Dealing with the stress? Help!

[LoveLife]

I'm currently a student mom who is taking summer classes. What was I thinking?! The pace is SO fast, I'm constantly feeling overwhelmed and totally stressed out. I'm not being the wife or mom that I should or want to be. Our family is spending more money because I can't find the time to cook. DH is helping out when he can, mostly with taking care of DS so I can study. Its a constant battle not to just loose it.

How do you deal with the stress? Is there some way to get control during the summer session? I hate feeling so on edge and my poor family is bearing the brunt of it.

[moonyoungi]

Are there any other stressors in your life right now, other than juggling between school and family?

-I found counseling to be helpful, even if you are just venting it out. Does your school have free counseling sessions available for students??

When do you study?

-When there is large amount of material to cover, I try to study bit by bit, around the clock + dedicated time, when they are sleeping or when someone else is watching them. I study as I cook, go to bathroom, taking bath, right before sleep, right when I wake up and kiddos are still sleeping, while commuting, whatever. You get the idea.

Lower your expectation of what you should accomplish, other than your schooling and keeping good relationship with your hubby and children.

-Family then school, everything else can take the backseat. Like cooking, cleaning, etc. Movie night for kids is Okay!

Use different tactics to calm your nerves.

-exercise, little "me" time here and there, oh and study group helps if you get stressed out studying by yourself.

[laurabfig]

Remember it is only for a season. you can do this for a few months/weeks.

Let your expectations for cooking, housekeeping, etc. slide a bit right now.

One thing that helps me when I'm really stressed at work is to figure out a time during the day that is NOT study time- we do 5-8 pm, but even if you just did 5-7 or whatever, that could be focused time with the family where you can shut off your school-brain for a bit.

Can you take a walk while studying flashcards, to get some exercise in? I know for me, sometimes exercise feels like one more thing to do when I'm really stressed, but I do know it is a surefire way to get out some of the anxiety and stress in a healthy way.

Hope it eases up soon...