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How I'm Staying Grounded As A Mom During Summer Break
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Ah summer. I always look forward to spending more time with my boys and loosening up on schedules and routines. However, it doesn't take long for fights to ensue, and endless amounts of money is spent to entertain. Then comes the infamous bombardment of "I'm bored" comments.
Summer is hard as a working OR stay at home mom. We tend to lose ourselves - of course it's for the good of our family - but for many of us, our mental health starts to slip and I personally begin to see it affect everyone around me negatively.
So how do we stay on top of our mental health when we are barely surviving?
Today I'm sharing 5 simple things I am currently doing to stay grounded, calm and on top of my mental health this summer. In full transparency - these 5 tips have come from a month long struggle which I shared in part on Instagram, the culmination of which I rage cleaned my shed, storage room and garage all within a few days. Keep in mind, these ideas are not limited to summer but are applicable all year round (insert happy dance)!
#1 Exercise
It is no secret that exercise releases chemicals called endorphins into the body. But did you know (LOVE those fun facts!) that those endorphins release positive feelings within the body similar to what it feels like when taking MORPHINE (except without all those negative side affects)? The science behind it is so fascinating - if you're ever in the mood to head down a rabbit hole - hop on over to your google search (see what I did there) - it makes the science geek inside of me all giddy.
Exercise doesn't have to be complicated. You don't have to have a gym membership or spend hours on end exercising to feel this euphoric high. You don't even need any equipment besides yourself and a pair of shoes. However, clothing is definitely recommended if you plan to head outside. Take a walk, do some jumping jacks, planks - just MOVE your body - YouTube and Pinterest are great resources if you're unsure of where to start. Of course I have my favorite exercise formats - both of which you can do from the comfort of your own home and have FREE 1 week trials:
#2 Digging in the dirt aka gardening or weeding
Another fun science backed feel good idea. If you have a yard, a planter - anything with dirt - you have to take care of it right? For lack of a better phrase we are essentially killing two birds with one stone here - the yard has to be weeded - but it helps with grounding too! There is a natural anti-depressant in soil called 'mycobacterium vaccae' and has been found to stimulate serotonin production in the body - which is what many anti-depressants do (am I overdoing the fun facts? No? Great)! Go ahead and get digging - it's great for the kids too! PLUS an added bonus - you'll be getting that good old vitamin d - of course wearing sun block - and clothes ;).
#3 Gratitude Journaling
I've said it before and I'll keep saying it again and again - gratitude journaling is one of the best tools I've found to aid in getting me out of a depression/anxiety funk. Gratitude journaling essentially re-wires the brain by shifting the brains focus from toxic, negative thoughts toward positive emotions. You may not notice the affects of it right away, but research has shown that consistency in this practice changes the behavior and thought processes of the brain.
Again, you don't need a fancy or expensive book - a simple piece of paper or even a note on your phone will suffice - but you MUST WRITE IT DOWN. I will note that when I have purchased books meant for gratitude journaling I feel more motivated to spend time each day writing my thoughts. I have included a link to my favorite gratitude journal in the links below or you can click HERE.
It doesn't take much time - 5 minutes will do. We all hop on our phones first thing in the morning or just before bed at night, right? Try replacing that phone scroll with gratitude journaling by writing down 3 things you are grateful for each day before you scroll the phone - I promise it'll be worth it.
#4 - Family Game or Movie Night
This one may seem like it doesn't fit with the other suggestions - but hear me out because it has really helped me find joy in my family. One night a week, every other week, or once a month plan a game or movie night with the family. Lately my kids have loved grilling up homemade pizza and enjoying our favorite treats together while watching an outdoor movie. It gives us all something to look forward to. Of course, fights are bound to happen during these nights as well, but I've found that planning things out ahead of time so it is on the calendar as an expectation and getting the kids involved with the set up, planning and execution of the night bonds us together and we really enjoy it.
With the discrepancy in age (7-16 years old) it has been difficult to find games and movies that are appropriate and fun for all. I've included a list (with links) to our favorite games and movies that are (mostly* - remember I'm a boy mom) gender neutral as well as an outdoor movie screen and projector we love.
If movies and games aren't your thing - find something that you can enjoy and look forward to together. A hike or walk, a boating day, a night filled with mad libs or a musical jam sesh.
#5 - Get out of the house!
Plan a date night, girls night, go get a drink alone, or spend an hour at Target wandering the isles. Unless you have angoraphobia which is the fear of leaving your house, getting out can be extremely helpful for mental health. I am often found putting myself in "time out" if I am getting edgy with my kids and let's be real - retail therapy didn't get its name from nothing.
Let's talk about the research behind it - because really - it just makes sense!
First, getting out for date or girls night goes into the research already mentioned with gratitude journaling - it's a distraction method for your brain that changes your thought processes albeit only for a few hours - plus it gives you something to look forward to.
Second, retail therapy research has shown that when we make shopping decisions we are able to regain our sense of control and ease feelings of sadness and frustration - you don't even need to buy anything - window shopping does the trick too! Why? Dopamine. A neurotransmitter and hormone in the body responsible for movement, memory and pleasurable reward. So fill that online shopping cart baby and let that dopamine release! But please don't feel guilty when the company sends an email saying, "you left something in your cart" (shhhhh, its fine).
Did you learn something new? Share with a friend, follow me on Instagram @kimberlymarielifestyle and tell me what's something you do to stay sane during the summer (or any time of life) in the comments below!
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