Creating and welcoming new life is one of the most miraculous, transcendental experiences that a human can experience. It is at the heart of The Christmas Story, a tale which has been handed down through generations worldwide for more than 2000 years. As much of the world pauses to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the miracle of birth itself.
Press Pause (in a healthy way)
Humans living in the twenty first century can find it incredibly hard to pause, even when pregnant. The challenges that come with work, friends, family, Christmas events, keeping a home and keeping up with the Kardashians can be so overwhelming that we do not take care of our Minds, Bodies and Bumps. There also seems to be a societal expectation to prove that we are able to 'just get on with it' despite the fact that our body and heart is growing a human! There is a wealth of evidence to suggest that being mentally relaxed and taking part in gentle activity during pregnancy can lead to a healthier mother, birth and baby. If you are pregnant, I would urge you to take a moment for yourself, free from distraction, to notice the changes happening in your body every day.
Top Tips for Daily Pregnancy Relaxation:
1. Breathe deeply. Focus on sending your breath to your baby and your pelvic region.
2. Posture. If you sit down to watch that Box Set this Christmas, avoid slouching. Move your body into a position, which will support creating space for baby, such as leaning forwards over a birthing ball (watch out for more Blogs - more info to follow).
3. Gratitude: Try listing five things for which your are grateful every night before bed.
4. Gentle activity: Try going for a walk, a swim or practising pregnancy yoga. Among many other benefits, the body will release natural endorphins, making you feel good.
5. Relax everything: take a moment to notice every part of your body. As you exhale, release and feel any tension leaving that part of the body. This includes the head, face and jaw.
6. Take a bath with lavender essential oil (be careful not to use too much).
7. Have a cup of herbal tea, suitable for the pregnancy period.
8. Get out in nature. This could just be to take a moment to gaze at the moon before you go to bed.
Pregnancy is a different experience for each and every one of us. For some it can be challenging; physically and emotionally draining and for others, it is a time to glow. Whatever your experience, taking this time to be with Mind, Body and Baby is the greatest gift you could give yourself this Christmas.
Find out more about pregnancy yoga and birth preparation on my website: sageyogabath.com
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