7 Wellness Tips to Help Mamas Preserve their Mental Well-Being During Stressful Times

By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA

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The last minute announcement of students moving to a remote learning format until at least January 17, 2022 has forced parents to pivot in order to accommodate their children. To many, this news is discouraging as case numbers were decreasing and it felt like we were one step closer to seeing the end of this pandemic. With that being said…

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Mama, how are you feeling? Frustrated? Exhausted? Indifferent? Feeling like you want to throw in the towel? Or that the timing of this news could not have come at a worse time? Tired of being resilient? All of the above? Have you asked yourself (lately), “do I even have anything (else) to give to life right now? If you answered yes to this question, there is no judgment. This is a safe space; know that you are not alone. Wherever you currently are on the spectrum, please know that is okay. In fact, when was the last time you: checked in with yourself? Allowed yourself to feel the depth of your emotions and processed whatever arose? Had a moment to yourself; to breathe and just be?

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Get in a comfortable position. Put one hand over your heart and the other over your belly. 

Breathe. Slowly. Deeply.

Inhale (through your nose). Exhale (through your mouth). 

Bring your attention to the hand that is over your belly and slowly observe its rise and fall. 

Continue to breathe. Now, bring your attention to the hand that is over your heart. Feel that? So long as your heart is beating, there is hope. You have the opportunity to create your desired outcome. It may not be exactly as you envisioned, but consider this your gentle reminder that there is still room for joy, happiness, peace, and whatever else is in your heart.

Here are some tips that you may find helpful in navigating through these times:

1. Manage your expectations. Release any thoughts or ideas that you have had about how things should be and instead, be present to what is. Sure, it is nice to plan and have an idea of how we would like things to go, but if the last couple of years have taught us anything, it is that things can change overnight, literally.

2. Live in the present moment. Take things as they come, one day at a time. Even if that means slowing your pace all the way down to a moment-to-moment basis. That is okay, there is no rush. Exist at a pace that is comfortable for you.

3. Lessen your load and ask for help. We can agree that there is enough going on, so why add more to your plate? 

4. Focus on what is in your power. What action(s) can you take that will help get you to where you want to be?

5. Take care of YOU. Check in with yourself to determine your needs. How is your mental, emotional, and spiritual health? What is the quality of your rest and sleep? Do you need to move your body more? Is your body adequately nourished and hydrated? 

6. Create space in your life for yourself. Look at your schedule. Do you have time (even if it’s just a few minutes) in your day set aside for joy, peace; heck - even if it’s just to think? Ask yourself, is “x” task REALLY necessary right now? Will “x” task help me move closer to my desired outcome?

7. Execute. If you’re thinking, “who has time to do all of this?” Fret not and do not overwhelm yourself. Choose ONE item to focus on over the next 21 days. Which area of your life is calling for your attention?

Pro Tip: Leave room for the unexpected because no one knows what’s in store. Remember, this is not about perfection. Give yourself the grace and space that you need to be human. Do what you can and be gentle with yourself.  

From personal experience, I am able to show up to life and process things differently when I take care of myself. As someone who defaults to stress and anxiety, doing these things have helped me to calm and center myself. It has enabled me to be responsive and think with a clear mind instead of being reactive with a cluttered mind. 

Take a deep breath in…and out. We got this. One day at a time.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou

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Stay warm and safe, Mamas!

Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA‍

Certified Transformational Coach | Certified Essential Oil Specialist |

Certified ARōMATOUCH Practitioner | 200 YTT , Wholesome Mind Health Coaching