How to stay sane as a parent

Number one - Let it Out

Letting go. Seems so simple and yet can be so confusing, difficult and, yes, in the long run, absolutely necessary. I am now learning to let go of what I'm holding on to and I'm really hoping that finding other avenues to de-stress will help me find some peace of mind and a more lasting contentment. One way I figure to do this is to make lists. I like lists, but I'm not too much "into" them, but here's the first list anyway:
Other ways to de-stress
1. Meditate. Long or short, in depth or not, it's a perfect way to disconnect from the stressful and get back in touch with your body and spirit.
2. Incorporate the Spiritual. Getting in touch with something bigger than yourself.
3. Talk to other people. Friends, Family and/or Therapist.
4. Get the thoughts out of your head. Writing or talking or both.
5. Exercise. Whatever you can do to keep moving, move more when time and energy allows.
6. Take quality time for yourself. Even a couple of minutes at a relaxing pastime (no distractions) to let your mind wander without limitations - daydreaming, planning, reflection, fantasies, etc. I like to sit with a quiet cup of tea.
7. Put things into perspective. Experience helps with this. Put yourself into the future, meditate on death, meditate on gratitude, etc.
8. Treat yourself to something that makes you happy and is just for you. Buy yourself something nice, do something with just yourself, enjoy a few moments doing something that brings you joy.
9. Keep your mind occupied. Learn something new, challenge yourself, push yourself just slightly beyond what you think you are capable of - you grow from this.
10. Develop other aspects of yourself. Find those areas of yourself that bring you joy and find a way to nurture them.