So, by now – you are probably sick of hearing everything to do with coronavirus, yet, there is some really important information that people should read and understand in order to help with their mental health and happy hormones during this time.
Hypnobirthing is based on science and logic and some of the skills and information that is taught in a class are useful not only for pregnancy but for every member of the family in everyday life.
Why is it so important?
Our bodies compromise of 2 nervous systems – our parasympathetic nervous system and our sympathetic nervous system with the latter being more commonly known as the ‘fight or flight’ response system. The fight or flight response was designed to help us in a life-threatening situation, yet our very clever brains just can’t fathom out the difference between real and pretend threats and therefore start to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
This basically means if your feeling stressed, for example, watching too many negative things on TV – your body begins to release these hormones (that you don’t actually at that time as TV isn’t a real threat!) need and therefore makes you feel more anxious.
Instead, we want to be in the parasympathetic nervous system which is the system of calm – the important thing to note is that you can’t be in both systems at the same time.
Particularly if your pregnant, or a new mum – this system is really beneficial not only for you but for your baby as you produce hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin which is crucial for bonding with your baby.
So what sorts of things can I do to stay in the calm nervous system whilst at home?
- Only watch small doses of TV which will produce adrenaline like the news or TV shows are action/violence based. Instead – take the opportunity to watch your favourite shows, comedies which make you laugh and romantic films which make you feel soppy (cheesy.. but it works!!)
- Positive Statements and Affirmations – Whether you are pregnant or not, find some affirmations that make you feel confident – ‘I am strong’ is such a powerful one – print it off, pop it on your phone, say it to yourself when your feeling particularly anxious.
- Take a long deep breath every time your anxious – I always suggest to pregnant clients to do it every time they walk through a door frame, by doing this, you automatically settle your system back down
- Use some of your time at home to create a scrapbook of pictures or memories – looking at those we love and memories we cherish produces oxytocin!
- Limit your phone use and take this time to invest in self-care – a yoga class, gardening, reading – whatever you enjoy, even doing this for 10 minutes a day will massively benefit you!
If you like these ideas, feel free to leave a comment or share your own ideas – its great to hear what other people do to create their best environment, pregnant or not!
If you liked this post, why not read one of my others below.
- What if my birth plan needs to change?
- Building a community within The Yorkshire Hypnobirthing School
- Julie’s Positive C Section Birth
- Breastfeeding with Sarah Davis
- Hypnobirthing – A Mental Health Tool