I was honored that Lisa asked me to share 5 Ways I Stay Sane. The first question I asked myself when I read her post was, “Am I really sane?” After a few hours of debate, I decided that I am indeed sane, so I guess that qualifies me to continue with this post.
5 Ways I Stay Sane
- Read my bible everyday- Reading my bible helps me to put life into perspective. I am always encouraged by the scriptures and am challenged daily to finish well. I am reminded that my hope is not in things of this world but in things to come. Remembering those things throughout my day helps me to stay calm even in the midst of chaos.
- Play the piano- What many of you don’t know about me is that I took piano lessons for the majority of my school years. After an exceptionally stressful day I like to sit down and play the piano. I would love to tell you that I play hymns and praise songs but I don’t. I play fast and loud. It is a great stress reliever!
- Go outside- I love to sit outside on my porch or take walks with the kids. I love seeing the bugs and the butterflies, the trees, and the sky. I love the distinct smell of the different seasons. When I return to my house, it is like starting fresh.
- Sew- I love to sew. When I sew I am in my own little world. I am not a very good mom when I am sewing because I usually burn dinner or forget about the laundry, but I sure am happy. Sewing is a great escape for me and I don’t even have to leave the house.
- Reading- Reading is the ultimate escape for me. I normally read nonfiction, but do read fiction occasionally too. When I start a good book I have been known to stay up until I have read the last page. I read almost every night before I go to bed and strive to read at least one book a week. Thank goodness for the library!
Motherhood and family life is rewarding, and yet chaotic at times. I would love to hear what you all do to stay sane.
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Those are great tips. What does your husband do to stay sane?
I LOVE this list. I do very similar things myself. I play the piano when I’m stressed and I play it loud and fast! I LOVE to read and sew, but I can’t sew now as I have 6-month-old twins, a toddler and 7 older children. Sewing will come again someday! I love to be outside, too, with my flowers and pots. As of late, I love to escape by blogging! I’m addicted!
We have so much in common! I don’t play the piano much but I enjoy it when I do and I get into a complete trance when I read or sew. The rest of the world ceases to exist.
I love your blog! It was listed as a blog of note in my daily newspaper on Sunday (The Virginian-Pilot). I’m with you on all of the above ways of staying sane, except I don’t sew, and I must have a daily exercise workout of some sort. I have enjoyed looking through your recipes, too, and cannot wait to make that ice cream cake.
Great list! My sanity-saver is to do paper crafts- stamping and scrapbooking. In fact, I refer to it as my “therapy”.
These are all good ways to stay sane. Going outside is great, especially in the summer. Sometimes I get so bogged down with the housework and everything that needs done I forget about going outside. But when I have spent a day in the garden or outside playing with the kids – I feel so much better and I don’t care so much that my house is a mess or my laundry is backed up.
I haven’t done any sewing in a long time – but I am a happy sewer. Although sometimes I get frustrated with it – it’s so rewarding and a great pleasure to finish something you have made. I love looking at all my fabrics and colors and imagining what I can do with them.
I go in fazes about reading – I love to read but sometimes it’s hard for me to get motivated about reading. But when I do pick up a book and start reading – I can’t stop. I am a reading machine!
Another way I stay sane is by spending time with my husband. After the day is done and all the kids are in bed and the house is quiet – I love sitting on the back porch and talking to my husband or just enjoying his company. We never seem to run out of things to talk about and I just hope when we are 80 years old we still enjoy each others company and still have things to talk about.
Wow! That could be my list. Except I’m not a mother (yet!) and I don’t play the piano as much as I used to. I would, however, add knitting to my list.
Staying Sane?? I remind myself that things can always be worse… I am NOT in control… tomorrow (or maybe in a few hours) everything will be fine and life goes on. Sorry but I do not stay sane (if in fact I am) by spending time with my husband or children because usually they are the reason I am insane!! I use to read and sew but like you nothing else mattered, so I had to give those up. Now I read blogs and realize how wonderful life really is… Thanks girls.
Thanks for responding to my meme
I love your tips, and I’m going to be stealing some of them, especially the one about sewing. I think it takes so much concentration that you really can’t think about everything else going on (including dinner!).
I also really enjoy reading everyone else’s thoughts. This is what makes blogging so addictive, in my opinion!
Great list. I am with you except for the piano sewing. I was not blesed with those gifts.
The reading and sewing could be me. I only wish I could play the piano that well.
I need to spend more time with my Bible. Thanks for a very good reminder.
So what exactly do you play on the piano? Do you play by ear or by note or both? I’m curious.
I have learned to KNIT! It’s very relaxing and helps to keep me sane during my life with 5 sons! LOL!
Great post, thanks for the tips.
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