6 Ways to Prevent and Deal with Mom Anxiety Naturally

Mom anxiety is a very real and often scary emotional place to be in.

It is no secret that motherhood comes with emotional changes that affect how we feel, think, and act.

I want first to address that there are different types of anxiety, and whether diagnosed with anxiety or not, they all affect people in different ways and at different degrees.

For the purpose of this article, I will be referring to the generalized anxiety that comes along with motherhood (new moms and experienced moms alike), and that affects us all in different ways.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing extreme anxiety and/or depression, please consult with your doctor.

Let me explain…

When I had my first child, it was as if an anxiety switch turned on, and I started to see things differently.

I don’t recall being anxious before that, at least not to the degree that it escalated to after entering motherhood.

A dog was no longer a sweet, innocent animal but a potential threat to a baby in a swing.

I spent countless hours awake, staring at my babies in the fear that they could stop breathing.

And now that they are older, mom anxiety has also found a way to grow with every phase they are in.

Fear and anxiety sneak into our everyday routines, such as dropping them off at school and worrying about their safety and well-being.

Losing my appetite over the first symptoms of a simple common cold and the paralyzing fear and anxiety that happens as a result of the possibility of something happening to them or myself.

Some moms experience these feelings to some degree, and some know how to shake them off as they arise.

However, there are instances where mom anxiety paralyzes you in ways that make you feel imprisoned. When over-exaggerated thoughts consume you and don’t let you function.

If that is the case for you, you are not alone. Mom anxiety is more common than you think.

We fail to discuss it because of the fear and shame of feeling like a failure. Fear of not performing up to the “standards” that society has placed upon us when we are ALL fighting the same battle.

Quietly and conformed.

Despite our ups and downs in motherhood, one thing remains certain: in order to give our children our best as moms, we must do our best to be in a good mental and emotional state.

But how do we deal with mom anxiety when it seems that it is something that happens daily?

And better yet, what can we do to prevent it from happening?

The truth is that motherhood will always be accompanied by some degree of worry, but there are things we can do from our end to ensure we keep some anxiety under control.

Below are a few things you could do to help prevent or deal with mom anxiety. All five things listed below have been extremely helpful in helping me cope better with my own mom anxiety.

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1. Spend Some Time Alone

This one is a tricky one. Sometimes, anxiety alone also happens as a result of being away from your children.

However, spending time away from the kids could also help you get your mind off the daily motherhood grind.

While some things require someone else to take care of the kids so you can spend some alone time, you can do some other things while they sleep.

Here are some ideas:

• Wake up before the kids and have time to yourself
• Have lunch/dinner with a girlfriend
• Go for a walk around the neighborhood or at a park
• Watch a movie or favorite show when the kids go to bed
• Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure
• Read a book

Being away from the kids and doing something for yourself occasionally will allow you to take a breather and decompress, helping you feel more relaxed once you return to your routine.

Now, let me address that I understand we are all busy and that the last thing we have time for is ourselves.

However, a mental break IS a priority as it allows us to lower mommy anxiety levels by allowing us to reset.

Related article: Avoid Mom Burnout (5 Places to Think Clearly for Moms)

2. Set Goals and Learn Something New

One of the things that has been the most helpful in helping me deal with my mom’s anxiety is keeping my mind preoccupied with positive and constructive things.

Setting goals and working towards them is one of the best ways to accomplish them.

This is especially helpful for stay-at-home moms.

Find something you can look forward to and work towards. That will, in turn, fill up some of the mental space that would otherwise keep you busy with anxiety.

Here are some ideas:

• Take a class you have always wanted to take (another language, cooking, etc).
• Read a new book
• Pick up a hobby (gardening, scrapbooking, crafting, etc.)
• Start a side hustle
• Work towards paying off your credit card

I know you must be thinking I am crazy, right? You barely have time to shower. What time would you use to learn something new?

Well, you are right. We don’t have the time, so we must make the time.

And trust me, once you get going and see the positive impact that is making in your life, finding the time to meet your goals won’t be sacrificed. You will look forward to making space in your day to accomplish your vision.

Related Article: 9 Sanity-Saving New Year Resolutions and Goal Setting Ideas for Moms

3. Implement Routines 

I have found that one of my biggest stressors is when I find myself running around in circles without a plan.

