going stir crazy, mama? affirmations and alternatives to losing your cool

Last Thursday afternoon I started unraveling.

Let’s back up. First of all, I’m trying to set myself up for success in this quarantine season. I really am.

Put together a schedule for my preschoolers? Check.

Follow schedule? For the most part.

Stocking up on necessities without over-doing it? Yep.

Simple dinners and low pressure days? For sure.

The first few days of all this went well. Standing strong and being positive.

But last Thursday afternoon hit me like a truck. Somewhere in the storm of news online, the stir crazy feeling of being stuck at home, the squeals of the kids (both happy and otherwise) – it all became too much. 

That’s when I started snapping.

“Just STOP IT!” Angry Cranky Mom started making a guest appearance. She came out vicious, defensive, irritable. 

But instead of being mad at her, or breaking down entirely about her, I’m starting to see her with a little more grace. 

I see a mom who is trying her best with a lot of uncertainty and mom anxiety and never-done-this-before. A mom who isn’t getting the space she physically and mentally needs to be well. A mom who is feeling the tragedy around her and doesn’t know how to help. 

Of course she’s frustrated. Of course she’s wearing down.

But then is it okay to yell and scream and slam doors? Probably not.

 

If you’re feeling stir crazy, Mama, know you’re not alone. 

Here are some affirmations you need to remember during this time:

Your feelings – your anxiety and fear and frustration – are real and valid. You are doing the best you can with what you have.

A good God watches over you, is bigger than our problems, and has a plan. Nothing is too hard for him. 

God loves and is watching out for your children, too. They are resilient and will make it through this.

This is a season, and it will pass.

People are working hard to address this global problem and finding solutions.

People are in a unique position to be vulnerable right now. They are afraid, and may act out of fear. But know there is a huge number of people who care and want to help.

You’re not alone.

We will deal with this uncertainty like we deal with all challenges – one step at a time.

You have already overcome so much to get to where you are today.

You are loved and valued.

There is a lot that is uncertain right now. But we can keep going back to these things. We can look for the good, and still find joy and gratitude in this crazy time.

(P.S. More positive daily self-affirmations for anytime.) 

To the stir crazy Mama: here are some things you can do instead of losing your cool.

Count to five. (Or ten. Or twenty.)

Take a time out. Allow yourself the chance to step out of the room or house and take a few minutes to breathe.

Say a prayer. 

Turn on your favorite music to lift up your mood.

Start a dance party.

Make yourself a cup of tea.

Color or build or create something with your kids.

Take a walk.

Read a scripture or favorite quote. (Keep them handy – on post-it notes, or a note on your phone.) 

Do jumping jacks or push-ups.

Start prepping for dinner.

Allow screen time while you take a breather.

Contact a friend via text, call, or video message.

Play hide and seek (and count EXTRA slowly). 

Put on some soothing hand lotion with lavender, or another calming scent.

Find a few calming yoga positions, like child’s pose, downward dog, or tree.

Punch or scream into a pillow. 

Make silly faces (that maybe start angry but get sillier). 

Splash cool water on your face.

Eat a snack.

How about you?

What small things can you do in the moment to help keep you from losing your cool?

Photo Credit: All by the amazing Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash