Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love and joy, but it can also be overwhelming and mentally exhausting. The constant demands and responsibilities of being a mom can lead to overstimulation, leaving us feeling drained and disconnected from ourselves. As a mom of two, I understand how overstimulation and overwhelming feelings can be a part of daily life. Through yoga, I have found a way to find balance, reduce stress, and nurture my well-being amidst the chaos of motherhood.
Keep on reading to explore the challenges faced by overstimulated moms and how the practice of yoga can help restore balance, calm the mind, and rejuvenate the spirit.
Understanding Overstimulation:
Overstimulation occurs when the mind and body are bombarded with excessive sensory input, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and mentally exhausted. As moms, we are constantly multitasking, attending to the needs of our children, managing household chores, and fulfilling other obligations. This constant state of busyness can lead to stress, anxiety, and a lack of self-care, leaving us feeling overstimulated and disconnected from our own well-being.
The Healing Power of Yoga:
Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breath-work, meditation, and mindfulness. As an overstimulated mom, I found yoga to be my sanctuary to reconnect with myself and find inner peace and I hope it helps you.
Here are some suggestions on how you can use yoga to help navigate the challenges of motherhood:
Sacred Space: Set up a small, dedicated space in your home where you can practice yoga and find some tranquility. It doesn't have to be a big area; even a corner with a yoga mat or a cushion can work. Decorating it with candles, plants, or meaningful objects can create a peaceful atmosphere.
Calming the Mind: In your sacred space in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or after bedtime, sit for a few minutes without distractions and meditate. During your meditation observe your thoughts without judgement and gently guide your attention back to the present moment. Through regular practice, you can cultivate a calm and focused mind, reducing the impact of overstimulation.
Releasing Tension: Begin with simple yoga poses that require minimal effort and time. Start your practice with gentle stretches, such as Child's Pose, Cat-Cow, or a seated forward fold. These poses can help release tension and provide a sense of relaxation. Make sure to listen to your body and honor your limitations.
Child's Pose: also known as Balasana, is a resting pose that is practiced as a gentle stretch and relaxation posture.
To perform: Start by kneeling on the floor with your knees hip-width apart. Then, lower your torso between your thighs and extend your arms forward, resting your forehead on the mat or the ground.
Benefits: Relaxation and stress relief, stretching the back and hips, gentle stretch for the shoulder and neck, improve digestion, and resting and rejuvenating the body.
Cat-Cow Pose: also known as Marjaryasana, is a dynamic yoga sequence that involves alternating between two poses: Cat Pose and Cow Pose. It is often used as a warm-up or a gentle stretch for the spine.
To Perform Cow Pose: Start on your hands and knees, with your wrist directly under your shoulders and you knees under your hips. Inhale, arch your back, and lift your chest forward, bringing the gaze upward.
To Perform Cat Pose: Exhale, round your back, tuck your chin towards your chest, and draw your belly button towards your spine.
*Continue to flow between Cat & Cow poses, synchronizing your breath with the movement. Inhale for Cow Pose and exhale for Cat Pose.
Benefits: Spinal flexibility, improve posture, increase circulation, stimulate digestion, relaxation and stress relief.
Seated Forward Fold: also known as Paschimottanasana, is a seated yoga pose that involves folding forward from the hips, reaching towards your feet. It is a gentle stretch that primary targets the hamstrings and lower back.
To Perform: Start by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Keep you spine tall and legs active. Inhale, raise your arms overhead , lengthening your spine. Exhale, hinge forward from your hips, leading with your chest. Reach your hands towards your feet or ankles. Keep your spine long and avoid rounding your back.
Benefits: Increase flexibility, improve posture, calming effect, stimulate digestion, and relive tension.
Mindful Breathing: Incorporate mindful breathing exercises into your daily routine. Take a few moments throughout the day to focus on your breath. Deep, slow breaths can activate the relaxation response, helping to calm your nervous system and reduce stress. You can practice deep belly breathing or try alternate nostril breathing for a few minutes whenever you feel overwhelmed.
Involve Your Kids: If you can't find time to practice yoga alone, involve your children in your practice. Incorporate simple yoga poses or movements into playtime activities. You can also encourage your kids to do yoga with you by introducing them to kid-friendly yoga videos or books. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of yoga while spending quality time with your little ones.
Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority and schedule regular time for yourself. Use some of this time to practice yoga in your sacred space or attend a yoga class. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it allows you to recharge and be more present for your children. Even if it's just a few minutes each day, dedicating time to yourself and your yoga practice can make a significant difference in managing overstimulation.
Cultivating Mindfulness: You don't always need a separate yoga session to experience the benefits. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily activities. Pay attention to the sensations of your body while you are working, walking, or playing with your children. Bring your awareness to the present moment and practice deep breathing whenever you feel stressed or overstimulated.
Being an overstimulated mom is a common experience, but it doesn't have to define our journey. By incorporating yoga into our lives, even in small ways, we can find moments of peace and restore balance amidst the overwhelm. If you're an overstimulated mom seeking relief and rejuvenation, consider embracing the healing power of yoga. It is a transformative practice that can help you find peace, reconnect with yourself, and navigate the challenges of motherhood with grace and resilience.
Remember, finding balance as a mom is ongoing, and it's important to be patient and compassionate with yourself. Be gentle with yourself and embrace the imperfections of motherhood. You deserve moments of calm, self-care and nurturing your overall well-being as a mom.
Namaste
Remember “Breathe”
*Please note that the information provided on this blog is subject to our disclaimer, which you can read HERE.