The daily hustle and bustle sometimes makes us forget about all the fun we could have, but doing something fun is important to feel more relaxed. It could be anything. Think of what makes you happy…
When you do something fun, you push away stress. Sometimes it will make you realise that you’re worried about something that is not all that important. You see that there are worse things than that, and that you can actually be happy with what you have and what you can do.
Melanie, mother of Dilano (2 years old) and Kai (3 years old):
Yesterday my mother-in-law came over for a cup of coffee. Usually we get along really well, but sometimes she says nasty things. Yesterday was one of those days. As soon as she walked in she said our house is always such a mess. But what do you expect with a 2-year-old and a 3-year-old? That can really stress me out.
When she left, I sat on the sofa with Dilano and Kai. We hugged and read a book together. Then I told myself, “Why did I make such a fuss about it again?” I have two sweet and healthy children, and that makes me really happy. When my husband came home and the children were in bed, I went to a friend to pour my heart out. And then we watched a good film. It was such a fun evening!
This can help you respond in the right way when those moments occur. An example is an if-then plan.
An example: If I feel stressed, then I will go for a walk.
Find out more about drawing up if-then plans here.
