I want to start off by asking a question. How is your family handling stress right now? Everyone will answer this question with a different answer depending on their families and current circumstances. It also depends on the day and what each family member might be facing that day in terms of work deadlines, schoolwork and so on. Yesterday, my boys convinced me to engage them in several outdoor activities. Between shooting hoops and trying to keep our dog at bay from stealing the basketball and then running all over our yard as we had a Nerf gun war, it is safe to say that I was a bit worn out last night. I say worn out, but not stressed, because physical activity is one of the ways that we as families can deal with stress in our lives.
In an MSU Extension publication titled “Family Stress and Coping” which is available free to everyone on the MSU Extension website, under the publications link, there is a section that deals with how to deal with individual stress. I’m going to say that this could also be titled, how to deal with stress as a family, because we need our families.
So, first, be realistic. When feeling overwhelmed don’t try to do too much. Can you ask someone, like a family member, to help you with tasks? Focus on one thing at a time by making a list of what needs to get done. Prioritize the list and focus on one task at a time. This works under our circumstances now too. Use this list to help delegate tasks to family members. Just like cleaning our house over the weekend, when we pull together as a family, the chores get done a lot faster than when we have to convince some members to help. Exercise too because research has found that physical exercise can help in reducing stress. Try walking the dog or going on a hike or simple family outing. Just remember your social distancing at this time! Take breaks for your hobbies by reading a book, playing music, etc. Try laughing as a family, by watching a movie or playing a game. Take a break from taking things too seriously. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by trying to have a balance of work and fun. Eat well, cut down on caffeine and high sugar foods, and avoid alcohol and drugs. A balanced diet is more important than ever during stressful times. Lastly, consider journaling each day. Sometimes our brains are so full of what needs to be done, how we are feeling about a situation, or fear of not remembering what we need to do, that we become overwhelmed. Journaling can be helpful to express our emotions and keep track of what needs to be done.
I hope that these give you some ideas about how you and your family can make it through our trying times stronger than ever.
