Stress and the Supermum

June 15th, 2010 by Maisy Maddox

Today many of us seek a perfect life this could mean being a magnificent mum, great cook, perfect partner, fantastically fit, with a wonderful wardrobe, immaculate home, in a fulfilling and well-paid job. Feeling exhausted and ready to surrender already? Well supermum syndrome can lead to feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness and were in danger of suffocating ourselves with self-criticism. Is this seeping into our society and to blame for so many women finding themselves under a crushing pressure of perfectionism?

If its here to stay we need to find ways to make our lives less stressful. A life coach is a wonderful way to share your fears, anxieties and your dreams. Having someone listen to you and help come up with a plan that will put you on the path to fulfilment can make all the difference to you actually achieving that big change.

Well come back to that. First lets look at some tips which sound obvious but if you implement them for three weeks youll find they become a habit. Take a deep breath and consider which two will make the most positive difference to you:

1. Be organised. Leave nothing to the last minute. Get clothes ready the night before, lunch boxes, shoes and coats by the front door.

2. Get a calendar. If you cant fit everything on, youre doing too much. Reduce activities by a third and spend more time in the park or out in the fresh air.

3. De-clutter. Sell everything you dont use on e-bay and treat the family with the proceeds. Tidy toys, throw away broken ones, clear cupboards.

4. Find time by doing what you want rather than what you ought to do. Okay so there are some things you have to do but limit what you dont enjoy.

5. Say no sometimes. Do it politely or tell a white lie to save hurting someones feelings.

6. Learn to love change. Accepting change is a part of life and thinking positively helps you become more tolerant to new situations.

7. Mess is your friend. Everywhere cant always look perfect. Have a quick clear-away method like boxes to throw the kids toys in at the end of the day. Take a cleaning break, dust only what shows and vacuum when you have to.

8. Book to see that Financial Adviser. Taking a long look at your finances and coming up with plans you can stick to can lift enormous weights from our shoulders.

9. Cut down on cooking. Buy plastic freezer bags and foil containers. Whenever youre making curry, casserole, shepherds pie etc buy double and cook two.

10. Recognise stress and practice ways to cope. Deep breathing, counting to ten, saying something positive, planning a soothing bath or talking to someone can help but we cant always solve problems on our own and there are professionals who can help.

How a life coach can help

Life coaching is about finding out where you are and where you want to be in the future. It helps you bridge the gap between your current situation and what you really want with practical plans to follow and guidance and support on achieving your aims and goals.

You can work through many stress-causing factors with a life coach. Now can you afford not to find one? The next question is always is always Is it expensive? Not compared to a good haircut. And it will make you feel great from the inside out!