me time

Andriana S., who has four children under the age of six, has always preferred hanging out with her kids over going out with friends. But recently, the day-to-day tedium of her domestic life has her wanting to get out and party. "Does it make me a bad mother?" she asks.

As it turns out, Adriana's reticence is well-justified, at least in the court of mom opinion, where the subject of partying for moms strikes a nerve.

Should You Completely Give Up Partying?

On the extreme side of this debate are moms like Amy D., Jade B., and Joy C., Circle of Moms members who feel that it's simply wrong for moms of young children to go out and party, period.

"Of course it’s normal to want to go out," allows Amy, speaking specifically to moms in their young twenties. "But [when] you made the decision to have children, you gave up ‘the right’ to be a crazy partying young adult. Your children come first."

Jade agrees, adding, "I know a [mom who] goes out every single Saturday and says it's okay because she leaves when her son goes to bed and is back before he wakes up. I don’t think so. [I get mad] when people are immature when they have a baby. When you have a child you don’t have the right to act like a child anymore."

Joy C., a mom of four, also takes a strong stance. "To be a real good mother you shouldn't look forward to weekend so [that] you can leave your child and go get drunk and party,” she says. "In my opinion, it really does say that you’re not ready for kids if you're still partying."

This kind of blanket disapproval, which is widespread, begs the question: is there any kind of partying that's socially acceptable for a mom? Alecia D. believes there is. She finds the occasional girls' night out an acceptable and necessary "gulp of air" for exhausted moms. Below, she and other members explain where to draw the line on partying once you become a parent, and why.

1. Don't Get Hammered

"I think it's fine to want to go out and have fun as long as you put your kids' needs first," says Mardi S., adding that this means making sure they're being properly cared for by someone you trust. But she draws the line at excessive drinking: "Don't show up to pick up your kids drunk because it's just not responsible. You need to be able to have a clear head. Plus, it's terrible having to take care of little ones with a hangover," she says.

Tawnya T., a mom of three, also feels, emphatically, that drinking to excess crosses the line. "Wanting your time doesn’t make you a bad mom, but drinking when you have to go home and take care of your kids is wrong," she says. "Partying should never come before your child. Going out and partying like you are a careless teenager or someone [who] doesn’t have responsibilities is stupid."

Drinking too much will impact you and your kids the next day, warns a mom named Toni. "It's no fun trying to look after a kid with a hangover,” she says. "[My sister-in- law once] got in such a state that she actually couldn’t get out of bed to look after my nephew and he had to spend the day with me and my husband."

2. Don't Party in Front of Your Kids

Debby L. takes issue with moms who drink a lot at home or at family social occasions. "I feel that it's inappropriate to drink around your children at any point,” she says. 

She's referring, in particular, to children's birthday parties and other social occasions where alcohol is offered to parents alongside juice boxes for the kids. "I do not [drink around my kids] because as their parent I feel that if I am somewhere with them then I need to be focused and clear-headed . . . , not buzzed and loopy."

3. Don't Make it a Habit

Going out without going wild is acceptable to many Circle of Moms members as long as it doesn't become a bank account-draining activity, or even one that happens every weekend. Stephanie P. says she knows moms who "spend all their money on smokes and alcohol or clothing to wear when they're partying  and then complain they have no money and can’t afford healthy food and decent clothing for their children.” And as Rachel N. puts it, "I’m all for having fun, but every weekend?"

She feels moms should put their children first. “The alcohol and partying will always be there, but your son is only a little boy once."

Where do you draw your own line on partying?

Image Source: MsSpider66 via Flickr/Creative Commons

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

The other day, I was reading something on my iPhone. My husband asked me a question and I didn't hear him. However, I definitely heard him when he got upset and said, "You are always on that thing! It's like an addiction or something! It's like you barely notice the kids and me!"

At first I wanted to retort, "Please! My whole life is you and them. For a couple of minutes a day, I find enjoyment tuning out your rock music and their shooting noises and the let's-see-who-can-fart-the-stinkiest game. Once in a while, I grab my phone and float away from all that 'fun.' Sue me!"

