Ironically, figuring out how to manage stress during pregnancy can be stressful. There are so many do’s and don’ts to think about. Steamy hot bath? Nope. Glass of wine? Don’t even think about it. Add a pandemic in the mix, and finding peace seems like an uphill battle.
Here are a few safe ways to get some stress relief during pregnancy, even in the midst of a pandemic.
- Start a Meditation Practice
Meditation trains your brain to detach from feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear, making it helpful during labor, delivery, and postpartum. GentleBirth is an app that teaches meditation, as well as self-hypnosis, affirmations, and breathing techniques – and it’s free! It’s also a great tool if you struggle with sleeplessness during your pregnancy.
- Breathe and Move With Prenatal Yoga
Yoga is uniquely beneficial during pregnancy because it combines breath and movement to calm the mind and also strengthen the body. Of course, the pandemic poses challenges to in-person yoga classes, but have no fear! YogaGlo is here. YogaGlo is a high-quality online platform that provides thousands of yoga classes for all levels and needs. Their prenatal yoga collection is amazing, with over 100 yoga classes led by world-class teachers. YogaGlo offers a free 2-week trial, and after that it’s only $18 per month.
- Know Thyself Through Journaling
Journaling provides a unique opportunity to discover your own fears, joys, and desires for your baby’s birth and beyond. As a birth doula, I always found the book Birthing From Within and the accompanying Birthing From Within Keepsake Journal to be a powerful tool to help with journaling during pregnancy. The book aims to help women unpack their own deeply rooted feelings – positive or negative – about pregnancy, birth, and beyond. The journal utilizes prompts, birth art, and pain-coping exercises to help women prepare for birth. Plus, it’s a great keepsake to come back to after your baby has been born!
In a time of social distancing and limited interaction, it may be easy to feel alone during your pregnancy. Take advantage of that time to get to know yourself, manage your expectations, and face your fears about birth and beyond.
