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Most of us have learned to manage the stress in our daily lives that often comes from jobs, families, travel, and other sources. We may not like it, but we have to deal with it (or so we somehow convince ourselves). But when you’re pregnant it can become a lot more difficult to deal with all of these external stressors. Not only will your condition put strain on you; physically, emotionally, and mentally; but out-of-whack hormones, morning sickness, and all the other changes of pregnancy can push you beyond the limits of what you can reasonably manage when you stack on all the other stresses and anxieties of your everyday life.
For your own health and the health of your baby it is important to cut back on as much stress as possible, and here are a few ways to manage it.
1. Limit Obligations
You’ll probably want to continue working until the baby is born, and you certainly can’t avoid family and close friends during pregnancy (although they’re generally understanding of your need for extra R&R). But you can cut back on other obligations. For example, stop agreeing to work late nights and weekends; let someone else take the load for a while. And don’t plan your event calendar weeks out so that there isn’t a single weekend free. You might find that you really enjoy having two days a week with no demands on your time so you can take naps, thumb through baby magazines, and start planning the nursery.
2. Build in Buffers
There are definitely times when you won’t be able to avoid obligations, but you should schedule in break times as often as possible so you can get a relaxing breather. For example, instead of scheduling back-to-back meetings all morning at work, take two, then break for a walk around the building. This is good for both your physical and your mental health. Take two more and then go for a long lunch. But the best thing about this scheduling strategy is that overlap won’t get you into hot water (bumping your stress level even more).
3. Ask for Help
As your pregnancy progresses you may find that you simply aren’t capable of doing everything you normally do. For example, lifting and bending will not only become more difficult, but they can be dangerous. So ask your partner, family, or friends if they can help you out with errands and chores. Most people are happy to help and you can get a little break in the process.
4. Eat Right
A famous Zen saying about enlightenment goes, “Eat when you’re hungry, sleep when you’re tired.” This is probably a good mantra for pregnancy. You’re body gives you hints and you should listen. However, when your body starts telling you that you want a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream you might want to think twice before heading to the freezer. What your body really craves is sugar or dairy, and there are healthier ways to get it, like by making a fruit smoothie, for example. This is not only better for your baby, but choosing natural sugar instead of processed will give you a gentle boost of energy that won’t ratchet up your heart rate and your potential for anxiety. It also fills your craving and delivers vital nutrients. The foods you select make a difference.
5. Relaxing Escapes
There are all kinds of ways to relax and unwind when you’re stressed. You might take a hot bath, listen to meditation music, or simply lie in bed and watch favorite movies. But if you’re the type that likes to be up and moving, consider walking with friends or joining a pregnancy yoga class. These activities will help you to stay fit and healthy during your pregnancy, reduce your stress (as well as aches and pains), and the latter will even help to prepare your body for the stresses of labor.
