In the whirlwind of parenting, it’s pretty easy to forget about the importance of our mental health. If our bodies hurt, we realize the problem, but our minds don’t hurt. Instead, we simply get used to considerably lower mental productivity, which keeps worsening. So, let’s find out how mental techniques protect your brain and how prescription discount programs like Charity Rx – protect your wallet.
H2 Mental Health Basics
In simple terms, mental health is everything related to the work of our brain. It’s about how we think, feel, and cope with life’s ups and downs. We have to keep our minds healthy to navigate our day-to-day lives. And as moms, our mental well-being directly impacts our families too. We can mask our words from kids, but our emotions and behavior speak for themselves.
Let’s make it clear – it’s totally normal for moms to face mental health challenges. We talk about pretty common things like postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress. Postpartum depression affects many new moms and is more than just the “baby blues.” Anxiety can catch us at any stage of motherhood: from worrying about your baby’s well-being to managing school-aged kids’ schedules. And let’s face it – stress is basically a mom’s middle name. That’s why we should draw a clear line between being a good mom and overthinking things.
H2 Stress Management Techniques
So, what do we do? How do we keep things okay without interrupting our routines? Check out these simple, effective techniques to help you unwind and find your zen:
- Deep breathing: When things get hectic, take a few deep breaths. You should inhale deeply through your nose (filling your lungs) and exhale slowly through your mouth. This way, you effortlessly lower your stress levels.
- Mindfulness: Our mind always creates and rewinds various life situations. Sometimes, it goes too far, and we take imaginary things like something that will 100% happen. We can get stressed by something that will never exist! Instead, focus on things that happen right here, right now. Your mind will gear down, and your fictional stress will disappear. To create this state of mind, it would help you a lot if you listen and understand more about Buddhist teachings.
- Meditation: This is a stepped-up version of the previous advice. Meditation implies stopping the mind’s outlet and keeping your mind think-free. It’s not easy, but eventually, it’s doable. Find a calm place and consciously focus on something (like a door or chair) without producing any thoughts (no judgment, no emotions, no guessing, etc.). 10-15 mins of this state will make you super calm and organized.
- Physical activity: Physical exercises are a fantastic mood booster. You can even simply walk around the block or attend a yoga class. Just find something you enjoy and get moving.
- Hobbies: Look at your hobbies from a new angle or find a new passion that makes you good. You’ll see that crafting, gardening, or even adult coloring books can be incredibly therapeutic.
- Social support: Sometimes, we all just need somebody to talk to. It gives us a feeling of extra support. So, don’t forget to connect with friends, family, or fellow moms.
- Medications: Sometimes, our minds are so loud that we can barely manage them. We can suddenly get a wave of emotions, so even the deepest breath won’t do the job. That might happen to all of us. In such cases, medications can really bring back control over the situation. Prescription discount programs like Charity Rx will save you some money.
H2 The Balance of Work, Family, and Personal Time
For the best quality of life, you should not take the advice mentioned above as single-time events but rather as a part of your routine. You should take your work, family things, and personal time – and balance them out. Here’s how:
- Prioritize: Make a list of your must-dos and nice-to-dos. Focus on what’s most important, and don’t sweat the small stuff. This will eliminate the chaos of unfinished tasks and put you more in control of time.
- Set boundaries: Do your mom’s duties, but don’t turn yourself into a relentless servant. Communicate your needs to your partner, kids, and coworkers. Establish “me-time” and stick to it guilt-free! If you don’t respect your needs – no one will.
- Schedule self-care: Block out time in your calendar for activities that recharge your batteries. Treat it like any other important appointment.
- Learn to say no: It’s okay to decline invitations or delegate tasks when you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you get burned out – no one will benefit from it, especially you.
- Celebrate small wins: We used to overthink bad stuff, but how about focusing on good aspects? Pat yourself on the back for even the tiniest accomplishments. You’re doing an amazing job, mama!
Remember, finding balance isn’t a single-time thing – it’s an ongoing process. Keep tweaking your routine, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential to being the best mom you can be!
