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Discover different activities that can help you take steps toward better mental health.

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Filter by emotions, moods, and life challenges

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Filter by emotions, moods, and life challenges

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Manage Anxiety & Overthinking

Finding ways to settle your mind can make life feel lighter and more balanced. Try activities and tools to help manage anxiety & overthinking.

Showing 1–4 of 4 results for “Your Mental Health As A New Mother" and "Manage Anxiety & Overthinking”

Give Yourself Grace

Care for Your Mind + Body Manage Anxiety & Overthinking Take Care of Yourself While Caring for Others
Give Yourself Grace

Becoming a mother brings about new pressures and stressors, so it's important to remain nonjudgemental of yourself. Grant yourself patience and grace as you navigate this new stage of your life. You don't have to "push through" difficult feelings and situations. Support systems take many shapes, but make sure to tap into yours and be honest with them about your limits. No mom is ever perfect. Avoid comparing your experience as a new mother to what you see on social media. Take what's helpful and leave the rest. Try not to isolate yourself for long periods. It's good to spend time with the baby, but make sure to reach out to your loved ones and get out of the house. Do your best to limit alcohol and other substances that may impact your mood or interfere with any medical treatment. Talk to your health support system (like your doctor or baby's pediatrician) to find helpful resources for managing substance use.

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Check In With Your Feelings

Reduce Stress Manage Anxiety & Overthinking Build Resilience Practice Mindfulness
Check In With Your Feelings

Checking in with your feelings is important during the early phases of motherhood. You may be feeling all sorts of things, good and bad, sometimes all at once. These feelings can be confusing, but it's good to identify and acknowledge your emotions.

Pause and consider how you're feeling. Writing in a journal can help. If you're having trouble writing, even speaking into a recording app on your phone can help you express yourself.

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    If you're having trouble naming your feelings, a "feelings wheel", a visual map of the range of emotions, can be helpful and supportive tool.

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    If you're having trouble naming your feelings, a "feelings wheel", a visual map of the range of emotions, can be helpful and supportive tool.

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    You deserve support for distressing emotions. There are resources available to help you cope with the challenges that come with motherhood; discuss options with your support system.

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Move & Ground Yourself

Care for Your Mind + Body Reduce Stress Manage Anxiety & Overthinking Take Care of Yourself While Caring for Others
Move & Ground Yourself

Doing your best to stay grounded can help reconnect you with your body and mind after welcoming a new baby.

Any of these practices make a difference, even if you're only doing them for a few minutes a day.

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    Stretching and yoga can bring some relief and relaxation to your day. Even simple movements from bed or a chair can ease pain and regain connection. It can also feel good to spend some time dancing if you're able and at your own pace.

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    Try meditative techniques that connect you with your senses. One way to do this is listing five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This exercise helps you stay in touch with the present moment.

  • When you're able, try taking a walk outside with your baby or while they’re safely under someone else's care. It doesn't have to be for long, but use the time to mindfully pay attention to your surroundings, the weather, and any sensations you notice.

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Cope With Guilt And Shame

Build Resilience Focus on Positivity Care for Your Mind + Body Manage Anxiety & Overthinking
Cope With Guilt And Shame

Becoming a mom is not easy, and it often comes with unexpected and unwarranted feelings of inadequacy. Some mothers experience shame when asking for help, thinking they need to "bear it all" and be resilient. The truth is, a good mother isn't defined by self-sacrifice.

To cope with guilt and shame associated with motherhood:

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    Practice affirming yourself and giving yourself grace, rather than judging yourself or feeling guilty for having common struggles. The more you treat yourself with kindness, the calmer and more confident in motherhood you'll feel.

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    Release yourself from unrealistic expectations and comparisons. Not every dish will be washed right away, and you won't always be able to put on a smiley face. Motherhood is complicated, and there's no perfect way to be a mom.

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    Therapeutic support and help from your loved ones can be powerful. Sometimes, you'll need an outside reminder that you're doing the best you can, (and your best is often enough). Therapists can also provide tools and tips to use when situations get overwhelming.

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