But instead, I jokingly said, "Did you ever think that maybe you are not that interesting?" He said, "SHARI!!" and then we both laughed.

Twenty minutes later though, I started to notice it: I wasn't the only one in the house who is "i-ddicted."

Hubby had his iPad and was reading a website. The kids were joined at the hip playing on the iPod they share. I was, yet again, reading a funny post from a fellow mommy blogger.

Yet somehow we were all happy. Peaceful in fact. Even our bird was sweetly chirping. I bet if they made little mini-mini iPods, she would have been playing a mini-bird game too.

I heard all of the judging people of the world in my head. “Gasp! How dare she let her family all be 'i-ddicted?'" I felt bad for a minute, but then I realized we had already had breakfast and lunch as a family. We also did a puzzle, played a game, did some homework, and read a book. It was now 2 p.m. and we were all in the same room on our various devices. Besides cleaning the house or baking some cookies, there was really nothing else left to do until dinner.

So I decided to let it go. The kind of let-it-go that brings peace to a family, once the mommy calms down and settles in. I decided that as long as I had checked off my mommy duties, had a happy family, and everyone was feeling at peace, a little i-action wasn't such a bad thing. For me and for them!

Image Source: Shutterstock

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

I often get asked about my perfect "mom outfit." I wish I was that ideal: the mom who maintains her high style even after babies enter the picture. But I'm a realist. I want to be the kind of mom who is down on the floor playing and making a mess with play dough. So remaining super stylish feels to me like a lofty goal.

Still, over my few years of motherhood experience, I've been able to concoct a go-to outfit that makes me feel good both as a mom and a woman. It's maybe not completely on-trend, but it is versatile, functional, and stylish in its own way.

Here are the basic pieces for my mom-perfect outfit:

1. A Good Pair of Jeans

This has to be your foundation, and I think it's where a lot of moms fall short. If you miss this step, you're bound to miss some others. While there are a couple silhouettes in fashion as far as bottoms go, I like the skinnies and ankle skimmers. They're easy to move around in and don't get caught up on shoes.

My favorite jeans are the Always Skinny from GAP, which is good news since they're rather affordable. Not only will they make you a frugal fashionista, I think the fit is great, with just enough stretch to not stand in the way of any and all mommy duties.

2. A V-Neck Tee

A v-neck tee is such a simple thing. But, like a strong jeans selection, a simple v-neck is a great base. You can make it girlie or grungy and wear in multiple colors. And a v-neck is functional, particularly if you're a nursing momma. Rather than pull your entire shirt up, just whip your boob out the top.

3. A Trendy Second Layer

This is where you can play with pattern and bring a fun trend into your outfit. If you're heading to the mall and want a dressier option, add a structured jacket; or if it's a day for play dates and grilled cheese sandwiches, a soft cardigan will do the trick. Layers are great for style, warmth, and, let's face it, as blankets, cover-ups, or spit-up rags, too.

I always try to select second layers that have pockets. That way I can have my phone (camera) easily accessible and always know where at least one pacifier is.

4. A Smart Shoe Choice

I've mourned the loss of most of my high heels and found some great alternative options. A good shoe is important to a mom. It can make or break your outfit — but it can make or break your day, too. Nothing kills a fun day at the zoo like a blister on your foot. You want to be able to play and keep up with your kids. In the spring and summer, sandals and girlie ballet flats are easy; in the fall and winter, a good ankle boot is a great option. And, I'm not going to lie: I like to keep my Ugg boots and a fun pair of moccasins around the house so I have a good "they're like slippers but I can still jump in the car and run out for diapers without changing shoes" option. Sometimes comfort and function have to win.

5. A Stylish Coat with Lots of Pockets

What I'm loving right now are the military-inspired coats out there. Denver, where I live, is always chilly enough in the winter that I have to have a coat, and these jackets, with their multiple pockets, have proven handy for not only warmth, but also mom duties! I like pushing my stroller and having everything I need within arm's reach.

