Simple Ways to Get Out of Your Head and into Your Body in Early Motherhood

I have a theory that I'm often tossing around in my head:

One of the reasons integrating in to parenthood can be so challenging is that we dominate physiological experiences (pregnancy and childbirth) with executive function. We're pulled up out of our bodies and into our heads - tracking data, solving problems, analyzing risk. I encourage the people I work with to give that protective brain a rest and let the body catch up.

Here are a few simple ideas for getting out of your head and into your body in those early weeks or months when you don’t have as much support as you deserve. But truly, anyone could benefit from all of them.

Light a beeswax candle in a dark room

The smell of honey, the safe flicker of warm light. Made even more magical with a cup of ginger tea. If your mind easily races, turn on a guided meditation or even just a relaxing podcast.

Dance/Movement

Turn on music (or don't) and just move however your body wants to move. Even - or especially - if dancing feels awkward or strange. Letting your body move in ways it usually doesnt can loosen things up and show you where your body needs care and release.

Hold your baby and breathe

Deep breath in

Long slow sigh out

Repeat for a few minutes if possible

Do this while gazing at clouds or trees for an even more soothing experience.

Yell or moan

This is about deep soothing and release. Find the right pitch, volume, source and then just let it flow. It will almost certainly feel strange or even embarrassing. Do it anyway!

I highly recommend a guttural car scream. You could use a pillow or step outside (depending on your neighbor situation). If this induces any crying, shaking, or other movements, try to trust your body and allow whatever comes to come.

Write something

If you have a journal, write in it. But if not, grab any piece of paper and just start. There's something therapeutic about putting pen to paper. Some prompts if you dont know what to write:

How do I feel today?

What am I worried about?

What's something I dream about doing with my baby when they're 6? 16? 26?

When do I feel most like myself?

Daily hug

Making time and space for a 1 or 2 minute hug with a partner or close friend can make a massive difference in your ability to meet the emotional needs of your baby. In a time of pouring out, this is a simple way to fill back up.

A few other simple ideas:

✨Baths

✨Showers

✨An acupressure mat

✨Gentle yoga

✨Stretching

✨Breathwork or meditation

✨A short and slow walk

✨Rocking in a chair and humming or singing