What I do during my stressed out time and self-care time is the same thing: exercise! I love doing it, especially running, kickboxing, taking a class at the gym or weight training. When I am stressed, the things that were bugging me are what pump me through my routine and keep me going. By the end of my exercise, I am noticeably more relaxed and my mind is clearer. I can let go of what has been bugging me and approach it later with a more positive attitude.

When I am taking care of myself, exercise fits right in, making both my mind and body healthy. I try to get to the gym 5 days a week for an hour to an hour and a half each time. This may sound like a lot but I feel like if I start my morning with that I can better organize my day and devote more energy and time to my boys. It allows me to complete more tasks during the day and to feel better about myself physically, mentally and emotionally. And I find (and I know that my husband agrees) that a happy mom makes for a much happier family.

When my kids are driving me insane what I do is put Brandon in his room and Crisenda in the toy room and ask them to have a reading time. That way they don’t feel like it’s a timeout. For about 30 min, it gives me time to calm myself down. I will call somebody or read my email. And what I do for my sanity or relaxation, I will go for a bike ride or I knit. I love it!

When I'm stressed out I exercise! I go for a jog if my husband is around to watch my son. Otherwise I go for a walk with my son in the stroller.

When I am stressed out...I lose my place in a book if I can get time by myself. If I have the kids, then we go out. They ride their bikes and I walk. It is pretty peaceful.