Strategies for well-being in a chaotic world to help caregivers bloom
More than ever, focusing on our holistic well-being is essential for optimal parenting. Often, we think of our children's needs ahead of our own, and by making this sacrifice, we might be neglecting a critical element in the parent-child relationship. When we as parents feel well, our families benefit. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the significant burdens families could experience when challenged with multiple stressors. While society has returned to normalcy, our bodies are still adjusting to the surge of stress hormones. As such, finding healthy ways to cope with the stress that will help to alleviate these symptoms is vital.
Many patients I speak with talk about the frustration of managing tasks that were previously easy to handle. They often talk of forgetting items and events and of difficulty focusing. These can all be symptoms of stress. Thankfully, many strategies, backed by science, can help improve these symptoms. Whether engaging in talk therapy, mindfulness activities, yoga, hiking, or dancing, our bodies need to feel a sense of joy to help escape the turmoil that can take over our parent brains.
Cultivating joy has been found as an essential element in building healthy relationships and showing up as our best selves. So next time you think about the best thing you can do for your family or children, consider cultivating joy within yourself. This act of self-care will help to radiate joy to everyone around you.
“In a society that says, ‘Put yourself last,’ self-love and self-acceptance are revolutionary.” – Brene Brown
As a clinician and a mom, I know firsthand the importance of engaging all tools available to help maximize my well-being while juggling various tasks and responsibilities. The more I engage with self-care, the better I manage life's chaotic moments.
About the Author: Jessica Lake is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, professor, and mom. As a psychotherapist, she supports individuals, groups, and organizations to learn techniques to reshape their thoughts about stress, get back on track, and meet their goals. With almost two decades of clinical mental health, holistic wellness, management, and clinical supervision experience, she offers a humanistic, trauma-informed, and culturally aware lens. Her intervention styles include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and holistic wellness integration. To learn more about her upcoming in-person Intro to Stress Management Group, click "Register Here" at the top.