It’s important to keep stress levels at bay but especially during pregnancy. Today, I’m sharing 5 tips on ways that you can relax.
With less than a month left in my pregnancy I am feeling the effects of stress and anxiety hit me harder than it has in quite a while. Trying to relax has never been my strong suit and in moments of intense worry I typically do quite the opposite.
In previous pregnancies I also remember feeling moments of anxiety but they seem so miniscule now that I think about it. There was never once a time where I imagined the possibility of giving birth along. I never worried about quarantine messing up childcare or spending my last few weeks waiting and wondering for what seems to be inevitable.
Covid has made these last couple of years complicated and despite doing my best to pretend that everything is okay, still in the back of my mind I know that anything can happen and that’s what scares me the most.
When I feel these moments of despair it’s so easy to want to crawl into my own little hole and waste away the day but that just doesn’t do anyone a bit of good does it?
I’ve found a few tips on how to relax during pregnancy and of course I’m going to share them with you guys as well. I hope it helps at least one person because I know how awful it feels to be in a state of stress.
1.) Journaling/Scripture Verses
When the mind is in all sorts of a jumble it can be helpful to write out your thoughts. It doesn’t even have to sound perfect. Simply pick up a pen and vent in your journal like you’re talking to a good friend who doesn’t have a judgmental bone in her body.
Personally I’ve found writing out scripture verses to be the most beneficial when trying to relax the mind. Sometimes all I need is a reminder that everything is going to be okay. Most of the time when I’m writing out verses I don’t particularly want to. These are times when I’d rather do anything else but if I push myself to just open up my journal then by the end of it I’m already feeling better.
God speaks to us in all sorts of ways and one of those is through reading His word. All verses are special but sometimes I can read over just one and immediately feel the spirit flow over me like soft waves. That’s how I know God is speaking directly to my heart and it relaxes my mind and body like no other.
Scripture Verses To Read In Times of Worry
These are a few I’ve wrote out over the last few days while journaling. When I’m feeling at my worst I like to read over these repeatedly.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” -Matthew 6:34
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
“The pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.” -Romans 8:18
“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” -Psalm 34:4
2.) Relax In A Warm Bath
I have wasted so much water the last couple of weeks taking daily baths but it’s beyond worth it! Baths and tea time have quickly become my favorite part of the day.
A bath is refreshing anytime of the day but I’ve especially been enjoying them at night right before bed. The sound of water running, steam pouring over my face and the sweet aroma of lavender essential oil is enough to just about melt me.
What’s even more beneficial is sipping on a cup of red raspberry leaf tea while the tub is filing up. Double win!
3.) Aromatherapy
Speaking of lavender essential oil aromatherapy is yet another awesome tool for relaxation during pregnancy. I like to keep lavender close by to take a quick whiff if I’m feeling tense. A few other good choices for aromatherapy are peppermint, frankincense, and orange.
I’m not sure if a musty basement is even considered aromatherapy but any smell is an aroma and if it’s helping then it must be a type of therapy so I’m counting it. Haha!
Where am i going with this you say? Well, some pregnant women have intense food cravings but I’ve experienced cravings for smell instead which is funny because I don’t ever remember having such strong urges before. One day I craved the smell of my parents basement so bad I made a special trip up there just to sit and inhale the aroma of musty basement. Seriously!
The smell of coffee grounds and our local library are also very calming for me. Whatever it is, if it’s working and obviously not harmful by all means sniff till your heart desires.
4.)Relax In Nature
Nature is one of the best sources to decrease stress levels. Part of the reason why winter is so rough for me is because I am constantly cooped up in the house. During the summer and fall months I love to lay outside in the hammock or chill at the lake.
Lately it has been just about plain miserable with the heat/humidity so I’ve not been able to spend as much time in the great outdoors as I’d like. Being 9 months pregnant during the hottest month of the year really is as bad as they say.
I’m looking forward to these cooler evenings that are about to pop up during the month of September. I can really tell such a difference when I’ve spent too much time in the house. It’s like night and day!
5.) Listening To Music
I cannot even describe how well this one works for me when I’m feeling defeated. Worship music helps me relax just about more than anything and KLOVE is my jam. I do have another playlist of various genres of music that calms me but nothing works quite like worship songs.
For the past year or so I’ve been learning ASL to some of my favorites. I can feel so much more deeply while using my hands. It’s almost as if God is speaking directly to me and I crave that at times, especially when I need it the most.
Normally the third trimester of pregnancy is one of my favorites. Other than being extra uncomfortable I love the preparation and anticipation of baby’s arrival.
I’m trying to make the most of the situation. After all, this is likely my last pregnancy so I need to be soaking up what could very well be the last time I experience sweet baby kicks.
Until baby arrives we are basically quarantining ourselves, apart from my own Dr. appts and Kody’s work in an effort to prevent testing positive before labor.
Like a lot of others we just need a lot of prayers for health and safety right now. This is such a tough time to be having a baby but I know the Lord will bless us and comfort us in any circumstance. I’m holding onto that hope.
Other Pregnancy Posts
Hospital Bag Checklist From A Third Time Mom
Wren’s Arrival- My (Almost) Pain Free Birth Story
Pin It For Later
Leave a Reply