Moms are the busiest people on the planet. From getting the kids off to school to going to basketball games to overseeing sleepovers, in addition to the moms who also work outside the home, a mom's feet never seem to stay still.

This hectic schedule increases stress levels, and stress can impact many areas of life such as work, family, and other relationships. Stress can cause Mom to experience frustration, short fuse, and lack of focus. For busy moms, stress management is a fundamental need.

Here are eight tips to assist in living a more stress-free life.

1. Make time for you. Without the kids. Its very important to maintain your own sense of self and sometimes this can be difficult to do when you never actually have any 'you' time. This could be losing yourself in a great short story or wandering the shops at the mall or making time for a pedicure. Whatever you think of when you think of a treat is what you need to organize.

2. Listen to calm, soothing music on the way to work, while at work, and while going to sleep. Music has a way of calming and soothing the mind body.

3. Practice deep abdominal breathing periodically throughout the day. Breath in deeply through the nose pulling the belly button toward the spine, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly release. Busy moms will be pleasantly surprised at how this simple technique can result in a more relaxed body and mind.

4. Take time to exercise. Exercise helps to decrease depression, increase concentration and energy, and the endorphins released gives one a greater sense of control. Hitting the local gym is not always necessary. Just taking a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood, taking the steps instead of an elevator, or parking farther away can help a busy mom squeeze in exercise during the day.

5. Eat Healthy. There are foods that promote calmness as well as foods that increase stress levels. Busy moms should ask themselves if they are consuming too much sugar or caffeine, and if they are getting enough protein. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and staying away from refined and processed foods also help. Healthy eating is very important for any busy mom. Taking a look at your eating habits and making the necessary changes can result in increased optimal health.

6. Call a friend. It is always important to have at least one relationship where Mom can just vent and know that a listening ear and unconditional acceptance will be given.

7. Calm Your Thoughts. Our thoughts create the lives we live so be aware of what you think about. Abraham said 'Worrying is using your imagination to create something you don't want'. What are you creating with your worries?

8. Don't Forget To Laugh. Laughing is good for you and with children around there are usually lots of things to laugh at -from the things they say to the things you find yourself saying back to them. Learning to laugh at yourself is a great thing to teach your children. Besides, studies have shown that you burn more calories laughing than jogging.

Busy moms can follow the above eight tips for a more stress-free life!