Jim Clancy, a licensed family therapist in Orange County, California, for over 35 years, has seen rising anxiety levels among mothers of young children. And it’s never been worse than during recent months, when many kids are unable to return to school due to COVID-19.
“I practically have to beg mothers to take time for themselves,” Clancy said.
“Most women come to me because they feel out of balance.”
Quick to align the tires so they can chauffeur safely, they’ve forgotten about the driver’s own equilibrium. During a difficult year, when summer travel has been restricted and holiday travel may be difficult, we can still take some mini-vacations for the soul.
Muscle De-stressor
Want to relax? Whip up just a dash of adrenaline (the fight-or-flight hormone) with a dose of endorphins (the natural opiates we get from pleasurable activities) and a sprinkle of the neurotransmitter serotonin (low levels of which are associated with depression) for the perfect biochemical balance. To achieve this, exercise. Exercise can release adrenaline, which burns off, but the endorphins and serotonin it spurs continue to be released into your system.
