You may have just discovered that you are pregnant, you’re about to give birth, or you’re learning how to navigate life with a newborn. While these are all wonderful things, they may also be causing you to experience some anxiety.
Anxiety is more than just occasional worry; it’s a feeling that can sometimes feel crippling. Your mind can become so full of every worst-case scenario that it remains in a constant fight-or-flight mode. Panic attacks sometimes accompany anxiety, and you may feel like you can’t breathe. All you want to do is escape the feeling. In this blog post, I want to share a few tips on how to manage anxiety naturally!
1. Talk to someone you trust
Sometimes, just talking about what you’re feeling can help! You need a support system. Please don’t isolate yourself—find someone to talk to. You aren’t the only person feeling this way; we’ve all been there! If there’s no one in your life you feel comfortable sharing these feelings with, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We have several counselors who would love to encourage you. You’re not in this alone. Click here to speak with one of our counselors.
2. Try the de-stressor breathing technique
This is a big one if you’re about to give birth! One of the things they teach you before going into labor is called de-stressor breathing. To do this, take a deep breath in and slowly count to 4. Next, breathe out—releasing all the tension—while counting to 6. Repeat this as many times as you like. You might be surprised by how much this helps! Sometimes, simply focusing on something other than what’s making you anxious can calm your mind.
3. Journal
If you aren’t ready to voice your feelings out loud, I encourage you to write them down. Start by spending five minutes writing out what has you worried. I’ve found that once I write my thoughts down on paper, it brings relief because the thoughts are no longer on repeat in my head. Bonus tip: Journal five things you are grateful for! These can be small things—like being thankful for your morning coffee, enjoying your favorite snack, or having enough points at Chipotle to get a free bowl!
4. Get outside
Going outside and soaking up some Vitamin D is a great way to reduce anxiety! Go for a walk and listen to the birds sing! Studies have shown that nature can have a positive effect on our mood.
5. Pray
Sometimes, all the other things listed are ineffective, and you feel like you can’t do it on your own. Maybe you’ve never tried praying before, and you’re not sure where to start. Giving your anxiety to the Lord could be the first step. He wants to help you through it; He’s just waiting for you to reach out to Him. It’s been said that if you take a step toward Him, He will take a God-sized step toward you. He will receive you with open arms and without judgment. Maybe today is the day you should call on Him for help!
You can be freed from the weight of anxiety!
Please note: This is not medical advice. If your anxiety is preventing you from eating, you’re having suicidal thoughts, or you can’t function normally, please reach out to your healthcare provider. If you don’t currently have a provider, please contact us, and we will help you in whatever way we can. We have several resources we’d be happy to set you up with.