How to Keep Calm While Growing a Human

01.13.18

Inner

Pregnancy is a bitch. Yep, you read that right. It’s a bitch. You’re tired, hungry, nauseous and on an emotional rollercoaster like you’ve never been on before. Even if you aren’t experiencing all of these things chances are you’ve experienced at least one. Throw in the thought of bringing an actual human, a HUMAN, into the world and preparing for that adventure is enough to make any mom-to-be a stress ball. Though the chances of you being calm and centered all day long are about a 0, here are a few suggestions for keeping your sanity throughout your pregnancy.

  1. Meditate, meditate, meditate. | If this is your first child you’ll most likely have this luxury. Utilize it. Even a quick meditation can slow your heart rate, calm your brain and re-center yourself so you can get on with your day. I found it really helped with nausea too. My favorites are from Heather Hayward. The My Meditations and Be Still and Know are great to just chill out and relax.
  2. SLEEP and don’t feel guilty about it. | I had a VERY tired pregnancy and wanted to sleep all the time but would often feel bad about it. Here’s the thing, when baby comes YOU WILL NEVER SLEEP THE WAY YOU SLEPT BEFORE. You will constantly be at the will of whatever that adorable little being decides. Even when they sleep through the night you now will have the awareness of a precious being in the other room and will have to tame your worry. REST NOW. You’ll want it so bad later.
  3. EAT. | I decided early on that whatever my body craved I’d give it. For someone always obsessed with their weight and food this was huge. I didn’t count calories or worry about what I ate. If I wanted it, I had it and by not getting caught up in what I should/shouldn’t have I had more satisfaction from what I ate and thus didn’t eat too much of it. Of course get your vitamins and minerals and eat a vegetable but if it’s on a pizza who cares! Seize the moment!;)
  4. Massage. | If you can, find a prenatal massage therapist and treat yourself. Often, surprisingly enough, house calls are much cheaper than going to a spa. Prenatal massage isn’t recommended until the 2nd trimester but once you can have it it’s great for relieving all those aches and pains that pregnancy brings and a wonderful way to treat yourself and relax your mind.
  5. Know you’re tuned in. | Yes, pregnancy comes with a whole lotta crazy feelings but it also comes with a whole lotta wisdom. Part of the crazy can often be because you are so sensitive to everything around you. How do you know what are hormones and what is real? Go back to #1. If you can recenter yourself and your gut is still telling you something chances are you’re on the right track. Trust that.

What are your suggestions for keeping calm during pregnancy?