Moms know better than anyone that life can be stressful. Between mopping up spills, changing poopy diapers and being an unpaid chauffeur, it’s easy to lose yourself in the process of raising your kids. Yet, dedicating every last ounce of your time and energy to your littles can eventually take a major toll on your health. As the stress compounds, you may notice insomnia, headaches, fatigue, chest pain and other equally debilitating symptoms.

For your — and your whole family’s — sake, it’s important that you find ways to reduce stress and renew your sense of joy.

Moms know better than anyone that life can be stressful, so it’s important to use natural stress reduction methods to renew your sense of joy.

1. Take Five

Sometimes, all you have is a few minutes to decompress before taking your kids to school, feeding the baby or checking another item off your to-do list. Take advantage of those in-between moments and use that precious time to your advantage. Close your eyes in quiet meditation, have a solo dance party or do nothing at all.

Whatever relieves your anxieties and makes you smile is fair game. Just make sure you’re completely alone so you can check in with your emotions and consciously release stress.

2. Get Outside

If you have a bit more time on your hands, try taking a walk or sitting on the porch. Spending as little as 10 minutes a day outside can help you feel happier and reduce the effects of both physical and mental stress. Plus, soaking in a little vitamin D from the sunshine is a surefire way to boost your mood.

Involve the kiddos and take a trip to the park. Explore the trails or relax while your little ones climb on the playground. Relish the moment and enjoy that fresh air.

3. Break a Sweat

When you feel stress and frustration start to get the better of you, take a break and break a sweat. Set your to-do list aside and put on a short exercise video or take a quick jog around the neighborhood.

Adding some movement to your day will boost your endorphin levels, which can act as natural painkillers and improve your ability to sleep, thereby relieving stress. It also allows you to release pent-up anger, grief and any other emotions you might be dealing with.

4. Just Breathe

Many people aren’t aware of how much stress can affect their bodies, much less their teeth. Yet, those who suffer from intense worry and anxiety often experience tooth sensitivity, jaw pain and receding gums as well. This phenomenon is called bruxism and is a result of unconsciously clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth.

If you’ve experienced similar symptoms, try incorporating a few breathing exercises into your day. Consciously release your jaw and take slow, steady inhales and exhales. You’ll be surprised how much calmer and relieved you feel after a few rounds of breath.

5. Find Other Moms

Hanging out with other moms is another great way to reduce your stress levels, especially if you’re trying to navigate taking care of a newborn. Connect with other women who have recently walked the same path as you and understand how you’re feeling. Their empathy and advice will provide the encouragement and support you need to keep going.

Look for Facebook groups for new moms or join a Mothers of Preschoolers group at your church or local non-profit. You might also reach out to friends and acquaintances with children to see if they want to meet up and discuss mom life — or life, in general. Often, simply talking to someone outside of your own family is enough to help you decompress.

6. Plan a Spa Day

Moms deserve to indulge sometimes, and what better way to splurge on yourself than by planning a spa day. Invite your mom, husband or best friend to join you in applying face masks, foot scrubs, exfoliators and lotions. Alternatively, you could light some candles and enjoy a nice hot bath alone.

Practicing self-care in this more traditional sense can do wonders for your skin and your stress levels. Plus, you can put as much — or as little — effort into creating a spa-like atmosphere as you want. However, if you don’t often pamper yourself, you might go the extra mile and throw a few rose petals or bath bombs in your tub for good measure.

7. Ask for Backup

This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but many moms struggle to ask for help. Most are either afraid of looking incompetent or weak. Yet, raising a kid truly does take a village, even if your village consists of parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors.

When you feel overwhelmed, ask your spouse or partner for a little extra help around the house. Then, reach out to anyone else who might be willing to watch the kids or carpool home from school once or twice a week.

Small Changes, Big Difference

Taking the occasional breather and turning on a 10-minute workout video might not feel like much. However, a few minutes here and there can quickly add up to an hour or more each day! So keep making those small changes because, together, they’ll make a big difference.