That is especially true when it comes to having set routines for the kids.

Daily routines allow me to be more in control and less anxious. They also set expectations for the kids, which in turn causes them to be less anxious and rowdy.

If you need help creating all kinds of children’s routines, I highly recommend you take this course.

Family Routines: How to Automate Your Housewife Life will teach you:

• Lunch Routines
• Kids helping with meals
• Morning routines
• After school routines
• Packing
• Cleaning and house chores routines
• Homework routines
• and…clothing routines

You can check out the full curriculum here.

This, my friend, could be a total game-changer!

4. Find a Support Group

No one will understand what you are going through more than those going through it themselves.

This is where support groups come into play.

Whether it is an online community of moms or a church support group, finding support and encouragement from others can make all the difference.

5. Turn to Faith

This one, in particular, is the closest to my heart.

It has helped me deal with and overcome major anxiety, fear, and overwhelm.

Because mom anxiety happens from within, faith can help restore your mind, body, and soul if you seek it fully.

Reading the word of God often ensures that I feel loved, protected, and forgiven on a daily basis. I also know that divine love and protection fall upon my husband, children, and the entire family, helping me feel more at ease.

Here are my favorite scriptures on anxiety if you want to give them a try:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6-7

“For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7 

“Be strong and courageous. Don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27

“Haven’t I command you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”. Joshua 1:9

And that, my friend… is medicine for the soul.

If you need faith resources that are not only gorgeous but full of value, you have to check out Daily Grace Co. It has the most beautiful Bible studies and daily devotionals that make walking with God a pure joy.

Daily Grace Co. has a fantastic Anxiety Collection that tackles anxiety, bringing you hope and peace of mind through God’s written word. Because it is a popular collection, it is often sold out. If it is, you can check out the Collection’s individual products, which are usually all in stock.

In addition to praying for yourself, learning to pray over your children can also be an enormous antidote to mom anxiety and worry.

6. Take a Break from Social Media

Last but not least, we should all do it more often.

How many times have you felt negative feelings (anxiety, sadness, resentment, etc.) as you scroll down the perfectly put-together pictures on your Instagram feed?

How often have you felt you were underperforming as a mom because your house or kids don’t look as “put together” as most of the other moms you follow?

Focusing too much on what others are doing and how they “seem” to be doing it can impact how we feel.

Social Media is very deceiving. It tends to paint edited, airbrushed pictures of life that, if we’re not careful, can manipulate us into feeling less than.

That is a recipe for disaster if you are trying to keep anxiety at bay.

Maybe you have never really considered it that way. However, next time you find yourself on Instagram or Facebook, analyze your feelings and see how and if they could negatively affect you.

If they are, try this:

1. Erase all social media apps from your phone (Instagram and Facebook mainly). Ouch!
2. For 2 weeks, stay off of all social media handles (if not impossible!)
3. Use that time to work on your goals, spend with your kids, read your bible, read daily devotionals, read positive affirmations, and read or listen to audiobooks (Audible Audiobooks from Amazon give you 2 FREE audiobooks when you sign up for their 30-day free trial)
4. Analyze how you feel after the two weeks and repeat the process if needed

7. Positive Thinking and Affirmations 

From experience, I know that one of the biggest contributors to anxiety is negative thoughts!

Learning to deflect and replace our thoughts with positive and uplifting ones can tremendously impact our feelings.

It is easier said than done, but it is achievable.

Here are a few things that can help with a positive mindset:

• Write positive affirmations on a Post-It note and put them in a place you walk by often.
• When negative thoughts come to mind, deflect them by thinking of 3 positive things.
• Avoid interaction with negative people.

In summary

Mom anxiety can affect us all at different levels. But it is up to us as to how we tackle it.

The above recommendations have proven effective in my life and the lives of other moms I’ve interacted with during my journey.

Remember that everything comes in phases and that if you feel trapped, “that too shall pass.”

Nothing is permanent. With every new day, there is a new beginning. Use it to feel better and be better… for yourself and your children.

And if anything else, know that you are not alone.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing extreme anxiety and/or depression, please consult with your doctor (full disclaimer).

Have you experienced mom anxiety? What coping mechanisms have worked for you?

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