What Do You Do to Keep Your Sanity??

First close your eyes and take a deep breath! It is so easy to get overwhelmed especially when you have little ones at home. When this happens to me I try to picture myself years down the road, calm, peaceful, happy, and having survived the storm! We often put unrealistic expectations on ourselves (as if there weren't already enough expected of us as moms) and I struggle with this a lot myself. Just remember, everything will be ok, you will get through this moment and peace (and relaxation!) will find you again :)

HaHa I understand in a way cause my kid does have a touch of ADD which gives her bounds of energy. I always find if i take her and her bike to the park or even just sit outside and watch her ride it for a while it gets the energy out of her so she will come in and relax with either a movie or her dsi. Her DSI has some nice games that actually help her add so its educational and gives me some piece to just sit surf the web and relax. Everyone tells me excercise will make me feel better also but my kid wont let me excercise.

I go to a gym with a great kids korner.. plus I have made alot of mom friends to workout with and take classes.. My kids love the kids korner they even have parents night out 2 a month :)

David Bowie dance parties. Girl friends. Moments/hours by myself. Painting. An acceptance of my human nature. Goofing off on the internet. A lot of time outside with the kids. Swimming.

I think I have crossed over and am not sure if I can come back. LOL

Seriously, I have quite a tornado of my own. My husband works most days but does take over when he is home. Those are the times that I am able to go out with my gf. Sometimes he schedules a day off to give me my day off. I also have a lot of extended family support. Grandparents take them for overnight visits and older cousins take them out occasionally. Believe me, I am grateful for the support I have yet I am most days still overwhelmed (I have a special needs child who can be good most days but can also open the front door and walk barefoot in the snow or run towards the street)

Things that work for me
1) Activities -swimming for the kids. (I love sitting on the sidelines for 30 mins sipping my coffee), preschool, summer school
2). Kid places that make me sit and chill and chat with my girlfriends ( We have a Kid Klub here that allows me to just do that. I can eyeball my kids where ever they are and the kids enjoy dress up, trains, climbing structure and the like)
3) A good cry (preferably not in front of the kiddies)
4) a good scream (preferably not in front of the kiddies)
5) Not stressing about the small stuff
6) Reading a book when they're asleep
7) Putting them to bed early ( We get ready at 630p with showers, books prayers and cuddles by 730p. My kiddies are in bed with the lights out. Have too because my f5 will be awake by 7am regardless of what time she sleeps. Yep even if she goes to bed at midnight)
8) I indulge on a beverage that takes me to a happy place- Coffee is my liquid lithium. Yes, things are still crazy and the floor I just mopped is a mess but I don't give a rat's bum while I'm sipping my coffee.
9) Mommy timeout =).
10) Dancing to 80s music with my kiddies

work and martial arts activity reduces stress especially excercise and I love my martial arts but I also have to work or i get very depressed I need the contact with outside people but if you dont want to work bible studies and such.

Wait, what's Sanity? :)
I have a 2 y/o son and a 4 month old lil girl. I'm also a SAHM who doesn't have any friends in this state. *besides hubby*
So I've lost my mind already. :)
Little things that help me.
I go for walks when the kids are in bed. Or drives if it's too cold.
I step out on my patio and read a book for 2-3 min. I call and talk to my siblings or mom.
I take any alone time I can get, even if it's only for 2 min at a time.