This morning I will be speaking at a conference for parents of kids with special needs about stress. It’s a hot topic these days. Americans are often described as the most stressed people in the world and parents of kids with special needs or from hard places are often especially overwhelmed. In fact, a study of moms raising children with autism showed they had cortisol levels similar to those of soldiers in combat. We can’t avoid stress completely but we can learn to appreciate the role it plays in our lives and learn to cope with it better.

Printables

bears and stress

self care printable

Resources

Mindfulness

Taking even a few minutes to focus on breathing and mindfulness can give you a reset on stressful days and help you cope with the challenges you are facing. Mindful Self-Compassion has several free downloads of short mindfulness exercises to help you find your center.