25 Ways for New Mums to Unwind to Beat Stress

From crying fits to picky eaters, new mums have a lot to be anxious about. But if you don’t take some time for yourself, you could end up sick and out of commission from taking care of your little one. Then everyone suffers.  Stress can also have lots of negative effects on the body such as weakening the immune system and slowing down the metabolism.

 

That’s why we rounded up 25 of the best ways to unwind and beat stress so you keep your blood pressure in check and sleep better throughout the night.

 

  1. Have a glass of herbal tea like lavender or chamomile.
  2. Ask your partner to give you a massage. Use a warming oil to loosen tight muscles.
  3. Practice yoga for at least 30 minutes. Light some candles and play soothing music.
  4. Take a bath using epsom salts and essential oils like lemongrass or tea tree tea oil.
  5. Try taking an herbal supplement like valerian root or passionflower.
  6. Indulge in a facial to help you feel refreshed.
  7. Clear your mind and meditate for 10 minutes in a quiet place.
  8. Be sure to nap whenever the baby does.
  9. Work on a favorite hobby or pastime, like sewing or playing music.
  10. Practice deep breathing exercises for 10 to 15 minutes to prepare your body for sleep.
  11. Spend time with your pets.
  12. Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants. We LOVE this one!
  13. Treat yourself to a little retail therapy.
  14. Give yourself a pedicure, starting with a foot bath made with bath salts and fresh herbs.
  15. Cook your favorite meal or order it in from a local restaurant you love.
  16. Indulge in your favorite guilty pleasure TV show.
  17. Be intimate with your partner. That can be anything from cuddling to sexual intercourse. It’s important to have that time together now that your life has changed so drastically.
  18. Exercise, which releases endorphins like serotonin to help improve mood.
  19. Get outdoors for some fresh air and you’ll also be getting some vitamin D from the sun.
  20. Turn on your favorite album and get lost in the music for a while.
  21. Go on a date with your partner or spouse.
  22. Schedule a girls’ night out.
  23. Read a book or magazine that you enjoy, not something that is challenging and could cause even more stress.
  24. Take a walk through your neighborhood or a local park.
  25. And, of course, have someone come watch the baby for a little while so you can get out for a bit.

Don’t feel like you have to do everything on your own — reach out to the other members of your support system to help you get a break. No support system in place? Who do you know? Your own mum?  Sister? Cousin? Girlfriend?  Neighbour? Other new mums? Ask them to help, you’ll be able to reciprocate later, but not right now.  Pick one or two of these relaxation techniques (more if you wish!) to try to enable you to be the best mother you can be, no matter what comes your way.