Nanny to Mommy

No one today is immune to the harmful influences of stress and tension, and we’re all just trying to escape it - one way or another, but how? Most people don’t realize that the things they turn to for stress relief cause more harm than good. The information overload you get from swiping through your phone in your down time or watching Netflix isn’t what you need. Most experts recommend a peaceful, calming hobby far away from the hustle and bustle of your normal life.

If that’s what’s been happening with you, consider trying to pick up doodling or drawing of some kind for yourself. There are countless benefits to the practice. It boosts mindfulness, relaxes the brain, and promotes happiness hormones.

Babies are known for not being able to sleep very well. However, most babies grow out of this habit as they become toddlers and young children. Nevertheless, your child still might have some sleeping issues as they grow up. It's not wildly uncommon to see children aged 3-5 struggling with their sleep, leading to days full of tiredness and some pretty bleak nights. So, how do you help a child that's struggling to sleep? Here's a three-step process that you can try: 

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​​​Our kids' brains are tired, and children of all ages really need opportunities where they can take time out each day "unplugged" to relax and focus. Meditation offers this break and helps kids function more effectively and clearly. Children today also have reportedly high stress levels. To help them take a break, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to share meditation with their children. The simple act of teaching children how to stop, focus, and just breathe could be one of the greatest gifts you give them.

Children today have higher expectations than we did as children which means that they can feel more stress. My daughter personally struggles with this especially at end of the school year because of all the testing and expectations to reach certain goals. She is so smart, but constantly worried that she won't make it to the next grade even though she has never had any issues in school, in fact she as invited to be a part of the gifted program at school. So finding something that can help her learn to be mindful and give her mind a break was very important to me.

I recently received two Zafooz from Moms Meet to test out. What is a Zafooz? A Zafooz cushion is a relatable way to introduce mindfulness practices to children in order to help improve brain function and provide relief during stressful times. A cushion and breathing buddy in one, the zafooz is a fun and functional combination of a meditation cushion and a plush animal.

If you have been following me on my blog or social media for any amount of time, then you know I suffer from anxiety. I don't talk about it online as much as I do in real life, but it is a very part of my life. Going to the gym and getting regular exercise has been helping tremendously. I have also tried CBD oil as well. There are many things that trigger it and sometimes it can be debilitating, but I am trying to work through it the best I can.

I recently reached out to SensaCalm about trying out one of their weighted travel blankets. I have a few issues that I wanted to try and resolve with this; 1. I have trouble sleeping when not in my own bed. 2. I have anxiety about going to the dentist. The reason I thought a weighted blanket would help with the later is because when they put the weighted x-ray blanket on me, I always felt a calming sensation. I had asked for them to keep it on me once I realized this and I wasn't as anxious throughout the visit. The next time I went in, I asked if they could put it on me even though they weren't taking x-rays and either they forgot or didn't want to, so the rest of that visit I was back to my over-anxious, crying self (yes, it causes me to cry uncontrollably for unexplained reasons). I have no idea why I get so anxious at the dentist, but going is a necessity.

Pregnancy can be a time where you experience more changes at once, more than any other time in your life. Whether it’s emotional changes or physical, everything changes and it can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to expect.

From dealing with morning sickness to dealing with a whole world of responsibilities, there are all kinds of different factors that are now being introduced into your life that can turn your world upside down.

You may think that you’re ready for these changes, but one change particularly that you might not be expecting: is stress. Stress is something that seems to hit you right when you least expect it. It can disrupt your life and literally put you down constantly if you don’t know how to see it coming and put a stop to it.

So many people have this idea that being pregnant is butterflies and roses, so many individuals constantly think that when you’re pregnant, you’re just a mother, you don’t have to worry about anything else. But this is completely false.

I have anxiety. It's not a thing that I usually share over social media, but it is a very real part of who I am. I believe I have had issues with anxiety since I was in high school, but I was never properly diagnosed. I don't like doctors or traditional medicines, but I am not against them AT ALL. I think that you shouldn't be afraid to seek help because there is nothing wrong with it. For me, personally, I just like to try and find a more natural approach.

With all things mom life, I have decided to share some tips I think help relieve stress naturally and please feel free to share some ways that help you in the comments below.