Take a Few Breaths...Let's Talk About Stress (Management)

Goodmorning Humble Nesters!

It's starting...my classes. If you're new here Welcome. And to my recurring visitors welcome back. Hoping all is well.

Let me tell you, I’m no stranger to online learning or the ups and downs of pursuing a degree from the comfort of home. It’s always been a journey—one that’s challenging, time-consuming, and, let’s be honest, overwhelming at times. The struggles usually pop up when I’m feeling distracted or swamped by everything on my plate. Sometimes, we take on more than we can handle, and well, that’s a challenge. Other times, deadlines seem so far away that we procrastinate, and guess what? That’s another challenge. And let’s not forget about family—when they need us (which is, like, always), we put them first. Naturally, our needs go on the back burner, and yes, that becomes another challenge too.

Life, in all its messy beauty, can make getting through coursework feel like a real uphill climb. Motivation? It comes and goes, right? For me, all of these things can hit at once or one by one, depending on the day. Honestly, I’m not even sure how I’ve managed to juggle it all in the past—I just push through because, in my mind, it has to get done. If I want to pass, if I want that good grade, I just tell myself, “Suck it up and get through it.” But I won’t lie—it stresses me out sometimes!

Even with all the stress, I truly love learning. I love the challenge of it, and more than that, I love pushing through and coming out the other side. That feeling of accomplishment is worth it to me. It’s like running a mental marathon! So, you might be wondering: How do I deal with all that stress and those challenges?

Whether it's my kids, my husband, a friend who's being a bit much, or a heavy course load, stress management for me is as simple as 1-2-3:

1. Step back.

2. Take a few deep breaths.

3. Make a pot of coffee (or tea!) and regroup.

Regrouping looks different depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll scroll through TikTok for an hour, dive into a bowl of ice cream, watch a feel-good movie, or go for a walk. Anything that helps me relax and recharge. And let’s not forget about my husband—he’s my peace and my sounding board. Whether it’s a word of encouragement or making me laugh, he’s always there to lift my spirits.

The truth is, we all deal with stress in our own ways. Life hands us different tools to manage it, and the key is finding what works best for you. What’s your go-to stress reliever?

Looking for some affordable decompression techniques? Keep scrolling.

Here are some affordable and mom-friendly stress relief techniques you can incorporate into your already busy lives:

1. Deep Breathing Exercises: Taking a few minutes to practice deep breathing can do wonders for calming the mind. It’s free and can be done anywhere—whether you’re dealing with a toddler meltdown or just need a quick reset.

2. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts, even if it’s just for a few minutes, can help release stress and clear your mind. It’s a great way to process your emotions and get things off your chest.

3. Walking or Light Exercise: A quick walk around the block or a mini workout at home can help release those endorphins. It doesn’t have to be long—just getting your body moving can relieve tension and boost your mood.

4. Listening to Music or Podcasts: Put on your favorite playlist or a fun, relaxing podcast while doing chores or cooking. It can instantly shift your mood and help you unwind.

5. DIY At-Home Spa: Treat yourself to an at-home facial, bubble bath, or foot soak after the kids are asleep. Grab some affordable skincare products, light a candle, and take 20-30 minutes for self-care.

6. Stretching or Yoga: A quick stretching session or a few yoga poses can loosen up tense muscles and help you relax. You can find free videos online that cater to busy moms and only take 10-15 minutes.

7. Reading: Escape into a book for a little bit each day. Even if it’s just a chapter before bed, getting lost in a good story can be a wonderful way to relax.

8. Aromatherapy: Essential oils or a simple scented candle can create a peaceful environment. Lavender or eucalyptus are great for calming your senses.

9. Adult Coloring Books or Crafts: Channel your creativity with a coloring book or a simple craft project. It’s surprisingly soothing and gives you a fun mental break. ( visit my Etsy shop for Adult only coloring pages https://artsycreationztampa.etsy.com)

10. Talking with Friends or Partner: Sometimes all you need is a chat with a friend or your partner to vent, laugh, or just share how you’re feeling. It’s free and can instantly make you feel lighter.

These are all easy to incorporate into a busy mom's life, and they don’t require a lot of time or money!

Thank you for stopping by Humble Nesters. Here's hoping a restful Sunday and a beautiful 😍 week. Remember you are beautiful and stress can bring out the best. Until next week, kiss kiss.

Shaquilla 💋 😘

Our Humble Nest