3 Self-Care Tips for Women in Adoption Process in Arizona
From the “mental health days” granted to those in American academic and professional fields to the popularity of exercise, healthy eating, therapy, and other mindfulness practices, mainstream media has recently made a wonderful push towards acknowledging and promoting the importance of self-care. The World Health Organization defines self-care as “The ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider.” While this definition lends itself mostly to improving and managing physical health, self-care is so much more. In fact, self-care can be any act that helps keep you well, both mentally and physically. Thus, anything from meditation and yoga to brushing your teeth or lifting weights can be seen as self-care. Just be sure those dumbbells aren’t too heavy! In order to help you along your path from newborn to nirvana, here are a few self-care tips for women involved in the adoption process.
If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 1-480-900-5520 or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona.
Self-Care Tip to Practice During Your Adoption Process
With the unfamiliar and somewhat drastic lifestyle changes that the adoption process imposes upon birth mothers, it can sometimes feel a bit taxing. While Adoption Choices of Arizona always prioritizes simplicity and ease in the adoption process, this does not mean that you will not experience a few stressful moments throughout your adoption journey. For those who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, this stress can include not only mental strain but physical tension as well. With the many pressures that adoption can present, it is crucial to remember to properly care for yourself and have a bit of “me-time” every now and then.
- Take a walk: While this may seem to be simple and even a bit basic, walking can have tremendous impacts on not only your physical health but your mental wellbeing as well. The combination of the exercise and the break from stimulation allows your body to relax and revitalize in a number of beneficial ways. Walking outside in the beauty of nature is even more relaxing, as your body is energized by the rush of fresh air and the tranquility of the natural landscape. Not only will walking help you relax during the day, but it has been proven to help individuals sleep better at night.But don’t just take our word for it! A 2020 Icelandic study found that between a number of various relaxation techniques and forms of exercise, a walk outdoors reduced cortisol levels, or the natural stress hormone in our bodies, by the greatest percentage. Suddenly, self-care has become a real walk in the park!
- Utilize available mindfulness and mental health resources: One of the greatest ways to practice self-care for women in an Arizona adoption is to take advantage of the many mindfulness techniques that are available. The most common and popular is by far meditation, which involves using a breathing pattern and various internalization techniques to create a sense of serenity and balance between your mind and body. However, there are plenty of other ways to center yourself. One of the easiest mindfulness techniques is called “dragon breathing.” Dragon breathing involves inhaling as much air as you can so that your lungs are completely full, and exhaling by applying as much force as you can, just as a dragon might breathe out fire. This, and various other simple mindfulness techniques, can be practiced anytime and anywhere that you are feeling the pressures of adoption starting to build.Mindfulness is not the only way to cope with the stress that adoption can present. There are dozens of mental health resources that are available to every woman involved in the adoption process in Arizona adoption process, from third-party therapy to agency-provided counseling.
Adoption Choices of Arizona is proud to offer birth parents the ability to receive professional mental health support free of charge. Whether you are struggling with the weight of the adoption process in your daily life or grieving the loss of your child, our counselors are equipped with the experience and knowledge required to address any topic. We understand that adoption is only successful if everyone involved remains happy and comfortable. - Engage in the hobbies and practices that you enjoy: While this may seem rather simplistic again, it is quite common for many birth mothers to lose sight of the things that bring them joy while taking part in the adoption process. Because the process can sometimes be a bit time-consuming and is such a drastic lifestyle change for many, it can cause daily or weekly pastimes to be forgotten. However, it is crucial to make sure that no matter what your adoption process looks like, that you make time for the things and people you love. Being social can also drastically help relieve the stress of adoption. So, put on your favorite outfit and call a friend or dust off that DVD or puzzle and go have some well-deserved fun!
It Is Ok To Be Emotional During Your Adoption
As we have mentioned, adoption is a thrilling experience, but it can also be emotional. There may be moments along the way filled with doubt and grief. Just know that these feelings are normal for birth mothers. This is a time filled to the brim with fast-paced change that can be difficult to manage at times. The key is to remember that it is ok to express these emotions, as they are healthy and common. While we have given you a few tools to help you deal with these emotions, that does not mean that they are invalid or easily fixed. It is ok for those tears to fall. The key is to recognize how you are feeling and take whatever steps you need to take to get you to a mentally sustainable place. You are not in this alone, and between family, friends, and the staff here at Adoption Choices of Arizona, you will always have someone to support you. And at the end of it all, you will be left with a life filled with greater opportunities. So reach out today to take those steps to a brighter tomorrow.
For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are a prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!
Meet the Author: Peter is a writer and editor based in New York. Currently studying at Binghamton University, Peter is majoring in English Literature and Rhetoric. Whether working with Marketing Choices or the mental health blog, Runaway, Peter seeks to provide comfort and warmth to those around him through his writing. A huge advocate for change, Peter looks to promote adoption, mental health awareness, disability awareness, and environmental improvement. Forever looking to make meaningful connections, Peter can be found with a group of friends or going on walks and waving to anyone he passes.
