A Mommy Minute

Synonyms for Mother: Parent, source, attend, nurse, nurture, protect, provide for, accommodate, nourish, oblige, raise, rear, shelter, sustain.

Being a mother is all encompassing.  We can feel lost and found, overwhelmed and pulled together all at the same time.  Some days are easier and better than others.  At FITMOM we encourage our mother’s to take the road of motherhood one day at a time.  Yet we know that sometimes even that can be hard.  So if and when you are feeling overwhelmed here are 10 sanity savers, pick one and try it for 1 minute to help you get grounded.

Meditate:   This is not a word that we should be afraid of.  People who practice meditation are engaged in thoughtless awareness, to be present in the moment.    If meditation is new to you, try a mantra instead.  We like “This feeling is temporary” or “I can handle this”. Repeat these words for 1 minute.

Self-massage with a tennis ball:   Use a tennis ball to apply pressure to any areas of your body that need a little TLC.  Roll the ball on your legs, in between your shoulder blades, or the bottom of your feet.

Engage in a venting session: Call a friend on the phone and engage in a 60 second vent session. Be prepared to reciprocate the next time she needs to unload her concerns and frustrations. 

Dance party:  What’s your guilty pleasure song? Put it on, turn it up and dance like no one is watching.  We had a dance party while we wrote this list J

Laughing:  A good hearty laugh is a wonderful release of tension.  Check out this guy.  If you are not laughing now, then watch it again!   

Benefit from a hug:  Hugs release oxytocin, the hormone of love.  A good hug can help you feel calm and connected, especially if you are getting a hug from someone you love, like your baby or partner.  Stay in the hug for a solid minute and notice how you feel afterward.  A self-hug is a wonderful alternative if you find yourself alone.

Enjoy a stretch: Tight chest muscles are a common complaint amongst new moms. Start with a few shoulder rolls, then stand with your Right hip against a wall and stretch your Right arm behind you. Pair this stretch with some deep breathing and feel your chest muscles release.  Hold for 30 seconds then repeat on the other side.

Focus on breathing:  Deep breathing helps to calm and relax your central nervous system (fight or flight response).  Tension and anxiety is released on the exhale.  Breathe in through your nose and imagine a water pitcher in your belly, fill it up from the bottom to the top.  Exhale with a sigh as you slowly empty your pitcher.

Self-affirmation:  Tell yourself you’re great; tell yourself that you are doing a great job.  Say it loud, say it proud! We think this young lady has this skill down pat!

Gratitude:  Be thankful. Gratitude allows you to adjust your focus.  Instead of focusing on what you’re lacking, it shifts you to embrace all that you have.    Gratitude helps to put things into perspective.  Count your blessings, you have many.