5 ways for busy parents to tackle stress

(NC) Whether you’re expecting your first little one, have rambunctious toddlers running around or you’re smack-dab in the middle of those tough teenage years, parenting is full of memorable milestones, fun celebrations – and plenty of stress. Since stress wreaks havoc on the mind and body, it’s important to develop habits that help you and your growing family thrive.

Here are five healthy habits you can start working towards :

1. Make appointments for self-care
   You’re probably managing a busy family calendar, full of well-baby checkups, hockey games, dance recitals and Sunday dinners with grandparents. Focus on your own needs by scheduling them like you would any other appointment – even if it’s simply showering alone with the bathroom door closed.
2. Unwind in your own way
   Go for a walk, do some yoga, meditate, take an Epsom salt bath, try some deep breathing, dance it out, watch reality TV – you name it. Do something every day to help you unwind. According to a recent survey, nearly half of Canadians didn’t realize stress can affect their gum health. If you’re experiencing gum bleeding and inflammation, take a gum health quiz at colgate.ca and consider adding a daily toothpaste such as Colgate PerioGardSF to your shopping list; it’s a daily toothpaste that fights bacteria that can cause early gum disease.
3. Prioritize sleep
   When is the last time you took a good look at your sleep hygiene? Create a sleep goal, design a relaxing routine, ditch the blue light and be consistent.
4. Eat meals together
   You won’t feel like a short-order cook and there’s more space for real connection when you get past the standard “What did you do at school today?” conversation.
5. Create a chore chart
   Even if your kids are still young, they can help out at home. From dusting and learning to fold laundry to making their beds and loading a dishwasher, you’re not only lightening your load a little but you’re also teaching them valuable life skills.

Balancing personal wellness with the responsibilities of parenting isn’t always easy, but showing your kids what a mentally and physically healthy parent looks like is just as important for their own development. So, if you can’t do it just for you, do it for them, too.