6. Cute But Fast Hair and Make-up

Whatever you do, even if it means enduring some fussing from the nursery or a toddler impatiently tugging on your shirt, give yourself ten minutes in the morning. Powder your nose, add some mascara, dab gloss or a bright shade on your lips. You don't need a lot of time to pull your face together in a cute, everyday sort of way. And, when you can, do something fun with your hair. Maybe it's just a glorified version of a ponytail; but that extra minute or two of effort will help you feel more glam.

7. Bomb Accessories

I've saved this for last because this is where you add your flare. I have a little dish on my nightstand with my "every day" pieces: small silver studs, a necklace with my daughters' initials, and my extra wedding bands. I always wear this jewelry as a part of my daily routine. But when we are going out or I need something extra, I pack on the accessories. Big necklaces and dangling earrings aren't ideal with toddlers and babies, but I've started collecting really striking bracelets and earrings that wear like studs. Old Navy has some really affordable and unique pieces, particularly earrings. And don't be afraid to branch out with accessories; add a fur stole on top of your jacket or a wide-brimmed hat for a sunny walk in the park.

A fashionable and functional mom outfit is all about balance. Give yourself the grace to be a mom with easy-to-wear foundational pieces; but don't be afraid to have some girlie fun as you layer on top.

Image Source: Sarah Ann Noel

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

Trying to keep a manicure drives me crazy. My personality tends toward type A, and so the slightest chip, bump, or divet in my polish can send me into a nail-biting frenzy. When your job is stay-at-home mommy, assaults on nails are plentiful and time to repair is scarce. So what to do, what to do?

After I had my first daughter, Iris, I resigned myself to never having pretty nails. I kept them as clean and shaped as I could, but a coat of quick-dry clear was all I thought I could handle. I couldn't see it chipping or peeling and it was easy to slap it on before bedtime, give it a few minutes, and not worry about "sleep lines." As Iris grew older and our schedule more regular, I did find the time to polish my nails in the latest and brightest colors, affording myself a little designated "me time." Still, the instant I had to clean the bathtub or scrub poop off of some overalls, I could see wear on my manicure and would remove it.

I'm a firm believer in the "happy mom" concept. I never put vain grooming ahead of caring for my child (all the moms who go four days without showering say, "What, what!"); but I like having little things that help me hang on to me. Fun nails make me feel like I'm still stylish.

Before the holidays, right before the birth of my second daughter, I bought one of Sally Hansen's stick-on manicures on a whim (though there are many other brands that also sell nails stickers, like Incoco). My thought was, if it worked, I'd have jazzy nails in the hospital and no imperfections to worry about. Of course, it seemed complicated and I figured the odds of it looking perfect were slim, but there's not a lot to keep you busy in the 40th week of pregnancy when you can't really move, so I went for it.

Low and behold, only one nail, in I'd "nailed" the method and was smoothing a funky, bold pattern on to my nails. And it looked and felt glorious! I went into the hospital a few days later, manicure totally intact. Every nurse I had commented on my manicure! I felt so glamorous!

So here is how it works: 

1. Make sure you're working with clean, shaped nails. The manicure kit provides a buffer to rough your nails up just a bit. 

2. The stick-ons are made of mylar and come in various sizes. When choosing one to fit your nail, I recommend going for the size that's just bigger than the one your instincts tell you to choose. You want it to wrap all the way over your nail, not just the top part that you can see. 

3. Carefully smooth the stick-on across your nail from the cuticle to the tip, folding it over at the edge of your nail. The kit comes with with an orange stick to trim off the excess and to press the edges into your nail bed for a polished look. 

4. Repeat on all of your nails.

5. Finally, I topped off the press-ons with a coat of clear polish, just for added protection and shine.

The process was easy and I actually outgrew the manicure before I noticed any imperfections. It lasted through kitchen cleaning, diaper changing, baby bathing, and myriad other newborn and household tasks. Not only did it last, but because it doesn't require drying time, I was also able to do it in the evening in about 15 minutes flat, and then immediate climb in bed without fear of ruining my hard work. It's the mommy-proof manicure!

