Maycember Madness? Embrace the Mayhem and Make Memories!
With the start of the month of May, there seems to be a shift in the community energy. I finally figured it out: it’s Maycember! After overhearing people at the gym and the grocery store stressed about buying graduation gifts, going to end of the year programs, and kids’ final sporting events, it dawned on me! Yes, I remember this time of year when my kids were younger, and it seemed like we had something going on every day – let alone working full-time outside of the home!
Oh, and hey, let’s toss in Mother’s Day and Memorial Weekend, and BAM! Before you know it, you’re stressed out with all the things on your list, just like December when you have gifts to buy, parties to plan, wardrobe choices, and worries of how everyone is going to get along and how you’re going to fit it all in. Hence, Maycember.
On top of all this there can be the emotional impact of milestones that are being reached in our families. Graduations are a big deal, whether it be high school, college, or kindergarten to first grade, or middle school to high school. End of school year projects, performances, and events signal a passage, a transition. We can find ourselves asking, “Why is this transition so hard?” As mothers, these transitions and milestones impact our relationships and roles, for better or for worse, which can sneak up on us.
Facing the Challenges and Emotions
There are lots of reasons why we find transitions so challenging. First, as humans we’re creatures of habit, and we find comfort in the familiar. This makes adjusting to new situations, even positive ones, a complicated process.
Several elements contribute to the difficulty of coping with life transitions:
Uncertainty – We may not know what the future holds, which can create worry and stress.
Grief and loss – even positive transitions can produce a sense of loss and sadness. Leaving behind the old for the new can bring a range of mixed emotions.
Loss of control – facing changes, even ones we expect and want to happen, can be anxiety producing because we realize life is moving forward.
Fear of the unknown – transitioning to a new phase of life means stepping into unfamiliar territory, which can create a strong sense of fear.
As mentioned, there are a range of emotions triggered by life transitions to navigate. It’s natural to experience worry and anxiety when feeling uncertainty and a loss of control. Sadness and grief often occur with changes in life. Even if these changes are welcomed – there’s a realization that things may never be the same. And although change can be challenging, it can produce a feeling of excitement and anticipation about what lies ahead. In light of the excitement and anticipation, the process of change can be stressful, which demands flexibility and adaptability.
Navigating and Coping with Maycember (and Life Transitions in General!)
Here are some tips and strategies to help you navigate this busy, event-filled month with intentionality and enjoyment.
Utilize your calendar! 🗓️ Make sure you’re keeping up-to-date. Mark your calendar with all the events, due dates, and responsibilities, and refer to it regularly!
Block time on your calendar around events so you don’t get overbooked. So often we don’t allow ourselves enough time to prep for certain events or regroup after. Cramming in last-minute tasks you’re responsible for or rushing from event to event only adds to our stress.
Plan and prep to avoid overwhelm. 👩🏼💻
Create a "Maycember Survival Kit." This could be a physical box or a digital list containing essentials to get you through the month. Examples include healthy snacks, pre-written notes for teachers, a stress ball, essential oils for relaxation, a favorite book, or a playlist of uplifting music.
Plan and prep meals in advance. This can save you loads of time and avoid unhealthy last-minute options. Consider prepping crockpot meals, delegating tasks among family members, or utilizing meal delivery services.
Delegate and ask for help. 🙋🏼♀️Don't be afraid to ask your spouse, partner, or older children to take on some of the responsibilities. This means you need to be willing to delegate, let others know what you need, and allow people to help you! Remember, we’re not meant to do life alone, especially milestone events.
Practice self-care. 🛀 It’s critical to take care of your physical and emotional well-being by scheduling self-care activities into your calendar. You may benefit from the practice of daily mindfulness techniques that can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.
Show yourself self-compassion and have a lot of compassion for your kids as they go through this transition with you.
Understand that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions during a transition. Be patient with yourself.
Maintain healthy habits. Don't neglect your sleep, exercise routine, and healthy eating habits during this busy time. These practices are essential for managing stress and maintaining your overall well-being.
Plan a post-Maycember relaxation activity. Schedule a massage, a weekend getaway, or simply a quiet evening at home after the craziness subsides. This will give you something to look forward to.
Acknowledge what you’re leaving behind. 👋 It’s a meaningful task that will help you accept the new. Don’t be in a rush. Hold space for any feelings and reactions, which will certainly help ease the transition.
Journal. Taking time to write down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process emotions and gain clarity.
Stay flexible. 🤸🏻♀️ Embrace the unpredictability of transitions and remain open to the opportunities they present. You don’t have to have everything all figured out. We can also remember that our discomfort is likely temporary. Take one step at a time.
Focus on the Positive. 🤩 Try to reframe the transition as an opportunity for personal growth and new experiences, not only for you, but for your children and family as well. Learning more about yourself and what makes you happy and fulfilled can be the greatest gifts of the transition process.
Practice gratitude. Taking time each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life and the things you're grateful for can help shift your focus away from stress and overwhelm.
Our lives are journeys filled with transitions ranging from significant to minor. These changes can be positive, negative, or neutral, but regardless of their nature, they can be disruptive to our lives and well-being.
Being aware of the impact life transitions and milestones have on daily functioning and emotional health can help us all be more compassionate and understanding--whether you’re supporting a loved one going through a transition or going through it yourself.
During this month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s reach out and support each other, prioritizing mental health during these times of change.
Remember, Maycember may be a whirlwind, but it's also a time of celebration and growth. By incorporating these tips and strategies, prioritizing self-care, and embracing the opportunities for new beginnings, you can navigate this month (and any life transition) with grace and resilience. So, take a deep breath, gather your strategies and support system, and get ready to create some lasting Maycember memories! You got this!