Awareness of first pregnancy

Six Self-Care Rituals to Try When You Find Out You're Pregnant

By TAPAS SAHA, 19 / 10 / 2019

is exactly what you wanted, finding out you're pregnant can be stressful. After all, a new baby changes your life forever. You may need to rearrange your home, move, buy a new vehicle, and more. And even if you have all of that in place already, a new baby will completely transform your daily routine. Here's how to make room for these big changes and lower your stress at the same time.

➤1. Assess your needs

Maybe you need more alone time. Maybe you need some time out with friends. Maybe you need to take regular naps or meditate a few times each week. Take the time to figure out what you need. Think about your life, and write down what you think would help make your pregnancy more comfortable and how you can incorporate more of that into your routine. Then do it. 

➤2. Avoid Google

Pregnancy can be a time of high anxiety because you don't want to do anything that will hurt your baby. It comes with all sorts of new physical sensations and experiences. When something feels different, or you have a question, it's natural to want immediate resolution by finding the answer yourself.

The problem with the internet, though, is that you hear about a lot of worst-case scenarios, and you expose yourself to a lot of untested information. This can cause anything from annoyance to outright panic. Instead of going to Dr Google, find a real doctor, midwife, or doula you can trust. When questions pop up, call them instead.

➤3. Get more rest

Due to hormonal changes, most women feel more tired than usual, especially during the early days of their pregnancy. Instead of pushing through this, take it as an indication of what your body needs: more rest. By prioritizing rest, you'll not only give your body the energy to grow a baby, but you'll also put yourself in the best possible place to be able to approach your pregnancy with a calm and clear mind. 

➤4. Find or create a calming space

Is there a place that instantly puts you at ease? This can be anywhere from your bedroom or garden, to the local library or the spa. Wherever this place is, spend as much time there as possible while you're pregnant. You can even create a cosy space by adding your favourite books, candles, and lots of warm blankets and pillows.

➤5. Take a hike

Exercise is always good for lowering stress, and it can be especially helpful when you're pregnant. Make sure that you consult your doctor about any exercise routines you haven't yet tried but, unless you're on bed rest, taking a walk is almost never a bad idea. And 30-60 minutes of walking each day can help release endorphins in your brain, which will make you feel happier, more relaxed, and able to tackle any challenges that come your way. 

➤6. Take time to enjoy your pregnancy

If you're feeling nervous or your pregnancy has brought up a lot of unknowns about your future, it can be hard to feel anything but dread. Set aside sometime each day to remember why being pregnant is worth whatever you're going through at the moment. Soon, you'll have a child to love and nurture, and you'll get to watch them grow up. You should also keep in mind that your body is doing something truly incredible while you're going about your day. You're creating a life inside your body. That's amazing. And there are women all over the world who have gone through it, and are going through it now — so you can find comfort in knowing you're not alone in this process.

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