What do you do when your therapist tells you not to be so stressed, but by her saying that – it adds even more stress to your already stressful life? Well, today the answer was getting a 6-pack of chicken nuggets from McDonald’s. 🤷🏻♀️
Spoiler alert…that was not the correct answer. 🙄
As someone who battles severe anxiety (amongst a few other mental health illnesses), stress is not something I can easily rid myself of. Not to mention we’re raising a baby toddler mid-pandemic, and that’s hella hard as new parents. Plus a whole heap load of other things that have either gone on or are going on that I’ll get into soon enough…to say I’m under some stress is an understatement.
So back to the original question. What are some ways of relieving stress? According to Web MD, some of the typical things include meditation, breathing deeply, laughing, and showing gratitude.
I’m was having having weekly therapy sessions with a few other moms who are recently postpartum. This group therapy was supposed to be in-person, but obviously with Covid – it’s moved to a virtual setting. I recently finished a group session that was aimed at helping newly postpartum mom’s work through the emotional postpartum time. It was so helpful chatting with other new mom’s who are all going through the same things (ish) that I am. It’s really helped me feel a little less alone…and we always start out our sessions by doing some mindful meditation and I’ve carried that over into my day-to-day life. Like, when I’m breastfeeding RJ, I try to be mindful of that time and my breathing. I downloaded the Calm app and do the breathing exercises as I sit in the glider chair. This is especially helpful for the middle of the night feedings/nurturing that he sometimes still needs.
Rub A Dub Dub, Soaking In The Suds
Come on, everyone has to agree that sitting back in a nice, warm bubble bath is just super relaxing. Feeling those bubbles soak on your body – relaxing and letting your worries subside in the bath water…it’s blissful! I’ve been loving my Dr Teal’s Foaming Bath with Pure Epsom Salt.
Pure Epsom Salts infused with calming & soothing lavender to help your body and mind destress & unwind naturally, promoting a better night’s sleep.
At-Home Spa Time
While RJ naps (when he does *eye roll*) or now when he is in daycare (#bless) – my new favourite thing to do is a lil self care. I throw my hair up quickly and put on a face mask or some eye masks to attempt to work on these dark circles that don’t seem to want to go away. I mean, it’s not like I haven’t had a full nights sleep in 18 months – oh, wait…I haven’t. *eye roll*
I sit down and take those few minutes of silence (because he’s quite vocal while awake and home) and just practice my mindful breathing. And, let’s face it – with the rainy weather we’ve had lately, my skin is fighting back big time. It’s SO DRY and in need of some TLC.
A Walk A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
Rain or shine, snow or sun – RJ and I try to get out for a walk every single day. Right now, as I have a few more days before I start working again – we’re enjoying our walks to and from daycare. But still, on the weekends – we try to get out and get some fresh air. We both absolutely love the fresh air and I find it honestly helps my mental health.
If we’re stuck inside, it can be exhausting. Forcing myself to get up and out helps clear my mind and curb my anxieties…and gives me a reason to get out of my pjs for the day. LOL
What are some ways you find help with de-stressing yourself when this crazy thing called life gets a little overwhelming?