Life’s little and big stresses can have a big impact on your well-being and overall health, especially as a mom and Black woman. Studies have shown that Black women may internalize and process stress differently and that high-stress levels can cause aging and increased maternal mortality rates. Race-related stress can also impact your parenting. But this doesn’t mean you have to be in a slump about the negative influences of stress.
We’ve got 5 tips to help you give yourself self-care and develop strong and positive parenting for the healthy development of your babies.
- Schedule Regular Exercise
Exercise helps your body process stress and just 15 minutes a day of moderate activity can do wonders. You can walk, run, take a yoga class, lift light weights or do any activity to get you moving.
- Journal
Writing your thoughts and feelings or reflecting on your day can help you process your stress. You can also write down positive affirmations, positive things that happened, or a gratitude list to help keep you in an uplifting mindset. Try taking 5 to 10 minutes a day in the morning, before bed, or both to journal.
- Reach Out for Support
Whether you just need someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to tackle everything alone. Sometimes you can find the solution you seek by reaching out for support. At Black Infant Health (BIH) we also offer opportunities to connect with other expecting or new moms, including classes like our breastfeeding class.
- Limit Your Online and Media Intake
The media and social media sites can be a source of stress, including race-related stress with the constant coverage of discrimination and racial injustices. By disconnecting from being online for 15 minutes to 1 hour each day, you can give yourself room to breathe and do mindful activities to manage your stress.
- Say No
Having boundaries and being able to say no is important to help you manage stress. As a mom, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the big and small requests. Sometimes you can simply say “no” to give yourself the time you need.