As of Mother's Day 2009, the U. S. Census Bureau reports 9.8 million mothers identify themselves as single moms among the 82.8 million mothers in the United States. Single mothers must guard against stress and seek out forms of relaxation regularly particularly because the burden of child care falls on them. To effectively fight stress, mothers should practice some form of relaxation at least twice daily.
Stretching to Relax the Body
Physical relaxation is possible during short periods of time while children take naps. Find a quiet place and sit comfortably with uncrossed legs and arms resting at the side of body, eyes closed. Beginning with the facial and neck muscles flex each muscle group and then slowly relax. Feel the tension leave your body.
Work through the various muscle groups of the body, flexing and relaxing, all the while taking regular, deep breaths. Once you become familiar with this routine, you can accomplish it in approximately ten minutes. When finished, open eyes and stretch while relaxing for a moment or two more.
Meditation to Relax the Mind
The practice of meditation enhances mental tranquility. Although busy mothers do not typically have long periods of time to relax, as little as ten or fifteen minutes a day spent in meditation can energize and reduce daily stress. A simple practice involves sitting with legs crossed, spine straight and arms resting lightly on knees. Begin to slowly breathe in and out; this stabilizes the mind and body for meditative purposes and relaxes the body.
As relaxation occurs, begin to breathe in a series so that every ten breaths, the length of exhalation and inhalation lengthens progressively. Allow the mind to go blank focusing only on breathing deeply. Continue for ten or fifteen minutes. At the end of the session, unfold limbs, stretch and sit still a moment or two more before tackling the rest of the day.
Hydrotherapy to Relax
To combat stress at the end of a long day, try some home-grown hydrotherapy. Enlist a friend or relative to watch the kids for an hour or so. Then fill the tub with sudsy water, light some scented candles, turn on some favorite music and soak away troubles. While soaking, enjoy a steamy cup of flavored coffee and read a novel or try a wine cooler and a favorite magazine.
