Being a parent is more than a full-time job that requires constant attention, patience, and energy. So it’s no surprise that managing your inner calm can be challenging, especially if you have young children. However, finding ways to keep calm and maintain peace of mind is crucial for your well-being, children, and families.

Here are some tips on how to manage your inner calm:

1. Practice mindfulness

Whilst this isn’t for everyone and is often thought of as just a new buzzword, mindfulness is the art of being present in the moment and fully aware of your thoughts and emotions. It’s a powerful tool that can help you stay calm and centred amid chaos. Take a few minutes daily to practice mindfulness by focusing on your breath, or a mantra can be helpful. You can also try guided meditation apps or classes.

2. Take breaks

Parenting can be exhausting, and taking breaks to recharge your batteries is essential. Ask a friend or family member to have your children for a few hours so you can have some time to yourself. You can return the favour at a later date.

3. Get enough sleep

Sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression, making it even harder to manage your inner calm. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you fall asleep faster. This applies to yourself and your child/ren, giving you some uninterrupted time.

4. Practice self-care

Self-care is essential for your overall well-being. Take care of yourself by reading, taking a hot bath, or walking. Make time for yourself, even just a few minutes each day. Think about how much TV and digital content is consuming your time; the constant availability of online content can be detrimental and requires discipline. Self-compassion is an exciting thought Dr Anna Friis, a health psychologist and teacher of mindful self-compassion, talks about the notion that “if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t last the distance – she states that it’s already a marathon.”

5. Stay organised

Being organised can help reduce stress and anxiety. Create a schedule or a to-do list to help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Simplify your life by decluttering your home and removing things you no longer need. Sharing tasks with loved ones that can help.

6. Accepting bad things happen to us all

So many of us think, “why me !” in adversity; these thoughts are unhelpful and will isolate us. We all have forms of suffering in our lives. We will inevitably have some form of suffering in our lives. We have not failed. We need to acknowledge this as part of life’s journey. It is not unusual. Accepting those bad things happen to many of us and not just you as individuals is a great starting point.

7. Practice positive self-talk

Positive self-talk can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety. Instead of criticising yourself, try to focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Use affirmations or mantras to remind yourself of your worth and capabilities.

Self-compassion means that in order to take care of others, we must take care of ourselves. Therefore, it is essential to be strong and stick up for ourselves to protect our time to have boundaries and communicate this clearly to others.

Thinking about and focusing on what I need right now when I feel like my options are limited is incredibly challenging focus on what you can do rather than what you have to do and can’t do.

Remember, managing your inner calm is a journey that takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’re also taking care of your children by taking care of yourself.

Many things in our lives are out of our control. When we struggle and fail or don’t achieve our own personal expectations. Self-compassion towards ourselves and others help us respond with thoughtfulness, kindness, wisdom and warmth.

Kindness and thoughtfulness are catchy, and we can all benefit from a dose of self-compassion. We can always manage how we respond to what happens, and self-compassion will make a difference.

You’ve got this. Kindness truly matters!