Julie Galinanes Does life sometimes feel like a mad game of whacamo, with seemingly endless requests from your children, schools, and work coming at you? With appointments to meet and beaucoup coordinating? Between golf practice, Girl Scout events, and medical appointments, it pretty much feels like life is coming at you way too fast! You just can’t seem to be on top of things quickly enough.
Life as a parent definitely has its challenges. And as a divorced parent, it isn’t as easy as people may think. I have found that even when both parents are involved, there is usually one parent in charge of all of the coordination of services for their child or children, which can be very overwhelming and taxing, to say the least.
Even though all these tasks may seem like they are taking over your life, you don’t have to allow them to. At least not always. One must remember to practice the “pause”. When things just feel so overwhelming that you can’t see the trees through the forest, take a step back, take a deep breath, prioritize and reevaluate what is and what is not important. And most importantly, take care of yourself. A little self-care, whenever possible, goes a long way.
So, what can we do to alleviate some of this stress? For one, do not be afraid to ask for help and delegate when possible. Whether it’s asking a family member or the ex for assistance, do it. Also, try fitting in some time for yourself (yes, you read that right: yourself!).
Exercise, nature and the beach are on top of my personal list for destressing. One of my very favorite things to do when I am so overwhelmed with life is to escape to my favorite park in Fort Lauderdale, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. It is located just next to the beach and has nature paths that I enjoy walking or running on. Once I’m through with that, weather permitting, I cross over A1A and take a dip in the ocean. Then afterwards if I feel like it, I head to Park and Ocean (the restaurant/bar that’s just outside the park) for food and a nice, cold, refreshing beverage.
And when you feel that relentless mommy (or daddy, or caregiver) guilt kick in, remind yourself that if we do not take care of ourselves, how will we be able to have the energy to take care of anyone else?
