Pregnancy can be very tough on a mother’s body, mind, and soul.  Below is a list of 25 strategies for lowering your stress.  Some of these can be used even when you’re not pregnant.

1. Write in a journal
2. Enjoy a prenatal message
3. Go for a relaxing swim
4. Join a support group
5. Follow a healthy diet
6. Cuddle with your pet
7. Set manageable goals
8. Plan a date night out
9. Take a walk
10. Hire a home cleaning service
11. Hydrate often
12. Laugh with a friend
13. Meditate or pray
14. Rock out to upbeat tunes
15. Catch a funny movie
16. Read a favorite book
17. Get some shut-eye
18. Take a warm, calming shower
19. Go out with some friends
20. Enjoy your favorite drink
21. Talk it out
22. Enroll in childbirth class
23. Breathe in fresh air
24. Follow a healthy diet
25. Meet with a therapist

Another Tip: Write a list of things that cause you stress.  Separate them into two groups, things you can control and things that you can’t.  Work on the stressors that you have control over and see how you can lower the stress they cause you.  For the things you don’t have control over, you attitude is what makes the difference!

Adapted from Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine April 2012

Do you have any suggestions to relieve stress?