How do you de-stress?

elldel

So, my first trimester was pretty uneventful but now that I'm in my second, my emotions and hormones have gone haywire, seemingly overnight. Sure, I have my excuses: not sleeping well, not feeling well, work stuff, grad school, uncertainty about the future, blah blah blah. The thing is, though, none of these circumstances will likely change, at least not in the immediate future. So I need to come up with away to chill the eff out that doesn't involve eating ice cream in a bathtub while crying (as delightful as that is).

What do you mamas do when you're feeling stressed/anxious/upset? I remember seeing someone posting about adult coloring books somewhere on here, so I thought I'd give those a try. Any other suggestions that seem to work for you all?

Thanks for the help! ❤️

joleri23

Working out - even if it's just going for a walk.

megstervt

I like the coloring books! I also vent to my DH and I cry. Sometimes a good cry really is the best release!

MamaBish

Love the coloring books!
I also like gardening but it's harder in the winter so I've started to just read more books that aren't baby related. It helps me to escape my life and worries by immersing myself in a different story for a while (which was recommended to me by my therapist).

dolewhipper

I love to go and walk around the theme parks, but I know I'm in the minority. Do you have a favorite place that you can walk around close to you? Either a downtown, beach, museum or garden area? I love going to my favorite places and walking around and just getting lost in the moment. I also love baking or binge watching tv shows.

RachelT1234

I also enjoy coloring books! Lately, cleaning the house has helped, which is a pleasant surprise. I usually hate house work. I also love reading.

MrsRo731

I like soaking my feet with epsom salt and essential oils; then I give myself a foot rub or even better, ask my husband for a foot rub. It really relaxes me.

taboullio84

Go for a long drive..paint or sew

foxa319

Puzzles!!!! Relaxing and keeps the brain sharp!

Racso12

@foxa319 puzzles, yes! Just recently got back into doing puzzles. I just got a new one off of amazon. 1000 pieces, children's book theme.

I also just bought a sewing machine so I'll be teaching myself how to sew. Hopefully it will be relaxing and not a complete disaster!

suprsuz

I'm pretty sure drinking and smoking these days is frowned upon, so I'm thinking about learning how to crochet so I can make a blanket for baby. 

Y0urm0m

A cup of chamomile tea and bumping

soberkfell

Getting pampered in some way - either at home or at a salon. I really love having my hair played with - I think my mom did it when I was a baby/toddler, and it's always been very calming and feels amazing. DH will play with my hair when I ask him to... otherwise, you can always go to a blow dry bar or get a scalp/neck massage at a spa.

jlgriff11

I watch ASMR videos on Youtube or take a bath. Baths are very relaxing for me.

[Deleted User]

Usually I can ask DH for a massage and it helps sometimes.. if he's not home, I have started deep cleaning our apartment. We're moving in about a month and a half and it's oddly comforting for me to go through our stuff and start decluttering before we pack! I've done this way too often lately.. we find out the sex of baby in 3 weeks and it's all I can think about so it's good to have a distraction!

m8881

Shopping. Yesterday I was stressed, so I bought the car seat and exersaucer I've been eyeing. It helped. Lol.

whataboutscience

Naps, coloring, and chocolate.

soberkfell

@m8881 I'm a fan of retail therapy as well!  

LF93

I definitely need to de-stress, either I'm crying or getting angry for no reason. I LOVE hormones! Agree with the colouring idea, it seems to help (for a while)

elldel

These are great suggestions! Thanks so much for letting me know what works for you. I ordered some coloring books today, so we'll see how that goes. I also find chocolate and hot baths help, too--great minds think alike!
I would like some retail therapy; maybe I'll start saving up for a mini-shopping spree as well!  

jlmartinez517

Since I can't come home and pour a ginormous glass of wine anymore, I find shopping, walking, Netflix, snuggling with my pup, and Instagram scrolling pretty relaxing.

elldel

I second the pampering idea, @soberkfell! I've actually been dying to go and get a haircut but just haven't seem to have the time. I'll have to force myself to get to the salon; I KNOW that will make me feel better!

nopegoat

Baths have always been my go to.  

PinkLady2015

masturbate

samantha1206

Profanity 

mamafox14

Coloring/drawing/painting 
Baths
Yoga
Meditation 
Guided mediation (you can find good ones online - I love Chakra based ones, I always get an emotional release)
Sex
Masturbation
Walking my dog

I could go on for days! 

KJ1416

A nice bath. Sometimes I light a scented candle and listen to spa music. Other times I eat milk and cookies while soaking. Most importantly, I don't what DH or DS there to bother me. 

silvers626

Reading, puzzles, yoga, guided meditation and a walk by myself are my best stress relievers. 

jlgriff11

Oh! Also: Masturbation.