While TV moms look absolutely radiant as they click away in heels and light-looking baby bumps, reality is far, far, FAR from this. In real life, you’re bound to be too stressed to look your best, let alone radiate. However, before you let stress get to you and you end up biting someone’s head off a-la-Godzilla style, breathe a little and follow these seven tips to relax.
#1) Get Some Me Time
According to studies, pregnancy is the 12th most stressful event in women’s lives. However, while stressing over your baby’s growth and its health is fine, you need to take some time out for yourself. Indulge in a few minutes far away from the maddening crowd, turn in early, or head down to your favorite spa. You need these indulgences, especially before the stork drops off its package at your doorstep.
#2) Practice Your Lamaze
Whoever told you that you were supposed to use Lamaze during labor only has robbed you of your piece of mind for long. This set of breathing techniques has the power to make you relaxed since it can relieve pain. Just think of it as pre-baby yoga and you’ll feel relaxation flow through your veins.
#3) Choose Your Diet Wisely
Your body can be extremely hormonal during your pregnancy; the last thing you need is to consume something that can unleash the beast within. So, avoid caffeine, soda and junk food like the plague. Instead, focus on eating healthy and add oily fish, fruits, nuts, poultry and grains to your plate. Also consume amino acid tryptophan (found in nuts and seeds) as well as melatonin to feel better and sleep well.
#4) Take Up Swimming
Your doctor may have already recommended exercise, but that may be difficult for you if you haven’t worked out prior to your pregnancy. What you can do instead is swim; this is an ideal activity that will keep you toned without pressurizing your joints. Besides, watching water waves will make you feel calm, allowing stress to ooze out of your pores.
#5) Try Alternative Therapies
While massage is an excellent complementary therapy, it isn’t the only one you can enjoy to de-stress your pregnant self. You can also go for aromatherapy, reflexology, and meditation among others. You should ask your physician, however, about the type of therapy you plan on undergoing.
#6) Talk to Your Significant Other or Your Best Friends
Talking is very therapeutic since it allows you to air your thoughts. So talk to your partner since they too were part of this miraculous (albeit stressful) journey. They too need to understand what you alone are going through. If you’re a single mom, your friends will do just as great because they love and care for both you and your baby.
#7) Take a Babymoon Vacation
Pack your bags and your significant others’ and head to a relaxing destination where you can soak up some sun, catch some sleep whenever possible, and go for dinner at night. Just enjoy your time together or on your own and you’ll be stress-free in a few hours.
Relaxation is essential to keep you from cracking before your delivery. So follow these seven tips and you’ll be in good shape right away.