Have you used a similar product that you'd recommend?

Image Source: Sarah Ann Noel

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

If ever there was fashion news that's music to a young mom's ears, this is it: Ponytails! Ponytails! Ponytails of all sorts on the runways this fall. Did you see them? Low and sleek, high and perky, styled with braids and twists— however you pull off your ponytail the good news is you'll be rocking a high-fashion trend with true mom effort.

Because, let's face it, we moms are not using nap time to groom. Why waste precious alone time on things like eyebrow tweezing and hair curling? It goes without saying that an intense beautification process is next to impossible with Baby Girl wanting in on all the action— and then some. (By which I mean that your make-up brush is only fascinating for so long before it inevitably ends up in the toilet. Same goes for the pink toothbrush your toddler is using to "brush" her teeth.)

When my little girl, Iris, hit that busy phase, I developed a new affinity for the ponytail. In fact, I fell so deeply in love with the simple style that I blogged an ode to it and even posed for some crazy photos. Little did I know that what I'd resigned myself to was actually a step forward, fashion-wise. So I'm thrilled to disocover thay I'm all set for winter and maybe even spring.

Courtesy of Fashionista, here are ten runway-inspired ways to wear a ponytail. The best news? None are complicated versions of a style you expect to be easy. They all are based on your most basic ponytail with a simple added feature to change things up and add some sass. 

So now, whether there be spit-up on your shirt or no make-up on your eyes or if you feel you can't yet rock high heels as a mom, fear not! Grab a rubber band and give yourself five seconds. That's all you'll need to be runway fresh this season! Hooray!

Image Source: Fashionista

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

Ladies, this article is really for you. Although, if there are any gentlemen reading, you are welcome to continue and maybe get a better idea of how the lady in your life might be feeling on a daily basis— and potentially come to appreciate her even more than you probably already do.

Here is what I'm talking about: Balance.

Do you feel like you have it? I don't know about the rest of you, but I often feel like a chicken with my head cut off. Between work, fitness, household, family, friends and life I feel like I can't ever get to the point where everything is in line, at least not for any substantial period of time. If one thing on that list stops running, the others can roll along pretty smoothly, but trying to handle all of them at once can be (and often is) exhausting. Still, I'm not willing to give any of them up.

My Quest to Be Superwoman

I know I'm not the only lady who skipped exercise for the day just to clean the house, bailed on friends to hang with family (or vice-versa), thought very hard about taking a straight mental health or retail therapy day off of work because I just need it. And of course, I'm always wishing (really wishing) that there were just more hours in the day.

Admittedly, I'm probably too hard on myself. But who doesn't want to be that Martha Stewart-ish lady?  (You know who I'm talking about, the lady who seems to always have all of her ducks in a row and isn't fazed by much. You know her. You do.)  But I want to be in great shape, a great runner, reasonably able to keep up with The Cyclist (my husband) on the bike, have a clean house (all the time), do (and complete) house and other projects, be successful at work, spend time with friends and family, be a great step-mom and a great wife.

But the reality right now is that my house is messy. I should have run today but I didn't. I'm currently attempting to re-finish my kitchen cabinets, cook tasty and healthy meals for my family, run on a semi-regular basis, work 40+ hours per week, write a blog (two blogs actually, among other projects), do the house, do the yard, do the laundry. My kitchen table is piled with the stuff from the cabinet I am painting and there are dust bunnies floating around my floors. There are folded clothes on my couch and I ate a bowl of cereal for dinner. As I write this I hear myself saying, "what is wrong with me?" but I have a feeling I am one of many ladies trying to be Superwoman.

In some ways, I think we ladies all want to be that Superwoman. Some of us may have cleaner houses and some of us may be better athletes. Some of us may be super crafty and some of us may be gourmet chefs. But are any of us balanced on a consistent basis?  I know I'm certainly not.

