Stress Management for Host Families

Being a working parent can be very stressful. When you had a long day at work and are greeted by kids screaming at the top of their lungs as you get home, you probably won’t be your best self. To prevent frustration and reduce stress in your daily life, here are my top 5 ways to unwind.

Sleep

Adults between the age of 18 and 64 should get 7 hours of sleep every night. It’s proven to reduce stress and is probably the easiest way to relax after a long day. Try not to sleep too much though: Ironically, this can make you feel even more tired and drained.

Smile

Something you can do in your everyday life to reduce your stress fast and easy: Smiling! This simple exercise can change your brain’s chemistry, helps relax your muscles and even lowers your blood pressure. So next time you feel like screaming, try smiling instead!

Exercise

Exercise might be the most effective way to get rid of stress. It helps release endorphins making you feel better almost instantly. Try running before work, take your kids to ride their bikes on the weekend or take a long walk in the evening. No matter what you decide to do it’s sure to be good for both your physical and mental health.

Communicate

Communication is key! Talk to your friends, family and co-workers. Everyone feels stressed sometimes and they will probably be able to help you. Don’t bottle up your emotions. This might end in screaming at your kids or even your Au Pair. Be open about how you feel and things are likely to get easier.

Relax

Last, but not least: Relax! Yes, it’s easier said than done, but there are a lot of fantastic ways to calm down. Try meditating or take a hot shower to relieve muscle tension. Listen to your favorite music or read a good book. Find your prefered way to unwind and try to do it on a regular basis.

A stressed Host Family is not the kind your kids and your Au Pair deserve and need. If you start to feel stressed, take a deep breath and count to ten. At the end of the day you are responsible for the overall mood in your household, so you should be the one in control of your feelings. Your stressed self might react in a way you wouldn’t when relaxed. So remember to find a good work-life-balance to be the best (Host) Parent you can be.


Until next time,

Sammy-Jo