I’m the type of person who tries to multi-task everything I do and I like to be in control of as much as possible. My personal mantra is: Use your time wisely. I find myself repeating this thought multiple times a day and honestly, I’m beginning to think it just adds to my stress levels. So, in an effort to be more calm and live in the moment I’ve been trying to learn the art of being idle. Of course, being idle at work isn’t very productive but when I’m at home it’s one of the best things I can do.

My hubby is always urging me to sit down and relax – a skill I’ve never quite possessed. I know that cutting out all of my stressors isn’t possible but I can try to make changes in my life that will help lighten my load and slowly but surely I have. I’ve been going to yoga classes after I feed my family and get my baby to bed. I’ve been trying to relax more at home. I’ve been “unplugging” as I like to call it – turn off my blackberry, turn off my cell phone, turn off my computer, etc. My daughter and I have free play time where we just sit on the floor together and I follow her lead and we play with whatever she wants to play with. I’ve been making an effort to ask for help and to be specific in what it is that I need help with. And, possibly most importantly, I’ve been working at accepting help when it is offered. (I know I can’t do it all because I tried that for the first few months of motherhood and I failed.)

Last night on our nightly family walk around the neighborhood, I was so focused on the things around me – the wind blowing in my baby’s hair, my dog sniffing all of the trees, the beautiful spring flowers, the sunset – I finally felt lost in the moment. I finally felt like I was on the road to control-freak rehab.

As working moms, it may be impossible to ever feel like we have total control of what is happening in our lives. Sometimes we are asked by our boss to give a presentation and feel completely unprepared or one of the kids is sick and needs to be picked up from school. Things happen. What makes a difference is how we react to these uncontrollable situations. If we can learn how to more effectively roll with the punches, things will be easier.

What are your strategies for reducing stress in your life?