6 Tips For When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed As A New Mom
Breathe mama! Take a few cleansing deep breaths. Even if you have to sit your crying baby down and walk away for a minute, spending a short minute on your breath can give your nervous system a reset. You can even search for some guided breathing exercises to help! Something like THIS. Pop those earbuds in and get to it!
Speak a few affirmations. I know it may seem a little “woo woo” but, its 2022 yall, a quick google will show you the benefits of speaking affirmations! Here are some of my favorites:
I can do hard things.
Me and my baby are learning together.
I am safe & I am loved.
This hard phase is just a season and this too shall pass.
*See my resources page for more affirmations!
Put on your favorite music! What is one song or artist that instantly lifts your mood? Or maybe you need worship music to get your heart and soul back in the right place. Music is healing, transformative…don’t underestimate what one little dance party can do!
Just add water! No seriously! Make yourself a nice glass of water and focus on only that one thing- make the glass of water, sip the water, feel the water go to your tummy, take a deep breath and repeat. Being mindful about something as mundane as this can help with overwhelm! Another water tip? Ask someone to sit with or hold the baby (or bring their bouncer or lay a blanket out in the bathroom!) while you take a shower or bath. (Mom hack…this applies for kiddos too! Is your toddler driving you up a wall asking for the 5th snack before lunch? Is it a cold and rainy day and you’re out of activities? Angsty preteen had a tough day at school? Draw a bath and go play/relax! This water hack is one you’ll wanna keep in your back pocket!)
Get outside. Even if you just bundle up to step on your porch for 5 deep breaths, some fresh air is always helpful! Going for a short (or long!) walk will benefit you even if you don’t feel like it at first! Often times getting outside will calm a fussy baby too!
Call a friend. I mean it! Not a text or scrolling mindlessly…pick up the phone and call them already! That doesn’t mean they have to drop everything to come running- it may be as simple as saying a quick prayer together or asking if they have the capacity for you to vent for a few minutes!
I want you to remember, on the good days, but especially the hard ones (…and I say hard because let’s not have bad days okay? Only hard ones.), that you are NEVER alone. New motherhood, whether it is your first or 5th baby, can be isolating and hard, but you are never alone!