Hey, and welcome back to the Stay at Home Mum podcast! I’m your host, Lisa Baker, and today we’re diving into an important yet challenging topic—mum anxiety.
If you’re a mum struggling with stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges, you’re not alone. As a first-time mum, I’ve experienced the overwhelming feelings that come with motherhood, from postpartum anxiety to everyday worries about my child’s safety and well-being.
Today, I’ll share my personal experience, what triggers my anxiety, and my top strategies to reduce anxiety as a mum.
This blog post is all about Managing Anxiety as a Stay-at-Home Mum: How to Cope and Reduce Stress.
The Reality of Mum Anxiety
Some of you may have seen on Instagram that my little one was recently in the hospital. This pushed my anxiety levels through the roof, leading to stress-related migraines. It made me reflect on how I manage my anxiety and what I can do to improve my mental health as a mum.
Common Anxiety Triggers for Mums
Anxiety as a mum is real, intense, and sometimes overwhelming. It can be triggered by:
- Fear of people holding or kissing your baby
- Worrying about leaving your baby unattended, even for a few moments
- Concerns about whether others are feeding or handling your baby correctly
- Sleep deprivation, which makes anxiety feel ten times worse
- The pressure to be the “perfect mum”
- And anything else really!
If you already struggle with general anxiety or social anxiety, motherhood can intensify those feelings. But the good news? There are ways to manage it.
How to Manage Mum Anxiety: 4 Effective Tips
1. Slow Down and Be Present
One of the biggest signs of anxiety is constantly rushing through tasks. If you feel overwhelmed, try to slow down, breathe, and focus on the present moment.
- Identify times when your anxiety is at its peak
- Pause and acknowledge your emotions
- Give yourself permission to take things one step at a time
2. Use Breathing Techniques to Reduce Anxiety
Breathing exercises are simple yet powerful. Deep breathing slows your heart rate and calms your nervous system.
Try this:
- Inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale for four seconds
- Repeat until you feel more relaxed
Even though it may feel silly at first, breathing exercises for anxiety work wonders!
3. Challenge Limiting Beliefs with EFT Tapping
If you struggle with self-doubt and negative thoughts, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping can help.
- EFT tapping is a method where you tap on specific points on your body to reduce stress
- It’s been shown to help with anxiety, limiting beliefs, and confidence
- You can learn EFT for free on YouTube—just search “EFT tapping for anxiety”
4. Trust Your Instincts as a Mum
You are your child’s mum, and you know what’s best for them. Don’t let judgment from others shake your confidence.
- If family members or friends question your parenting choices, remind yourself: “I know what’s right for my child.”
- Set clear boundaries with well-meaning but overbearing relatives
- Let go of mum guilt and trust your instincts
5. Seek Help When You Need It
If your anxiety is affecting your daily life, consider reaching out for professional support. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a great option to help you identify and reframe anxious thoughts.
There are many free mental health support services available, including:
- Online therapy platforms
- Local charities offering free or low-cost counselling
- Support groups for mums with anxiety
I personally did CBT therapy and was terrified to start, but it changed my life. My anxiety hasn’t disappeared, but it’s far more manageable now.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Mum anxiety is real, but you don’t have to let it control your life. By slowing down, practicing breathing techniques, and trusting yourself, you can reduce stress and enjoy motherhood more.
If this episode/blog post helped you, please share it with another mum who might be struggling. Follow me on Instagram at Stay at Home Mum Podcast for more tips on managing anxiety as a mum.
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