how to cope with uncertainty, stress and overwhelm in motherhood

So you've tried to create self-care routines, but who the f*ck has the time?

Journaling worked for a few days.
Meditation has been meh.
Podcasts make you feel great...

But, you're still having trouble creating a sustainable routine. You'd really like to stop the mindless scrolling. AND it would be really friggin' great to drop the mom-guilt. You know what would be fantastic AF, creating more then 68 seconds of alone time.

In order to cope with life as you know it… You need to practice being authentic, intentional and compassionate towards yourself. TRUSTING IN YOURSELF is also a good place to start. Noticing your thoughts, befriending them, taking time to sit with your emotions, breath and body. AND being present for yourself and others –that’s the work. This is where the magic happens.

BUT it’s also F*ING hard getting there by yourself…

how can creativity help you cope with stress, uncertainty and overwhelm?

Have you ever used writing, painting, music, dance, and/or movement with the intention to feel better? Creativity will help you express your feelings (whether you are artistic or not). You will gain self awareness and clarity around the areas where you are really struggling. The art acts as the container (the cone of silence if you will), the art is witnessing your pain, your struggle and your most joyous moments.

Art validates and empowers you to move through stress and overwhelm with confidence, grace and ease. You can use creativity to…

• Navigate these crazy, unpredictable, uncertain, stressful times

• Feel calm, collected and ready to tackle the next 5 minutes

• Feel less stress, overwhelm and uncertainty

• Connect, bond and show up for your family so that you can get through the day

• Create more then 68 seconds of self-care

• Feel less mom-guilt

10 ways to cope with life as we know it:

1. Acknowledge the crap, but respond with love & compassion
   Notice when you feel tension in your body. Breathe in colour and exhale colour. Do this until the tension releases from your body. Check in with your thoughts. Are you being kind in this moment? If not, come at the situation from a different angle.
   And then maybe call a friend to VENT about all the crap.

2. Check in with your thoughts
   Get out your journal and spontaneously write for THREE pages. Don’t judge any of the thoughts (no matter how intense or mundane), just write.

3. Do something that brings you joy
   Self-care is somewhat of a buzz word right now, but beyond what you think self-care is or should be… Do something this week that is just for you. Take a bath. Eat Ice cream. Read. Meditate. Do art. Get out of the house. ANYTHING.

4. Connect with a friend
   Who needs a therapist when you have friends, right? Connect with one of your favourite people. But also - connect with your therapist if your feeling overly blue and low (there is NO shame in this).

5. Put your phone away for a whole day (or maybe just an hour)
   Did you just have a physical reaction to this? I know, you might miss something important right? It’s just one day or start with one hour. You can and will survive without it.

6. Take a moment to thank your body for all it does for you
   Close your eyes. Breathe deeply three times. Cultivate a sense of gratitude in your body and think positively about everything your body is doing for you at this moment.

7. Talk to yourself like you would a friend
   You deserve the same level of compassion, as you would offer a friend. Would you talk to a friend the way your talking to yourself right now? Give yourself some grace, stop “shoulding” yourself and create some positive self-talk.

8. Listen yo your favourite songs
   Pump up your favourite song (and maybe break out some dance moves). All you need is 20 intentional music listening minutes to decrease the feelings of depression & anxiety (read more about this here)

9. Take an online class
   New experiences and learning gives you a chance make your world bigger. Plus you’re also giving yourself an opportunity express yourself in a new way.
   PS. Kayla has some great ones!

10. Get to bed early tonight
    Sleep is essential to our coping and how we view ourselves & the world. Get a good nights rest (7-9 hours) and see how different you feel in the morning.

Until next time,

Kayla

IMAGINE expressing your true feelings about being a mom. Being creative for yourself (not for your kids, though that’s good too) in order to enhance your well-being and emotional health. For your own expression, for your own benefit, for your own release. Together, apart we will grow and transform YOUR wellness routine using the creative arts. This is so possible for you, even during the most stressful time in your life!

Connect with Kayla today if you’re looking for support.