9 Sanity savers for busy moms

Between working, housecleaning, cooking dinner, carpooling and taking kids to multitudes of activities and events, things can get pretty hectic for busy moms. Fortunately, there are some items that can help you get organized, reduce stress and stay sane.

Are you familiar with the Amelia Bedelia book cover on which Amelia is running with perfectly rosy cheeks, a freshly baked pie in hand, her apron and shoes on, and even a cute hat on her head? She appears to have it all together in the midst of what is assumed to be a moment of chaos. Truth be told, many days I feel like Amelia. However, I'm in sweats, my hair is disheveled, I'm makeup-free, barefoot, and carrying a bowl of Raisin Bran above my head so my dogs don't get it. Sometimes I wonder if the kind of woman Amelia Bedelia represents truly exists. Never mind — if she does, I don't want to know about it.

Luckily, there are several products and habits that will make life as a busy mom easier to manage, and, at a minimum, make us feel as though we've got it under control. Here are some stress-less tips for busy moms.

A Bluetooth headset or other hands-free technology for your phone is not only required in some states for talking while driving, but it is a very important staple for busy moms. You can use the time you spend on carpool duty to take care of lots of little details — return phone calls, make appointments, schedule play dates — and still drive safely. At home, the headset phone allows you to talk while you cook, clean, change diapers, make bottles — you name it! Your neck will thank you, trust me.

If you ever feel guilty about consuming this heavenly delight that can improve even the worst of moods, consider this: Chocolate is actually good for you. Chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure, and dark chocolate is packed with powerful antioxidants. The secret ingredient is plant phenols — cocoa phenols, actually. They are hard at work reducing your blood pressure while you enjoy each amazing bite. Seems like a no-brainer to us!

Color therapy was likely first practiced by the ancient Egyptians, who shone sunlight through colored gems onto those who sought healing. Today, this therapy is used in many of the nation's premier spas as a way to soothe the frazzled mind and assist with meditation. Tones of blue have been shown to encourage relaxation and tranquility as well as inspire patience and calming thoughts. If it works with the neighboring rooms' decor, why not paint your primary work area a shade of blue? If blue simply will not work, know that greens and purples are also calming colors. Reds, yellows and oranges, however, are stimulating. Try to avoid these colors in those areas where you spend a great deal of time. As I'm sure you're well aware, neither moms nor their kids need to be any more stimulated than they already are by 5:30 p.m.

Read 14,000 Things to be Happy About, by Barbara Ann Kipfer. It is impossible not to find something on nearly every page that will evoke a fond or funny memory and make you smile even in your worst hour. I actually highlighted my favorites so I could find them quickly. Some personal favorites: The Electric Company , funnel cakes and shorty skis. By the way, whatever happened to The Electric Company?

Are you as tired as I am of what I now refer to as the "4 o'clock panic?" This is when you stop to think, oftentimes out loud, "OK, what are we going to have for dinner tonight?" Nothing is more stressful than a house full of hungry people and no dinner plan. Until recently, five out of seven nights a week, that question was answered at my house with the word "cereal" or "pancakes." No longer — I found out about a fabulous solution: 30 Day Gourmet. Their site allows you to download and test out for 30 days — and then order — a cookbook that will allow you to bake 30 nights' worth of meals in one afternoon! It can be modified, of course, so you can make enough meals for two weeks if that's all you need. Being able to answer the question, "What's for dinner?" with the name of a real meal? Priceless.

Read on: Get more tips to reduce stress >>

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What is the most common physical complaint of moms? Low back pain. Studies show that chiropractic treatment can be more effective than hospital out-patient care for low back pain. Now, I realize that the image many of us get when thinking about getting a chiropractic adjustment is that of Madonna lying on a table having her neck whipped around in that Truth or Dare documentary of her Blind Ambition Tour, but I have become a firm believer in this alternative form of medicine.

I don't trust it to cure disease just yet, but in terms of helping my ever-aching back and neck, it's a godsend. According to Dr. Jennifer Wise, director of the Synergy Institute in Naperville, Illinois, "It has been my experience that integrating the arts of chiropractic and physical therapy in one setting benefits the patient, allowing them to achieve faster and more complete healing. As a chiropractor, I work to align the patient's skeletal structure, while our on-site physical therapist works with the patient's soft tissues to make the healing process occur more quickly. It is important to train the soft tissues to have memory and endurance so that postural correction is long lasting."

All moms know that given the opportunity, they could fill a large duffel bag with supplies for a day away from home with their children. The key to not doing that is to ensure that your purse is not big enough to carry much more than the basic necessities. I make sure mine is only large enough to accommodate a wallet, cell phone, antibacterial gel and Snickers bar. Necessities, right? Same goes for wallets — buy a big one, and you're going to somehow acquire thirty credit cards and a variety of Starbucks cards and the like. Smaller wallet, less stress and less stuff — sounds like heaven.

Joseph Campbell said, "You must have a certain hour of the day where you do not know what was in the morning paper — a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are, and what you might be." This time has become even more important in my daily routine than taking a shower . Life is a journey. Oftentimes, we feel as though we're lost and the map is missing somewhere under a big pile of toys. Who are we? What are we here for? What will we do with ourselves when our children actually leave the house one day?

Spending some spiritual quiet time each morning and/or evening is invaluable. It can keep you centered and focused, and remind you that there is something so much greater than you at work in your life.

Find out why "me time" is essential for your health>>

Unfortunately, the most life-altering sanity-saver for busy moms has not yet been invented. I envision it as a robot of sorts that does everything from cleaning to cooking to dressing kids for school. One day, perhaps — for now, I'm sticking with low expectations and a chocolate bar.

More tips for busy moms

5 Fitness tips for busy moms
Stress-busting tips for busy moms
7 Must-have apps for busy moms