Baby Talk - 6/8/17

Here are a few tips for relieving stress, allowing you to spend enjoyable and quality time with your baby.

• Indulge in a warm bath or shower – A soothing bath or shower goes a long way in relaxing tense muscles and reducing your stress level. You can enhance the benefit by combining this with a vanilla or lavender scented skin moisturizer. These scents have a calming effect and lead to continued stress relief. Even if you can only get away from baby obligations for 15 minutes, this is an excellent way to spend it!

• Get out of the house – Being out in the sun causes your brain to release chemicals that reduce stress. A stroll with baby can do you both a world of good!

• Electronically disconnect – It is natural to pick up your phone and connect with the “outside world” when you spend all day taking care of your baby. As we all know, social media can actually increase our stress level. Think about alternatives, such as reading a book, exercising, or mediating during some of your baby’s nap time.

• Get some sleep – This is probably one of the most difficult recommendations for a new mom to follow. A tired, run down body is a great haven for stress! Try to get as much sleep as possible, taking advantage of baby’s nap time for your own nap.

• Have some adult fun – Planning a girl’s night out or a date with your husband is one of the best stress relievers. Laughing and enjoying yourself allows you to release stress and return to baby in a more relaxed state.

What other stress-relieving ideas have worked for you? Please, share.