Do you sometimes wish you lived in the 1950’s where all you had to take care of was your home and your babies. Where little league games, piano lessons, PTA meetings, and cheerleading practices were kept to a minimum. Where you didn’t have to worry about that 9am deadline at work interfering with your baby’s nursing schedule? Then you remember that you would have been bored to death in the 50's, and thank God you have the power to make your life the best life possible.

Living in the 21 st century, we are as busy as ever with a list a mile long of things to do. We juggle work, children, household chores, bill paying, sex, and a million others things all at once. With all those balls in the air, what is the first one to drop? Taking care of ourselves.

Yes, ladies. There is a tradeoff for all that self fulfillment, and it is exhaustion. How do you counter the eventual burnout of your everyday life?

• Learn to say “No”. You can’t do everything. Limit your kids to 1-2 extra activities per week at a time. If he wants to play football, then he can’t play basketball. Let your child choose. It’s just as important for him to have free time to just be a kid as it is for you. If you’re working full time with two kids, you might want to think twice of being your daughter’s Brownie troop leader too.

• Take a time out. When you are feeling overwhelmed, take a time out with the girls or all by yourself. Go shopping, to a museum, to a spa, or to the beach. By doing this, you are giving your family the gift of a sane mom.

• Exercise. Exercise is a proven stress reducer. So get out to the gym 3-5 times per week. Don’t have access to a gym? Try some home exercise DVDs or purchase a treadmill to tone you up and relieve stress.