Ever just have one of Those Days? The kind where your kids are being kids and you just can’t figure out why its driving you so nutty?
Here’s the thing. I’m a systems gal. I love lists and charts and have a relationship with my laminator that makes my husband envious. Guess what else I have? 4 kids! Which means I also have chaos – messes (everywhere), laundry, art projects in various stages of completion, musical instruments being practiced, someone making slime in my kitchen or mud pies in the backyard and floors that need cleaning every 4 minutes. Some days I can put Jack Johnson on the radio and smile my way through. Other days even Jack Johnson standing in my kitchen making me banana pancakes wouldn’t cut it. Honestly, I might just ask him if he’s going to clean up after himself…
I’ve realized the issue wasn’t my kids being kids, it was ME! And when I start to feel that feeling rising up in my chest its time to hit my reset button. Unfortunately, unlike the Roku, I didn’t come programmed with one and so I had to figure out what they were. Here are some ways I reset:
1) Declare Sanctuary
If you can, designate one space in your home that is free of kid stuff. Its helpful to me to have a physical place to retreat to in order to truly reset. It gives me a sense of calm and order.
2) Shake Your Sillies Out
Sometimes I realize I’m just taking myself (and my to-do list) far too seriously. We put on some crazy dance music and dance around the kitchen until everyone is smiling again. (We added a verse to Raffi’s Shake Your Sillies Out that is called “Groan your Grumpies Out.” I’m sure it would have been a great musical sensation given a chance.)
Another good alternative is a walk or any other form of exercise that you like!
3) Just. Walk. Away.
Leave the house! Take a family field trip to somewhere everyone enjoys together. Getting outdoors is a great way to reset. We love a nearby park, the Rochester Public Library, Great Harvest Bread Company for a free sample, and Quarry Hill Nature Center. Bonus points for getting friends to join you!
4) Vision Board
Do you have a vision board? It helps me to look at mine or add something to it on days like this! If you don’t have one, consider creating one.
5) Phone a Friend
I feel strongly that this was called a Lifeline on that game show for a good reason! Reach out to someone that supports you in your journey and be honest with how you are feeling. Or feel free to give us a shout out on the Rochester MN Moms Blog Facebook page. We got your back, girl. And chances are ONE of us has been there!
What tactics do you use to reset your day?
