The topic of self care is trendy right now but there is much more to it than a bandwagon. Finally, an idea with more substance than ‘adulting’ or the apparently vital role Target plays in our lives. The new year brings high hopes, willingness to embrace change and goals, goals, goals! This year, after an extremely emotionally demanding 2016, my main goal is self improvement. This resolution was borne out of necessity. With my first baby arriving soon there is simply no choice to continue in the mental state I was in. Stress is not good for your growing baby so it is incredibly important to ensure you have a safe, stress-free and happy pregnancy. Taking time for yourself is easier said than done but if I could prevent even one person from feeling the strain I have felt then I would be content.
Whether your stress is a direct result of work, relationship issues, financial problems etc. it does not matter. The physical affects of stress on your developing baby can be detrimental to their mental health in years to come. Even at this point I feel a large amount of guilt for inflicting my sadness and worries onto my baby. Clawing your way out of a rut isn’t easy and casting aside fears is less so. With every kick and hiccup from inside I am reminded and determined to be the best version of myself. Both for the baby and for my own happiness. Sometimes you will come to realize that your expectations of support are nothing more than expectation and in that situation you must be everything you need by yourself.
“So what can I do to minimize stress?”
First of all, like any issue, recognize that you need help and be able to admit it. Even if only to yourself. Fortunately with self care, YOU can help you. All it takes is remembering be to intentional.
Self care practices range from the tiniest trivial activity to life altering decisions and you get to choose what is best for you. Nobody knows you better than yourself! Simply put, do more of the things you love, the things that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. If that means taking a vacation or just putting on freshly laundered pjs then do it and do it solely for you.
As a highly sensitive and introverted person, time outs are a necessity for me. Unfortunately time away from the chaos doesn’t simply equate to positive, revitalizing me-time. I can often spend it in turmoil with a very messy, over analytical mindset. This serves me no purpose and adds to my woes. For self care to be legitimate and genuinely help you, you must be intentionally selfish and make it entirely about you.
These activities are so easy but we often ignore them. Sometimes we just need a little nudge! What are some of your favorite self care practices?
I love this post! Even for me who is not pregnant yet, I could definitely practice these tips. Especially turning off my phone and getting a pedicure 🙂
Xoxo Amber
I love the list you created! It’s so easy to forgot to take care of yourself and it’s so important during pregnancy 🙂
So important to share with new mamas. I wish I had such a great list when I was pregnant – I needed these reminders!
Yes– those last few on your list were my go-to’s when I was pregnant. I was HUGE so things like pedicures were super important because I could not reach my feet after 6 months, haha! My mom would push me to get my hair done, and she was right- just a simple wash and blow out by a professional doesn’t cost a fortune and makes you feel so much better! Good luck to you Amy, I am glad you’re taking good care of yourself.
These are great tips! Especially about taking a break from social. This is the time to focus on yourself and your new baby.
I love this list! I’m sure this will help many new mothers-to-be out there!
xo Kathryn
http://www.fashionablyfrank.com
I so agree with your advice to do whatever is best for you. During my second pregnancy I had a lot of hip pain, and I let others’ expectations of me lead me to do more than I should. When you’re responsible for another life, you need to do what’s best for you and Baby!
I love that you included a list of ideas for self-care! They all sound lovely. My favorite one is writing letters to your baby. I wish I would have thought of that! Maybe next time … 😉
These are great tips. Baby #2 is due next month for us and we have a 17 month old. My self care is so important for all of us.
My husband and I are hoping to get pregnant soon so I am going to have to keep these tips in mind to take care of myself then!
These are such great tips. I’m not great at self care, especially now that I have a little one running around. I need to practice better time for me. <3
Girl, I’m not even pregnant, but these self care tips are perfect. Really, stress is rampant in most people’s lives, it’s easy to lose balance. Thanks for a fresh look and inspo about how to relax more and be refreshed while getting life accomplished.
this is such a beautiful post! Happy New Year! Even though we are done having children — I still remember and honor how special it was to grow and nurture 3 kids — self care is so important so you can be better equipped to love those angels!
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
I love this post because it is SO important. Self care during your pregnancy can definitely set the stage for once you have your baby as well. I had to learn that the hard way, as I didn’t take good enough care of myself during my pregnancy. It was a hard transition when I had my baby! I encourage you to educate yourself on postpartum blues, depression, and anxiety. It is so common and happens to 1 out of every 5 women. Congratulations on the baby!
Kaitlyn
http://www.mypostpartumlife.com
Definitely something that comes into my mind when I’m feeling down during. I would hate to be debilitated emotionally once the baby arrives and trying to educate myself on PPD and support as much as possible. It is already so draining mentally and physically with a newborn. Thank you for the comment!
I LOVE this! 🙂 With my second pregnancy, I felt so much more aware of my baby and what my body was doing. Self-care is vital for my mental/emotional well-being during pregnancy as well as motherhood in general!
Thank you, glad you were able to be more mindful for the second time and savor it all. Aside from all the difficult and downright gross aspects it can also be such a good time 🙂
I love this so much! We have forgotten as a society how to slow down and take care of ourselves … and how to help support pregnant and post partum mamas who need more rest, time off of their feet, and more nourishment than they’re getting. Thanks for sharing this and stressing how important self care is.
Such a beautiful post with great information. I stumbled on it and decided to read it since my sister is now pregs. I will be forwarding it to her, however, found some great tips for me too. I too am introverted and in stressful situations can be sensitive. These “time outs” sound delightful and are going on the books!! 🙂
Thank you and thank you for sharing, much appreciated!
These are great rules to live by, even when you’re not pregnant! I really gotta start having more balance in my life. Thanks for these tips!
Ok, I love this post and these are such good reminders. It’s tough to take care of myself, especially when I have a little toddler underfoot all day, but it’s so important. Thanks, mama! xo
Definitely easier said than done with a toddler who can get into the eye of a needle! I applaud you!
This is SO important because your emotional stress is directly felt by your baby. So I say take in all the pampering you can when you’re pregnant. You deserve it! 🙂
Agreed and there’s no better time to milk it! 😉
I am 31 weeks with my last child and I have been baking myself a lot of treats. I have been keeping the stress level down this time because I want to truly enjoy my last pregnancy.
Totally! You should savor every second. And every treat 😉 Best of luck for labor and delivery 🙂
These self care tips are great even for women who aren’t pregnant. Keeping yourself relaxed and as stress free as possible is always important.
Absolutely! We all need that mental break, not break DOWN!