Pregnancy can be a time of heightened emotional sensitivity, and anxiety may manifest in various forms such as persistent worries about the baby’s health, insecurities over your changing body, fear of childbirth, or concerns about parenting skills. Anxiety in pregnancy can range from mild unease to more severe anxiety disorders.
Here are 5 tips to manage your anxiety during pregnancy for an uplifting and empowering journey –
=Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engage in mindfulness activities like meditation, prenatal yoga, or deep breathing exercises that can help in reducing stress and anxiety. Indulge in some me time with aromatherapy which is a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief. Certain essential oils that are safe to be used during pregnancy include Lavender oil, Chamomile, Lemon etc. Our Lemonpound cake soy wax candle is a perfect addition to your meditation routine that creates a calm environment and helps you ease into serenity.
=Focus on your physical health: Physical activity can boost your mood, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety. Indulge in low intensity exercises like Yoga or Swimming and consult your healthcare provider to find out which exercises are safe for you. Exposure to sunlight and nature can help you navigate emotions with ease leaving you feel rejuvenated and relaxed.
=Get Adequate Sleep & Rest: Prioritise sleep and maintain a regular sleep routine. Poor sleep can exacerbate anxiety, so try to get atleast 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep during the night and a 30-45minute nap during the day. Rest does not mean discontinuing your daily duties, but sitting out on plans or allowing yourself to slow down based on your needs will be very relaxing.
=Keep a Journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions. Keeping a pregnancy journal can also help you reflect on the positive aspects of your journey and track your progress. The “Bump Book” by Glomama is a cherished keepsake to track all your important dates, appointments and pen down your thoughts and feelings. Crafted by a Mental Health Professional herself, it also includes space to document your affirmations, cravings and plan important events.
=Massage Therapy: Massages during pregnancy can be a great way to promote relaxation, stress relief and alleviate muscle tension. Prenatal massage is specially tailored to meet the needs of pregnant women and focuses on addressing the emotional and physical changes during this time. Using special formulations of oils that cater to problems like skin dryness, stretching and itchiness with no overpowering fragrance have added benefits. Our Belly oil contains nourishing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, Calendula and Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba oil, Castor seed oil promote a sense of calmness and also hydrate the skin from within.
It is important to take care of your emotional needs during this special time and also address the warning signs to have a beautiful Pregnancy and Postpartum journey. Follow the above tips to your way into an exciting and enriching motherhood.
The author is the MBBS, MD Psychiatry and a Co founder glo mama.