A survey revealed that about 9.8 million out of the 35 million working mothers in America suffered from workplace burnout in 2019. And honestly, I believe it. (Probably because I’m one of them. . . but that’s a story for another day!). Honestly, though, mothers carry so much stress (and in my opinion, more!) as they juggle home duties and work responsibilities simultaneously (and often more than their male counterparts). This is why it’s so important for mothers to prioritize self-care, learn ways to put themselves first, and practice stress-relieving exercises.
Here are a few movement routines to add to your schedule:
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a popular Chinese martial art consisting of slow and controlled movements. It was originally developed as an efficient form of self-defense but has evolved into a gentle form of exercise that is effective in managing stress and other health conditions.
One of Tai Chi’s biggest benefits is its ability to lower anxiety and stress, even though most evidence is anecdotal. It can also improve your mood, promote weight loss, and better sleep. What’s more, it is an incredibly low-impact exercise so you can practice it irrespective of your age and fitness level!
Yoga
Yoga is well loved, especially for wellness. This helpful exercise’s origins can be traced back to India more than 5,000 years ago, but its numerous health benefits make it one of the best stress relief exercises today.
Yoga is one of the best stress-relieving exercises because it has both physical and mental health benefits. If you practice regularly, you can regulate your weight, improve your energy, and strengthen your cardiovascular health. Yoga can also improve your muscle strength and tone and balance your metabolism.
Aside from these physical benefits, yoga can also help you effectively manage stress through meditation and deep breathing. This exercise can also relax your mind and sharpen your concentration. All you need is to learn a few poses, purchase some yoga mats, and sign up for some classes!
Kickboxing
If you hold onto your stress, it can cause long-term health problems like heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. Stress can also cause anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, anxiety, and angry outbursts (which, if you’re anything like me. . . tend to get a little crazy when I’m not on a regular exercise routine!).
Luckily, kickboxing is a great way to get rid of your stress. The intense punching and kicking involved in kickboxing lowers anxiety, encourages the flow of endorphins, and offers a practical outlet for big and small frustrations alike. It’s also a total body workout which helps if you’re trying to get a lot accomplished with one form of exercise.
Team Sports
Team sports is another excellent stress-relieving exercise because it challenges you to be a part of a team. This sense of belonging can significantly boost social well-being and overall mental health. Endorphins are also released when you play team sports, especially with friends and family members. Endorphins reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, ensuring that you feel happier and more relaxed in your daily life.
These are just a few ways that you can reduce stress as a busy parent!
For other tips, head to our Health & Wellness page!
Featured Image Credit: Jade Stephens
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