combination of deep breathing and sweat (caused by heat and exertion) is powerful. If you can tame your mind to master this class, you can tame it in the most taxing situations outside of the yoga room. An extra bonus is that repeatedly working on deep breathing will expand your lung capacity and improve your overall health.
Take It to the Water
If hitting the yoga mat isn’t your thing, think about giving water fitness classes a shot. There are a variety of types you can explore at home or at a gym or community center, but the goal of these classes is to help you gain muscle while experiencing the healing benefits of water. Performing your workout in a pool also keeps your body cooler and your heart rate lower, allowing you to operate at a high level for longer and recuperate more quickly. Fans of this type of exercise claim improved fitness and mental clarity. Take a few classes, and then see just how much more patient you are with your children.
Commune With Nature
Not feeling the hot yoga room or the pool? That’s OK too. If you’re the type of person who prefers to be alone with your thoughts, you might be well-suited for hiking. Avid hikers like to soak up the serenity of being in nature and allowing the crisp natural air clear their minds. This activity is also beneficial to your body, as no two hikes will ever work the exact same set of muscles, thanks to the varied nature of terrain. You’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment when you reach the peak or end of the trail, and you’ll find yourself far calmer when splitting up the next fight between your kids.
If you’ve noticed your temper flaring or your energy waning when it comes to parenting, you’re not alone. The solution often lies in recharging your own batteries and committing yourself to a hobby that will positively affect your mental and physical health. Consider trying Bikram Yoga, water fitness classes or hiking. You’re bound to see the rewards in your own life – and in the lives of your little ones. There’s no better time to start than right now.
