Stress Relief for Working Moms

Wage-earning moms have become the norm nowadays. I think it is admirable that women comprise so much of the workforce and can be breadwinner for their families and role models for their children. Although, research shows women are often underpaid in relation to men doing the same job tasks.

Women have always taken on more domesticity and child rearing roles in the family, and now they are working outside of the home as well. Working women have their primary job, and are still responsible for their second job; taking care of their home and family. This is what is referred to as the Double Shift.

Often, women will help gets kids ready for school in the morning, continue on with their work day, and at the end of the day, continue caring for their children, i.e., pick children up from childcare or school, get dinner ready, get kids to after school sports and activities, and help get kids to bed. After the kids are down, women often continue doing work, such as household chores or cleaning, laundry, administrative matters, work-related tasks, etc., before going to bed. At the end of the day they also prepare their family for the next day. Working women with children are more often than not, working excessive hours. These women are in need of stress relief for working moms.

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Unfortunately, little time may be left for many mothers to take care of themselves. Some mothers may struggle with being a mommy and a professional. Some mothers may not have a healthy balance between work and play, and between being mommy and self-care. The double shift is especially difficult for single moms, who often lack the extra support a spouse can provide. Research demonstrates that working mothers are more prone to stress-related illnesses. Stress can affect both physical and emotional functioning, which can result in anxiety and/or depression. The link between stress and physical ailments is well documented. If you are already experiencing emotional distress, seek out psychotherapy and go talk to a psychologist. Psychotherapy has a high efficacy rate in reducing symptomatology and providing emotional healing.

Stress Relief for Working Moms

Working moms should learn to take time out of their week for themselves and pay attention to self-care – stress relief for working moms is needed. Cherish the time when on are on duty and with your children but when you are off duty, structure an activity that is pleasing to you. Do not feel guilty for taking personal time as self-care has been associated with healthier mothering and helps reduce the effects of burn out and stress. Consider both quality alone time and social gatherings.

More stress relief for working moms – If you are a working mother with children, try to do something for yourself. Buy yourself something or sign up for a class that sounds interesting that you never had the time for previously. Get a babysitter or have a family member help out and make plans to go out one night. Read a new book.  Start a new exercise program or join a bowling league. See that movie you have wanted to see.  Go to an art gallery. Go shopping. Pick up a new hobby or interest. Or just rest. In fact, research indicates that rest breaks and self-care are valuable and help increase productivity. Self-care also plays a vital role in preventing and alleviating mental distress. If you work the Double Shift, make sure to take time for you before you clock out.