If you’re a parent, you are likely to worry a lot at times, as the pressures of raising children are unique. Below are some examples of how the stress of being a parent can impact your wellbeing and what you can do to resolve it.
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Lack of Sleep
When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, one of the most common effects is to stop you from getting a good night’s sleep. Often at night is the first time you’ve stopped all day, and that’s when your worries catch up with you. Enough sleep every night is essential for your wellbeing, as exhaustion will likely lead to a lack of patience and irritability – not to mention the effect it can have on your immune system and brain function.
If you are struggling to sleep, try an activity that helps you relax, such as meditation, before you go to bed. A hot shower or bath might also help you feel calmer, making it easier for you to get to sleep at night. Set time aside at another point to think through any concerns you have and use thought blocking techniques to shut down unhelpful thoughts. Set up a routine that works for you and follow it every night – soon, your body will recognize the cues and wind down more naturally.
Weight Gain or Weight Loss
It is common when stressed to either lose or gain weight. You might find that you lose your appetite as you’re preoccupied with what is worrying you, or it could be that you’re using food as a way to soothe yourself when you are feeling the pressure. As a parent, you will be focused on making sure your kids have healthy, nutritious meals each day – but are you doing the same for yourself? You must make sure you treat yourself with the same care and maintain a healthy diet. Making time for some exercise when you can is also important, even if it’s taking a quick stroll around the block for 30-minutes a day.
Hair Loss
Stress can also lead to hair loss if it is severe enough, which can only add to your feelings of distress. If you notice this problem, you should speak to your doctor to make sure it isn’t due to another condition such as alopecia or a thyroid problem. While a change in lifestyle and learning to manage your stress can help resolve this issue, if you are worried about permanent bald patches, you can look into hair transplants as a long-term solution for hair loss.
Conclusion
Being a parent does come with a lot of incredible experiences. It isn’t all stress and turmoil. However, certain pressures come with this role, and it’s not uncommon for parents to feel overwhelmed at times or face anxieties that they hadn’t experienced before they had children. If you are a parent who is feeling under pressure, watch out for these physical symptoms of stress. Either try some mindfulness techniques to help you manage your stress better or speak to a doctor to see if you can get support like counseling or medication to help you feel more in control.
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