Releiving Stress

Well....since both you and your husband are stressed, perhaps you can participate in a sress-relieving activity together *wink wink*

Have sex :o)

Is it stress or lack of sleep that is the main concern? I like drinking Celestial Seasonings tea in the evening, especially Tension Tamer or Sleeptime (LOVE Sleepytime Extra but can't have it while I'm pregnant). Once we put the boys to bed my husband and I try to cuddle on the couch, or just hang out at different ends of it and chat, or I'll read while he watches a show, just a little bit of unwinding. Sometimes we talk about things we're both interested in, like history or literature or he'll talk about music (his hobby) and I'll smile and listen and completely not "get" it. If I'm really lucky, I can get a mini-massage before I head up to bed.

I like gently scented lotions before bed because the smell lingers and relaxes me. I also like using a soothing linen spray. If you're like me, you're so busy doing everything else that your bedroom is the last room that gets cleaned or tidied and stores everything that doesn't fit anywhere else. I try to keep our nightstands attractive and have gone and "redecorated" them for a few dollars at Wal Mart with some cheap but pretty candle holders, small picture frames, and a pretty linen. Liking my room makes me feel more relaxed when I actually get to be in it. (I usually go to bed between 1 and 2:30, depending on the morning, and get up by 7:15 for work, so I am pretty fried, too.)

I do respond well to relaxing baths, but like adding something scented and drinking tea in the bath. I also feel more relaxed after doing something like a foot scrub. I never feel like I have the time, though.

Not quite medicating, but I also find a glass of wine or a shot of Scotch helps me relax a lot. If you drink occassionally that sometimes helps right before bed (once in a while for me, never every night), or a nice hard lemonade in the tub. It tastes better than a sleeping pill at any rate. :)

I do NOT like being rushed in the morning, so it is helpful for me that I leave for work before my husband and the boys are awake, so I can sip coffee and sometimes read something before I leave in a quiet house. Even if I'm tired, it helps me.

I have a tough time with stress too.
Some people swear by meditation and things like tai chi.
Sometimes I sleep better if I take a brisk walk and really walk off the stress of the day. I live in a safe community and you can walk around at any time of night.
But, for some people, a walk before bed jazzes them up so it might not work for you.

I haven't been married for a while so I can't relate on current terms, but I think Lesley has the right idea!
Seriously!
I think there are studies that show that having sex is a great stress reliever and married couples live longer than single people.
It can't hurt to try.
If you're too tired at night...give it a whirl in the morning.
You might still be tired, but you could be in a good mood.

I wish you the best.

I think being able to relax is a personal thing and you need to know yourself and know what will help you to relax. Unfortunately it does not appear to be exercise, baths, or reading. Is there a hobby you enjoy? Could you take up something like knitting or crocheting...would that be relaxing to you?

It sounds like you are going full speed all the time and never get 'you' time. You just need to make some you time and figure out what you would like to do during that time and make sure you do it!

Set a bedtime for the kids if you do not have one already that is at least one hour before you would like to be in bed yourself. Sit down with your husband and each of you spend at least 10 minutes telling eachother about your day. THEN work on other stuff if you need to like dishes or laundry. Make positive though that you work some "me time" into the day or you'll go nuts. Good luck!

Valerian root tea, a natural relaxer.
I also sing when I get really taxed, it's an alternative to yelling and clears my mind.

I would get some lavendar and spray your pillows then try to do the relaxation part of a yoga dvd or meditation those are some that have somewhat helped me out and my hubby says I'm the worst stressed out person ever!

I would try Melatonin.

It's sort of like medicating yourself, but it's not a prescription and it's more along the lines of a natural sleep aid.

HI,

I tend to agree with Susan. I am a very stressfull person. I have paid for programs that help relieve stress and read up on some many sites about it. I did however pay for a program from England, that in all my years of dealing with stress it was by far the best. It made sense. It was simple and to the point, but the main factors regarding stress were, walking, just ten minutes while swinging your arms. The other was Tai Chi... I thought oh okay, what is that? It came with a Video and I watched it and did it, only ten minutes and wow, I was amazed. Deep breathing, takes oxygen to the mussels, to relax them. I love it and do it everytime, I need it, like before going out shopping, (which stress me) having a party, or just having one of those days with the hubby. It works. And remember no Caffeine at night, that means soda, coffee, or sweets.. Also do not watch the news at night, you need to be watching a comedy prior to bed, if you have too put on cartoons. Hope you try it. Good Luck and May your sleep be sweet.

Hi,

I feel for you! My kids are now 10 & 8 and unfortunately I still have stress! However, the one thing that my husband and I enforce is bedtime. That is when he and I just sit like blobs and talk or watch tv (we DVR it a lot). We even (although he wont admit to his guy friends) steep a pot of decaf tea and sit and enjoy it together. Years ago when my kids were little and I was having similar problem to what you are going through, my doctor told me to do a few things:
1. Take the TV out of the bedroom.
2. No reading in bed
3. No kids in the bed
4. No computer in the bedroom
5. Remember the bed is for sleeping (an other things with your hubby-wink wink) only
6. Keep your bedroom uncluttered
7. No caffeine after lunch time

It actually worked!

I hope these ideas help you!