Stress is the wear and tear our body experiences due to continued frustration and pressure. Taking care of young children can be tough on most parents. No wonder, most parents feel exceeding stressed out. Following tips can help in managing stress while raising a child:

• Getting up fifteen-twenty minutes early can help in making the morning mishaps less stressful. Moreover, one can also prepare for the morning activities on the preceding evening so that the early morning confusion can be avoided.

• Yoga or regular exercises can help in relaxing and loosening up the tightened muscles. They also improve blood circulation and remove the unhealthy toxins.

• When we are tensed, our breathing is often shallow and rapid. Hence, breathe slowly and deeply. Take a deep breath and hold if for sometime. Repeat the same routine for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day. This will increase the amount of oxygen in blood and makes one more energetic.

• Listening to music or enjoying a hobby can help immensely. Avoid too much of alcohol or caffeine, as they can be harmful to both, you and your child.

• Accept that stress is a part of parenting. Do not expect yourself to be 100% energetic all day. Don't feel guilty if you find that you are stressed or overwhelmed.

• Dividing or sharing workload of the child your spouse or companion can also help. This way, you can share responsibility as well. If you are a single parent, you should ask for help from friends and relatives, who may volunteer to take the child outdoor while you finish your chores.

• Consider using an answering machine if the phone is ringing incessantly. You can return the calls at your own convenience.

• Try completing your unfinished chores while your baby is asleep. This will give you a much needed breather. Besides, in all likelihood you would be done with your work by the time your baby wakes up.

• Let go of some rigid routines which you practiced before you became a parent. Sticking to old rules will not only add to the stress, but also decrease your efficiency. Concentrate on what is more important for you and your child.

• When you become a parent, you experience an overflow of advices from every corner, but take only those advices which you feel are important. Smile to unsolicited advices, but follow ones which come from the one you value.

Copyright 2001, 2004. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this article in whole or in part without written or verbal permission is strictly prohibited. For information about reprinting this article, contact the copyright owner: Vanessa Rasmussen, Ph.D, Starting a Day Care Center, http://www.startingadaycarecenter.com.