A Little Bit at a Time

So, instead of continuing to reveal my shortcomings in print maybe I should start looking for a healthy way to juggle my life. Since becoming a housewife and hiring a maid are not in the cards for me right now, it looks like I'm forced to find another solution.

I suppose I should start by accepting the fact that I'm not Martha Stewart.  In reality, Martha is a face and a brand that has an army of creative people behind her, including (I assume) a maid, a cook, a trainer and a personal assistant.  I need to get over it. I can try all I want, but doing all of these things in the time-frame I imagine is just not going to happen.

Next, I need to listen to my mom.  She always tells me, "just do what you can; do a little bit at a time." She's totally right. I need to accept the fact that accomplishing even just one thing is better than nothing after a full day of work.

Last, I need to start being so hard on myself. Instead of thinking about all of the things I'm not doing, I need to be happy about all of the things I am doing. In the grand scheme of things, all of these things that I'm so worried about are pretty insignificant. What really makes a difference is that I want and try to do all of these things for my family, not that I'm actually doing them or not.

How do you find balance in your life?  Or are you like me, suffering from a lack of balance?  I'm curious to know how other women feel about balance in their own lives.

Image Source: http://homestretch-annie.blogspot.com/2011/02/who-moved-my-stapler.html

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

When Circle of Moms blogger Amy Rhoads writes that she loves the holidays and the many family traditions they bring, including "food, lots of food," she's underscoring one of the many challenges the season can serve up for moms. The person in each family charged with preparing all that food, not to mention visits with family and friends, shopping marathons, social functions, gift-wrapping and decorating, is faced with a lot of stress and real challenges to healthy habits, both physical and mental. It’s all too easy for moms to get caught up in holiday activities and forget about themselves, says member Kate C.

"For me, staying healthy during the holidays is more than just eating well and exercising. It’s about staying sane and not driving myself crazy with stress or to the point of absolute exhaustion," offers a member named Carly.

To help restore some balance to moms’ hectic calendars, as Carly strives to do, I've rounded up the following five tips from members on staying physically and mentally healthy throughout the holiday season.

1. Find a Way to Exercise

Cynthia O. points out that to some extent, the holidays are like any other time of the year for most moms – busy and hectic. There's just "a little bit more to do than usual, and higher calorie treats."

With that reality in mind, she and Becky J. both combat the extra stress and temptation by maintaining regular routines for working out, and for meals and snacks. Becky, who asserts that, "Planning is key to staying healthy, especially during the holidays," even sticks to her normal meal plans on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

While some moms are able to make time for a regular exercise routine during the holidays, moms like Anita H. say that jam-packed days and evenings call for flexibility. She shortens her usual one-hour workout a bit because of the hustle and bustle of extra errands and activities. But working out for even a few minutes helps her to feel less guilty about indulging in the holiday excess. "Something is always better than nothing," she laughs.

Moms Mary A., Gina J. and Amy R. agree that the key is finding some way to fit in physical activity. Gina packs exercise DVDs when she travels to see family. Mary burns off calories and stress by using stairs instead of an elevator or escalator, as well as by parking further away from the storefront when at a shopping mall. And instead of working out alone, which she doesn’t have time for because of extra activities during the holidays, Amy plays active games with her family, such as Wii Dance. "If anything, your abs will get a good workout from all of the laughs and good times," she reassures.

2. Pare Down Activities

The annual whirlwind of activity is good as long as moms keep realistic expectations about what they have time for, says Kate. "I no longer cram my personal or family calendar with holiday activities," she explains. Instead, her family prioritizes the events and outings that are truly special and meaningful. "That way I enjoy the season and savor the moments watching my children revel in the holiday magic. If we miss something, I don’t fret."

