Ways To Lessen Anxiety As A Mom
Feeling anxious lately? Let’s face it, most people, not only moms are feeling stressed these last few months during Covid_19. The difference of life before the pandemic compared to today is immense. To some it may not be but to many it is. No matter if you are a mom or not, going through change is scary. But what you go through, you grow through. Always remember that. Every hardship you are experiencing will make you stronger as an individual. It may not be now, but eventually in time, you will realize how strong you really were all along. If you are a mom dealing with anxiety, never think there is anything wrong with you and that you are alone. Many people, not only mothers, are coping with anxiety. For moms today adjusting to the “new normal” is definitely not easy.
Anyone who’s been through lots of stress and anxiety knows that it doesn’t magically go away overnight. It takes time and effort just like everything else does in life. Below are some helpful tips I gathered that may help alleviate your anxiety as a mom. Like I said nothing goes away magically overnight. I’m not a professional of any kind but sometimes with a good mindset and trying in some way can help lessen your anxiety.
1) Get a good night’s rest. Just like little children need sleep to avoid tantrums, so do adults. It’s so important to get sleep, even if it’s taking a nap with your little one. The cleaning and other tasks can wait. Your body needs rest because as a mom you just keep going all day long. It’s so important to get enough sleep because it’s more difficult to handle stress when your body and brain is exhausted. When you feel sleepy and tired, take that nap or go to bed earlier, it’s your body giving you cues to sleep.
2) Eating well-balance meals is so important. Many times, as parents, we forget to eat or we just eat our kid’s leftovers and snack all day. The human body needs nutrients and there are many foods that are so helpful in reducing anxiety. Adding some of these to your daily meals will make a big difference. Such foods are: a) Eggs – a great source of Vitamin D, protein, and tryptophan which is an amino acid that helps create serotonin. b) Yogurt – contains healthy bacteria that have positive effects on brain health. c.) Brazil nuts or other nuts – high in selenium which may improve your mood and they are a good source of Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and helps reduce anxiety. d.) Fatty Fish such as salmon – are high in omega-3 which is a fatty acid that is known to be helpful for cognitive function. e.) Pumpkin Seeds or bananas – a great source of potassium, known to help reduce stress. f) Dark Chocolate – known to have a rich source of flavonoids, which helps improve blood flow. g) Turmeric – a spice that helps with its curcumin ingredient by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. h) Chamomile Tea – an herbal remedy because it’s properties are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
3) Go outside for a walk and enjoy nature. Getting fresh air is good for everyone. Take your kids to a park or even take them with you for a walk in the neighborhood. Sometimes we don’t have anyone to watch them at home but don’t let it stop you. Nature is proven to reduce stress and somehow calm your nerves.
4) Stop comparing your life as a mom to other moms. I see a lot of moms comparing themselves to other moms on Instagram thinking everybody’s life is perfect. I’m sorry to break it to you but nobody’s life is perfect. Never ever compare your life to others. Everyone is unique and different for a reason. Each person goes through their own hardship that nobody knows about. Don’t assume someone’s life looks perfect, just be grateful for your own.
5) Exercise or if you already do, intensify it or add some minutes to it. Our bodies were made to move. It’s so important to get the blood flowing properly and stimulate endorphins.
6) Connect with family and friends. I know as moms we tend to avoid calling others because we don’t have a second but it’s so important to connect with others. It helps when you are able to confide in someone. Support goes a long way when you think it doesn’t. You’d be surprised to see who’s there for you, people you might have never expected.
7) Be grateful and practice mindfulness. The more grateful you are for the littlest of things, the more things you will be grateful for, which tends to make you happier and ease your anxiety. Sometimes as moms we feel so overwhelmed with all that’s going on that we really don’t think about all the accomplishments we’ve done for our own family. Be proud and grateful for it. Being a mom is the toughest job in the world that comes with no manual like most jobs do. Practice mindfulness with deep breathing or meditation which allows your body and brain to relax.
8) Make time for mommy self-care. Block a little time for you each day, even if it’s ten or fifteen minutes. I know it’s hard for moms to do this but even those few minutes can make a difference because it’s something just for you.
Hope these tips help alleviate some anxiety for you as a mom or even if you’re not a mom. Life tends to get challenging but always know there is always a way to get past it. Just believe in yourself and take the action needed to help lessen your anxiety.