Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it can take a toll on our physical and mental health if it becomes chronic. If you are dealing with infertility or PCOS, or are struggling during your pregnancy or your postpartum recovery, managing stress is crucial to your overall wellbeing. In this post, we’ll discuss some simple yet effective ways to help manage stress.
Exercise: Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. It also helps to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. During pregnancy, prenatal yoga or low-impact exercises like walking or swimming can be beneficial. During postpartum, moving your body in an intentional way such as light stretching or going on a 20-minute walk can make all the difference. Be sure to consult your doctor about exercise during pregnancy and wait until you are cleared to exercise when postpartum.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help to calm the mind and reduce stress. Taking just a few minutes each day to focus on your breath or body can help put your mind at ease.
Self-care: Making time for self-care activities such as taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or practicing a hobby can help reduce stress levels. This can be difficult to do towards the end of your pregnancy or with a new baby, but scheduling self-care time into your day (even 5 or 10 minutes) can help to prioritize your mental health.
Sleep: Lack of sleep can increase stress levels and make it harder to manage stress. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, practicing good sleep hygiene, and prioritizing sleep can help you feel more rested and better equipped to handle stress. You may struggle with sleep as you near your due date or if you have a newborn so just do the best you can!
Social support: Having a support system can be invaluable in managing stress. Reaching out to friends or family for support, joining a support group, or working with a therapist can help you feel less alone and more equipped to manage stress.
Time management: Feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list can contribute to stress. Prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and scheduling breaks into your day can help you feel more in control of your time and help you feel less stressed.
Nutrition: Certain nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce stress levels. Be sure to consume a nutrient-dense diet and avoid skipping meals to help maintain your mood and energy levels. Nutrition counseling with a dietitian can help ensure your are meeting your nutritional goals and is also a great way to set aside time to take care of yourself. Schedule a free introductory appointment today.
Managing stress is crucial to your overall health and wellbeing. Implementing some of these simple strategies can have a significant positive impact on your stress level. By prioritizing stress management, you can feel more equipped to handle the challenges you may face during your fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, or PCOS journey.
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