Mom Carly suggests another way to pare down a mom's to-do list: outsourcing. For instance, she ditches baking from scratch and instead buys sugar cookies for her kids to decorate, takes advantage of store gift wrapping services, and shops online so that gifts can be shipped directly to friends instead of wrapping and delivering them herself.

In other words, have some holiday fun, "do what you can do, and don't sweat it if you can't get everything done," says Denise G. "I find that if I keep it manageable, then that overwhelming feeling doesn't consume the holiday."

3. Carve Out Some ‘Me Time'

For Carly, experiencing the holiday season as a parent without taking any breathers for herself can make her feel like she's going to "face plant into a vat of homemade caramel corn." To avert the overload, she now carves out at least 10 minutes of "me" time each day. What she does with these breaks varies from reading a book to doing yoga or meeting a girlfriend for coffee early in the morning when her family's still sleeping.

"Sometimes we are full of conversation, and other times we quietly sit and sip our morning java. For me, it is a great way to regroup before I start the day," she says.

Jody P. also schedules "major down time" for herself to "chill out" with no activities. The mentality of, "'I'm not here. You don't see me' really has helped not feel so rushed," she says. 

Image Source: iStock Photo

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

There are moms who have never spent a night away from their babies, but for most of us the need to do so eventually arises, whether for work or a much needed getaway with our spouses. There’s no right or wrong answer as to when it’s okay to first spend a night away from your baby, but when the time comes for that first overnight separation, there is some sage advice to follow from the Circle of Moms community.

1. Have A Sitter Come To You

The less you have to interrupt your baby's schedule during your trip, the more likely it will go smoothly. That's why Nancy T. chooses to have the babysitter come to her house: "I just left my daughter overnight this past weekend to celebrate my anniversary. I had my mom come and babysit at my place so that my daughter's routine would stay the same."

Another benefit to keeping your little one at home is that you don't have to worry about the hassle of packing, or of forgetting some essential item. Renee T. prepared everything she could think of for the first time her parents kept her baby overnight, and ultimately decided to have them come to her house so they would have everything they might need.

2. Stick With Family

Several moms in the Circle of Moms community recommend using very close family to watch your baby overnight. If your parents or in-laws are able, they often make a great choice for the first sitter your baby knows. Nancy T.'s mom came over a few times before the trip to "run through the night time routine" and help her baby feel comfortable with a different person putting her to bed.

The trust that you have in your family member will mean less worry for you. For Megan F., although the first time was tough, she now feels very comfortable leaving her little one with grandma: "remember they are grandparents, so they have done this before."

3. Write Down Essentials

Even if your sitter comes to you, there are some necessary preparations before your trip – starting with paperwork. Bev R. suggests writing down the important information about your baby's routine: "Let them know the baby's schedule, how to put her to sleep. Leave a written note so that they may be able to refer to it."

Another essential paperwork item is a medical consent form, along with detailed information about where to go if there is medical emergency. These papers should include emergency phone numbers as well. "With all hope it never gets used but they need to have the power," says Bethanie S. (The website About.com has a free form that you can use, with spaces for each child's medical history, insurance info, emergency numbers, and your signed consent. Download it here>>).

4. Leave a Comfort Item

In addition to the practical items and paperwork, Cherie has a tip from her experience working in a daycare center, and that is leaving your baby with a huggable item you've infused with your smell: "We used to tell the moms to sleep in a t-shirt and bring it with them so we could comfort the baby with the moms smell. It seemed to work well."

5. Ditch The Guilt

This last tip is easier said than done: Try not to worry. Make the most of your time off and get the one thing you probably need most: Sleep! Melissa M. found that even one night away gave her a much-needed re-charge: "Even though it was only for one night, we had a great time. I think the best part was being able to sleep in for the first time."

Several moms agree that your relationship with your partner can benefit from an occasional night off from parenting. Circle of Moms member Holly started scheduling weekends with the grandparents when her daughter was three months-old, and found it was the key to maintaining her marriage. Hubby and I needed a date night. Our marriage wasn't doing so well at that point, but we learned how to communicate and we're great now!"

