Have you ever come to the end of yourself and just thought there is nothing left to give of yourself to your child(ren)? Your husband? Have you ever felt like burying your head in the covers and not coming out? I certainly have! So, how do you go on? What do you do to get yourself out of the emotional mess?

Concentrate on the positive. Think of one good thing and write it down. I find taking the time to do this gets my mind off of the circumstance I am in at the time. One positive thought usually leads to another, and then another.

This is a season. It won’t always be like this.  YOU will have a better day. Your children will have a better day. Know that this will pass and better times are ahead.

• Recharge. Meet a friend for coffee or exercise. Yep, that is better than seeing a therapist. Pay for the coffee and treat yourself and your friend to a goodie or go for a run or a bike ride. It’s nice to get out and away from the family for a little while. You will likely gain a new perspective and be able to give to your family if you get away to recharge.
• Refuel. Are you eating well or are you eating junk food? I find that if I am not eating like I should I don’t have energy and things upset me more easily. I  am grouchy and irritable. Make yourself an energy shake or eat a handful of nuts.
• Relax. Go for a walk, read your bible a good book, listen to a podcast, watch a favorite movie, sit outside, listen to some calming music. Do something that will bring you peace and help you unwind.
• Renew. Call someone who will support you. Ask for that person to pray for you and/ or listen. I recently had some less-than-good news and instead of staying down, I called someone. It helped to know they were listening.

Pull weeds, tear up old school papers, scrub a tub. There is just something gratifying to me in being able to tear out nasty weeds or rip up a bunch of papers that I have been needing to get rid of. I have been known to really go after soap scum in the bathtub when I am grumpy. I am being constructive and destructive all at the same time! lol

Concentrate on someone besides yourself. I think this is the best thing I can say. When I get my thoughts off myself and concentrate upon my family and my friends, I find what was bothering me was really not as bad as I thought. 🙂

May you have a great week! I know things can be tough and kids can be demanding. Take care of yourself.

Love, Lisa