Tips for Postpartum Stress

03/28/2022

I wanted to share tips on coping with stress from a Psychologist Dr. Stella Dentakos from Step Stone Psychology a clinic near Yonge and Sheppard.  Dr. Stella presents Post Partum Mindset at our Mom & Baby classes which is a discussion on all things that affect a mom’s post partum mental health.

DR. STELLA’S TOP 3 TIPS FOR COPING WITH STRESS:

FOCUS ON WHAT’S IN YOUR CONTROL. Uncertainty and anxiety go hand and hand. We spend much of our time focused on worries that although important, we can do very little about. This can leave us feeling defeated and hopeless. Instead, we can use that same energy to focus on what we can control. This mindset shift can lead to positive changes, effective problem solving, and increased confidence. The next time you’re feeling worried, simply ask yourself “Is this something I can control?”

DO SOMETHING. One of the best ways to support mood and to regulate our emotions is to engage in an enjoyable activity. Go for a walk, have a dance party in your living room, read a book, bake – whatever brings you joy. Aim to do something pleasurable every day, no matter how big or small. How we feel, what we think, and what we do are incredibly related. You will be amazed by how one small change can have such a big impact.

CALM YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. Like stepping on the gas pedal, exposure to stress leads to “turning on” the stress response. Your heart and breath rate quicken, blood pressure increases, stress hormones are released, and much more. But like keeping your foot on the pedal for too long, repeated activation of the stress response can be harmful to both physical and psychological health. So how do we hit the brakes? One way is to promote the relaxation response. Abdominal breathing, visualization, and thinking of a soothing word can all be helpful strategies. Reaching out to others can also dampen stress by promoting feelings of connectedness and support.

What is one thing that you can do today to help lift your foot off that pedal?

Written by Dr. Stella Dentakos, Ph.D, C.Psych. a Clinical and Health Psychologist at Step Stone Psychology located at 137 Finch Ave. West North York, ON M2N 2J1

PS- Are you a new mom in the North York area?  Try out our mom and baby or mini mover classes to get more exposure to all things related to mom or baby, meet new moms in the area, and bond with your baby!

Nita Mohapatra, Mommy Connections North York, Toronto Director

Nita lives in Toronto, Ontario with her family of 4.  She has two children Roma age 3.5 and Mila age 2.  She started the North York chapter in September 2021 while on maternity leave with her second daughter.  She is determined to build a community in her area to help moms navigate the first year of motherhood.  Nita is a Profession Certified Co-Active Coach, a marketer and has an MBA so mixing all of her education, experience and passion together would like to bring awesome programs to new moms and all the trials and tribulations that come with a new baby!