Life with young kids is full of excitement, sure, but parenting can also be a source of plenty of stressful moments. When you feel like you've had too much noise and mess for one day and are about ready to explode, the following simple calming tools are a lifesaver.

Breathing

Long, deep breaths are a signal to your body that everything is safe. After all, you can't take a slow, deep breath while you're running away from a bear! Tell your body that everything is just fine by slowly breathing in through your nose and even more slowly breathing out through your nose. Try a count of four in and a count of eight out. A few slow, long breaths like these and you will feel your stress subsiding.

Nature

Spending a moment outside, looking at trees and the sky, and breathing the fresh air can make a huge difference in your stress level. Even indoor plants and pictures of nature help to give you mental space. Kids and babies benefit from nature, too. If the mood at home is getting too tense, take a break to go outside!

Play

Tapping into a playful feeling is a wonderful way to escape from a stressful moment. It's hard to start playing, though, when you're feeling stressed out or angry. Try listening to a favorite song - one that makes you want to dance. Keep a list of funny quotes that your child has said or funny moments that have happened and read a few when you're feeling down. Look at a photo of your child as a baby. Smile. Even when you don't feel happy, the physical act of smiling can improve your mood. All of these small triggers help us feel lighter and release us from stress.

Make a note of one of these calming tools that sounds appealing and try to use it the next time you are feeling on edge. We hope it makes a difference in your day.