Putting Things into Perspective

Even if you’re not a parent, it’s sometimes very difficult to put things into perspective. Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns, many of which are quite frightening.

When you’re a parent, these unexpected roadblocks typically seem all the more daunting. After all, it’s your job to protect your children and assist them in making the best decisions, now and in the future. The following tips are suggestions to help you put things in perspective, as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Honestly, it can be done! All it takes is a little bit of practice.

Technically, putting something into perspective is comparing it to a similar situation. The end result is a clear, more accurate understanding of the problem. It can also mean coming to the realization that you now understand the importance of something.

Stay Calm

One of the most crucial things when trying to put things into perspective is to remain calm… or at least as calm as possible. Take three or four deep breaths. Briefly, close your eyes and try to envision yourself relaxing on the beach or one of your favorite destinations.

Doing your best to stay calm allows you to take control of the situation and come to a resolution as soon as possible.

Consider the Feelings of Others

In a perfect world, everyone would be considerate of the feelings of others. When perspective is an issue, try to put yourself in the shoes of all of the other people involved. What are their motives? What do they fear? Why are they behaving this way? These are just a few questions to think about.

Everyone is different. No two people look at a situation exactly the same. Before you say anything that may end up hurting someone’s feelings, step into their shoes. It really makes a difference.

Take a Break

If all else fails, take a break. Put younger kids down for a short nap or if you have older kids who don’t need constant supervision, take a walk around the block. This gives everyone the chance to cool off and think about things in a rational manner.

At this point, you can even talk to yourself a bit (if only in your mind). Doing so might prevent you from overreacting. Overreacting only upsets everyone and elevates the problem.

Remember that you’re the adult. If the situation is causing your children to be upset, seeing you upset will only make things worse. Let’s face it, life is stressful for everyone at times. No one is immune to stress-free parenting.

Now that we’ve talked a bit more about the best ways to put things into perspective, hopefully, it’s helped you stay on the right track. Of course, at times, you’ll still feel a challenge. There’s no way around it. But, the more you make use of these tips, the better off you’ll eventually be. Just take it one day at a time and as the saying goes… “don’t sweat the small stuff!” You’re certainly not alone. And, in reality, the world would be a boring place if everybody had the same perspective, wouldn’t it?

Relax – They’re Just Kids

While raising children is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, it can also be stressful. Parents are on call 24 hours a day, which can cause stress levels to build. This anxiety can lead to difficulty sleeping, headaches or a lowered immune system. Here are a few things you can do to help you relax and manage the stress that often comes with parenting.

Watch What You Eat

Not only is a balanced diet good for you physically, but it also helps you to manage stress. Eating right keeps your energy levels up throughout the day, and helps you to fall asleep at night.

One thing to be sure to include when planning out your meals is complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grain pasta and bread. These carbs may increase your brain’s level of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to keep you calm and in a good mood. Omega-3 fatty acid is another dietary addition that can help you to stay on top of any situation. Commonly found in fish, seeds, and nuts, omega-3s help to regulate the stress hormones in your body.

Get Plenty of Exercise

During a workout, your body releases endorphins, which brighten your mood and make you feel accomplished. In addition, the positive stress of an intense workout helps to prepare the brain for negative stress down the road. Consider starting an exercise routine, whether it’s walking around the block or even a gym membership. Not only will it help you to feel positive, but it may also give you the energy you need to keep up with the kids.

Set Aside Some Time

Don’t feel guilty for wanting to take some time out for yourself. Whether it’s being able to watch a movie uninterrupted or finding the time for a spa day, devoting a little time and energy to taking care of yourself will help you to maintain a positive attitude. If the children are old enough, you might encourage them to explore after-school activities, which will give you more time to tend to your own needs, as well as heighten your children’s interest in hobbies and activities.

Look for Help

At times when stress levels start to get high, it’s important to remember that you can ask for help. If you hire a babysitter or even give the kids a little time at their grandparents, this frees up some time so that you can take care of whatever you may need to get done. If you need to vent about the things that have you stressed, try calling a friend or even inviting them over to help you unwind.

When parenting gets stressful, it’s important to relax and stay in control of the situation. Your kids learn by watching you. So, responding to stressful situations with a positive attitude is more than a little important. By ensuring that your stress levels are under control, you can focus less on feeling anxious and more on the time you and your family spend together.

mom laying down with infant baby happy
mother and children