Don't be surprised if your baby isn't really fazed at all by a night or two away from you. It doesn't mean that he doesn't miss or need you, it just means that your planning, preparation and great choice of a caregiver worked! Anna B. had her mom stay with her son so that she and her husband could have some time together right after he returned from deployment: "He hardly knew I was gone. He woke up once in the night, as was usual, but my mom said she just took him downstairs and played with him for an hour till he feel back to sleep, which he must have known was different, but he did fine. Mostly, I've noticed my kids handle the separation a lot better than I expect, especially when I leave them with grandparents who are so much fun."

Image Source: Kekka via Flickr/Creative Commons

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

While most Circle of Moms members agree motherhood is a blessing, there is no denying that it can also be stressful at times. Here, moms share their stress-busting survival tips, which range from getting a dose of "Vitamin N" to playing tag with the kids in the backyard. 

1. Say OM

From yoga to deep breathing, relaxation techniques are mandatory stress relievers for moms like Pamela W. “One of the best, and quickest stress relievers is breathing,” she says. “Stop and take several deep breaths and come back into your center."

2. Take a Dose of Vitamin “N”

Another cure for stress is getting outdoors to soak up nature. “I find sitting outside to be very relaxing," shares Cara K., a single mom of two preschoolers. “I love to garden, which is relaxing for me, so when I come outside at night I just listen to my water fountain trickle water and the garden is surrounded by solar lights. It is what works for me.”

3. Create Calm Moments

Creating more calm moments in your day also helps Circle of Moms members stay sane. As Melissa B. advises, "Making sure you get enough sleep, even if it is just carving out just 10-15 minutes of absolute silence (not watching TV) for yourself, is so important. Do deep breathing or focus on something relaxing. It seems small, but makes a world of difference.”

Shenelle A. adds that though she doesn’t have a lot of time for sleep, she finds that a quick catnap or just closing her eyes can restore her. “I sit on my porch or go to my room and lay in the bed and stare at the wall,” she says.

4. Move

"[Running] is what naturally comes to mind when I hear the word stress," says Lisa of Lisa Runs for Cupcakes. "If you can't find the time to squeeze in a run by yourself, try and get outdoors for a game of tag with your kids. You will be amazed by how you feel after sprinting around the yard."

5. Pray or Meditate

Moms like Heather L. say the main way they stave off stress is seeking spiritual intervention: “Prayer helps me stay calm and stay focused. During the day when I am feeling overwhelmed, I try to recognize what is most important for the welfare of my family and set aside other less-important things, such as checking my email.”

Nikkie E. also looks to prayer to alleviate mom anxiety: “The balance that prayer brings ... it's undeniable and incomparable to any other method I've tried.” 

6. Organize Something

Though it may seem counterintuitive, moms like Jane B. say they can beat off stress by burying themselves in chores like cleaning the house. "Cleaning is therapeutic," she admits. “I know this will sound crazy, but one of the things I do is clean - especially putting away clutter. By restoring order to part of my home, it draws me out of the chaos and out-of-control circumstances of my life.”

7. Talk to Other Moms About Motherhood

Finding other moms in similar situations is another tool in combating stress. As Leitia T. suggests, knowing you're not alone can help relieve pressure: “Join groups for moms like yourself so that you can see that other women are experiencing the same thing, and also to compare your feelings and support each other. There are religious groups, neighborhood groups, community center groups, and organized groups. Even just the local community center open-play gym times are great for meeting other women and kids. Don’t isolate yourself.”

8. Talk to Friends About Anything BUT Motherhood 

Other moms let off stress by connecting with adults over something not related to motherhood. “At least once a month, my friends and I go out for dinner, drinks and dessert,” shares Chetna F. “It helps us to know we can eat out of the house and not cut anyone's meat or have to share a dessert. We always have a designated driver, but for the most part, we get high off the laughs we have and how much fun it is to talk about anything and nothing that has to do with marriage, the house, and the kids.”

What do you do to take care of yourself?

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