From Stress to Success: How Moms Can Shift Their Relationship with Stress
Stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to control us! As moms, we face countless stressors every day - from tantrums to endless laundry piles. But what if I told you that you have the power within you to shift your relationship with stress?
In this blog post, we'll take inspiration from the beloved movie Frozen and explore how Elsa and Anna teach us valuable lessons about handling stress in our own lives.
Let It Go - Embracing Change:
In one iconic scene from Frozen, Elsa sings her heart out as she lets go of fear and embraces her powers by building an ice palace. Similarly, when faced with stressful situations, it's essential for us moms to change our perspective and responses. Instead of being overwhelmed, let's learn to see stress as an opportunity for growth.
Shift Your Perspective:
To shift your perspective on stressors, start by asking yourself these questions:
1. Am I/are things basically okay?
2. How might my body’s stress response be helpful?
3. Is there an underlying belief adding to the stress?
4. What is the next right thing?
By challenging negative thoughts or beliefs associated with stressors, we can open ourselves up to new possibilities and find solutions more effectively.
The Power of Replacement Beliefs:
Sometimes all it takes is a simple replacement belief to reframe our mindset towards stressful situations. A replacement belief is a perspective that, differs from the believe that is causing us stress, but is ALSO true.
Some examples are:
- Let it go.
- Let it be.
- Things can be messy.
- Perfect doesn't exist.
- All things come and go.
- My values can be different from my culture/friends/family.
- What goes up will come down.
- My stress response is helpful.
- I can practice stress tolerance right now.
- I can handle this.
By adopting these empowering beliefs, we give ourselves permission to release unnecessary pressure and approach stressors with confidence.
Just Do the Next Right Thing - Taking Action:
In Frozen 2, Anna teaches us another valuable lesson in handling stress. When she feels like she has lost Elsa forever, she shifts her perspective by focusing on doing what is right in front of her, "The next right thing.". As moms, it's easy to get overwhelmed by thinking about everything that needs to be done. But remember, sometimes all you need to do is take one small step at a time.
Formal Practice: Rest and Shift to Relaxed Meditation
One formal relaxation practice that can help you approach stressors and stay relaxed is the Rest and Shift to Relaxed guided meditation. Find a quiet space and a few minutes just for you, and follow along with this meditation. This simple practice can bring calmness during challenging moments.
Practice In Real Life (PRIL): One Question, One Belief
A PIRL for approaching a common stressor involves picking one helpful question and one replacement belief related to your specific stressor. Experiment with them during stressful situations and observe how they impact your emotions, body sensations, and thoughts afterward.
For example: When you are late for school drop of again...
- Helpful Question: What is the next right thing?
Then just get the kids shoes on or whatever the next right thing is (as apposed to complaining or lecturing).
- Replacement Belief: Let it be.
Let yourself be late. There's nothing can can change it now, let it happen.
Using this method allows us to actively engage with our thoughts and make positive changes in real-time.
Remember, you are not alone on this momlife adventure! Seek support from fellow moms, join communities that empower each other, and embrace the power of connection. P.S. You can find all of that at The Village!