More sleep, less caffeine for calmer days
And after 18 years of a menstrual cycle, I finally learned to identify the rising tide of emotions that precedes my period. The whole point of identification is that I can stand back and recognise that the feeling that the world is falling apart is a feeling with no basis in reality.
And if it’s midnight and the world feels like a hopeless, unending drudge, it only takes a second to realise that after 6-8 hours of sleep under my belt, I will be singing and dancing down the paths of life again or at least thankful to be alive and more than able to tackle the business of life, whether that is homeschooling, working, home-making, or just being a loving mother and wife.
Other times, our stress or the source of our unease and fragmentation is much harder to identify. We can’t blame it on our cycle, lack of sleep, or caffeine; there is no obvious or immediate fix.
Sometimes stress from too much going on, not enough sleep, big unidentified emotions, or chaotic uncontrollable circumstances has us running for the hills, but only after we have managed to blow up the peaceful atmosphere of our homes into a million fragmented pieces consisting of bickering children, piles of laundry that feel like Mt Everest’s snow clad slopes descending on our head, and a baby who for no particular reason won’t be calmed, and let’s not mention the toddler and the amount of damage a dysregulated toddler can accomplish in two unsupervised moments.
As homeschool moms, we are often on all day. We read to our kids, teach them, give them a living education and a pleasant home environment, and prepare them well for life. And that can seem stressful.
So, what do we do then?? I am glad you asked because even amid the stress, we are not alone, nor are we ever past the point of “no return.”
First, we have the testimony of Christ, His Word, and His precious, enduring presence.
As well, we are body, soul, and spirit; so God, in His goodness has given us many ways to counter stress in the moment. While the following techniques are no replacement for good community, therapy, and inner healing, they are an excellent lifeline during stressful moments
Box Breathing:
Box breathing is a simple yet powerful practice rooted in mindfulness and peace. As Christians, we are called to meditate on God’s word and seek His presence in all we do. With its rhythmic pattern of inhaling, holding, exhaling, and pausing, this breathing technique mirrors the peace we find when we pause to acknowledge God's presence. As you engage in box breathing, reflect on the words of Philippians 4:6-7, which reminds us to be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, present our requests to God. Let His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and mind as you breathe deeply and surrender to His perfect love.
Explanation:
Guide:
Shalom My Body:
“Shalom My Body” is a holistic approach to experiencing God’s spiritual and physical peace. Dr. Wilder created this practice to reconnect your body to the wholeness God intended for you. Shalom is God's gift, meaning peace, completeness, and well-being. In this practice, you will learn to listen to your body, release tension, and invite God’s peace into every part of your being. As we are reminded in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honour God with them. Through “Shalom My Body”, experience God’s healing and rest as you align your physical and spiritual health with His divine plan.
Explanation and Guide:
Tapping:
Tapping, or the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), is a practice that blends acupressure with Biblical principles of emotional healing. By gently tapping on specific points of the body while focusing on areas of emotional pain or stress, we invite the Holy Spirit to release us from burdens and restore our souls. Psalm 147:3 tells us that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. As we engage in tapping, we are reminded that Jesus came to set us free from fear, anxiety, and emotional bondage. This practice can be a powerful tool to release past hurts, forgive ourselves and others, and allow the peace of Christ to reign in our hearts and minds.
Explanation and Guide: