2: The Secret Weapon I use when Life Overwhelms Me

Hello there,

Welcome back to the Stress-Free Supermoms community. As always, I’m thrilled to have you here. I created this space to connect with busy moms like you who are juggling the chaos and anxiety that life often throws our way. Today, I want to share personal insights and practical strategies that transformed my journey from stressed to serene. 

I'm Deanna Hart, your host and fellow supermom. This episode is deeply personal as I recount my own story of struggle with stress and anxiety.

IF you would rather listen to this episode, Click the player below!

My Story

It all began when I noticed anxiety symptoms during my pregnancy with my son. It was a challenging time—his early arrival at just two pounds added to the stress, with countless hospital visits. All the while, my husband was dealing with his own set of challenges, leaving me to navigate these turbulent waters alongside my first child and mother-in-law.

I vividly recall the physical symptoms of this stress: my heart would race or skip beats, and my mind was a whirlpool of racing thoughts and constant worry. At the time, I didn't even recognize these as anxiety attacks until my therapist confirmed it last year. Understanding that it was anxiety was liberating— I wasn't losing my mind or facing a heart attack; I was experiencing anxiety attacks. Knowledge truly is power—it gave me the tools to confront and manage my anxiety.

Over the past year, I've discovered a handful of strategies that have worked wonders in reducing my stress levels. While there's always room for improvement, I'm thrilled to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here's what's worked for me:

Deep Breathing

• Benefits: Calms the mind, regulates the nervous system, and lowers cortisol levels.
• Techniques:
  • Box Breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four.
  • 4-7-8 Breathing: Especially effective for sleep, inhale for four counts, hold for seven, then exhale for eight.
  • Diaphragmatic Breathing: Focus on the rise and fall of your belly to promote relaxation.

Meditation

• Techniques:
  •  Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and relax each muscle group, starting from your toes upwards.
  •  Mindfulness Meditation: Concentrate on a particular sound or object, allowing thoughts to drift by naturally.
  •  Body Scan: Mentally scan your body to identify and release tension.

Mindset

• Tips:
  •  Create an "I Am" Statement. Mine is: "I am an abundant, peaceful, disciplined, confident woman."
  • Talk yourself into a positive thought pattern by reframing negative situations.
  • Focus on the good in every situation. Ask yourself: "What in this situation is good, or what could be good?"

As we navigate into the holiday season, a time often loaded with stress, I hope these tips prove helpful. Remember, deep breathing, meditation, and a positive mindset can truly turn the tide on anxiety. 

I encourage you to visit my website for more insights and to join our Facebook group, Stress Free Supermoms. Let's support one another through the challenges and stress, creating a community of empowered supermoms.

Until next time, thank you for being here. Stay strong and remember, this too shall pass.

With gratitude,
Deanna Hart

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