Stressed out? Relax with these tips (from your baby)

Tired, irritable, restless and dissatisfied: a summary of how Stephanie feels after a stressful period. “I always stand up during a crisis,” she says. ‘For example, a few years ago my son had to have a tumor removed and I was – of course – by his side during those difficult times. Even during the corona pandemic I kept all the balls in the air. But after such a rough period I always collapse.’

simple things

Recently, Stephanie became an aunt. “My brother and his wife welcomed their first child, a beautiful daughter. When I looked at her, I thought back to those early days of motherhood. The days when life revolved around simple things: making sure my baby was breathing, sleeping, eating and pooping.”

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At the same time, Stephanie realized that in such a stressful time as this, she can learn a lot from that baby time. “I realized that I hold my breath when I’m stressed and breathe too much when I’m anxious. While your breathing should be relaxing – like a baby. It helps with concentration, digestion and improves your immune system.’

Self-care

A baby’s sleep is just as instructive. Stephanie: ‘Remember those first nights of sleep training? My sleep training is now the rule: no screen light after nine o’clock. Difficult, but necessary. I also try to pay close attention to how I eat. Once I was obsessed with what my baby was getting for food, now I have to watch myself. No more quickly getting rid of something behind the PC, but eating healthy food when my body shows that it is hungry.’

And last but not least another tip: check your stool pattern. “Yeah, really,” Stephanie says. ‘Whereas your baby’s bowel movements were important, your own body and intestines don’t lie either. Because there is a strong link between stress and the gastrointestinal tract.’