After a stressful week for Boris & Carrie Johnson with reports of a Christmas party at 10 Downing Street last year, new covid regulations, and the return of the gold wallpaper scandal it has just been announced that Carrie Johnson and PM Boris Johnson have welcomed a baby girl at a hospital in London (rumoured to be UCLH or St Thomas’) – but how much did it cost? £0! In contrast to the reports of Carrie and Boris spending £112,549 doing up Ten Downing Street, Carrie opted for a free NHS birth, unlike the Royal Family ladies whose birth’s cost eye watering amounts.
With all the stress surrounding lockdown and Christmas, this can be an anxious time for parents, even those not caught up in political scandal!
Nina Julian, fertility and pregnancy expert at CFAH, has rounded up top tips on how to keep calm and reduce stress during this festive period.
Spend Time On Yourself
Welcoming a new baby can be an incredibly stressful time, especially with the added Christmas and covid pressure. It is important to still spend time on yourself and do things you enjoy from reading a book, taking a long bubble bath or catching up on your favourite TV shows. Spend half an hour each evening doing something you enjoy. This helps you put other things out of your mind and relax and unwind.
See Family And Friends
Seeing other people and asking for help can help relieve stress. From seeing family, friends or joining a local support group spending time in the company of others can be a great stress reliever and can help clear your worries. Meeting other parents who have babies a similar age to yours and who are going through shared experiences can help you feel less on your own and establish a valuable support network.
Talk To Others
If you’re finding your new situation overwhelming, talking about how you’re feeling or asking for extra help can be beneficial. It is important to make the most of all the help you can get. Bottling up your emotions and struggling when you’re feeling challenged can cause stress to mount up. It’s essential to keep talking so your loved ones can support you when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Spend Time Outside
It is important to spend time outside to clear your mind and help you feel energised. Whether it’s a trip to the local park or a walk around the block, fresh air can be a great tonic when you’re feeling stressed – and it can also help the baby enjoy a nice long sleep.
Meditation
If you’re struggling to de-stress then meditation can be a relaxing solution. Meditating for 5-10 minutes a day can improve insomnia and reduce anxiety as a new parent. It also can help you feel more present and attentive when caring for your baby.
