10 Ways to Decrease Stress During Pregnancy
Sep 25, 2024
STRESS is a normal part of human existence. No one evades it during pregnancy (or parenthood!) But our bodies are highly intelligent and have innate coping mechanisms that are often underutilized. Consider the following to bolster your own ability to regulate stress during pregnancy:
🌿 Calming Herbs - herbs such as lemon balm, milky oats and chamomile. Love Wishgarden Herbs “Stress Release” tincture or Traditional Medicinals lemon balm tea for easy access to these herbs if you’re not near an apothecary or local herbalist.
🧘 Meditation - love the Expectful app for short yet potent guided meditations geared towards pregnancy. Nidra yoga before bed is also incredibly powerful to lull you into a deep sleep! I also give my clients easy affirmations and meditations to incorporate throughout their day or upon rising/falling asleep.
💤 Sleep Support -LOVE Needed brand “Sleep + Relaxation” formula. This is a pregnancy-safe blend with three different forms of magnesium, L-Theanine, L-Glycine, and chamomile. (Follow this link for a 20% discount!)
🪡 Acupuncture - there is not anything I can think of that truly soothes the nervous system in the same way that acupuncture does. If it is prohibitively expensive or not covered by your insurance, consider the community acupuncture model.
🏊♀️ Joyful movement - rather than frenetic movement or aggressive cardio, consider movement that brings you joy like walking, yoga, swimming, hiking, barre, Pilates. But also if a sweaty cardio session brings you JOY, go for it!!
☀️ Sunlight - sun and vitamin D absorption from the sun is critical for optimal nervous system regulation.
🌬️ Breath work - consider “box breathing” (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4 and hold for 4.) Or personal favorite “release breaths”. Will make a video on this soon!
🚫 Saying NO, setting boundaries - pregnancy is the perfect time to learn the importance of saying no. If it is something you don’t have to do and it depletes you, say no.
☮️ Seeking out “calm company”. Who you surround yourself with matters!
What has helped you top reduce stress in your pregnancy?
#NeededPartner
Join the "Natal Well" Monthly Newsletter
Receive a monthly newsletter all about pregnancy, parenting, research updates, and holistic health.
I will never spam you!
